Today is a day of cleaning, sorting, and packing. All of it filled with memories. Memories of my childhood and growing up. Memories filled with games, puzzles, laughter. Memories I will now need to trust in pictures and my mind to retain. Within the month, many of the objects I have relied on to invoke these memories will be gone.
*Sigh*
I guess there always comes a time to pack up and move on. Create new memories. And leave some of the old behind.
My parents are in the process of sorting through all of the many things we have collected over the years here in Abby - and some of the things we brought with us from time in Edmonton and GR. They are in the process of selling our house of 15 years and have an offer on the table that we hope goes through. We find out the news later in the week. However, they will take possession of their new condo at the end of April, so the downsizing has begun.
Part of this makes me sad, but I'm also excited about what the future holds for both them and myself. On Thursday, Mark and I learned that an application we had put through for an apartment in Richmond was accepted, so he handed in his notice and will be moving there May 1. Because this 2-bedroom place as a rent that is equal to the rent of Mark's current bachelor suite in Richmond and my 1-bedroom place in Abby combined (oh, the joys of living in the big city...) I also gave my notice and, as of the end of April, will be joining my parents in their condo until the wedding. It'll be a bit tight, but it's only for a few months and we will make do. In the meantime, I am also busy sorting and packing my stuff as well. I've inherited quite a bit of 'junk' over the years and it is time to put my packrat side to rest and eliminate some of these possessions.
Beware, all you knick-knacks and do-dads that I haven't touched in years but still have stored away in boxes!
I'm feeling rather ruthless today.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Excitement!
So, it has now been just about a month exactly since the big day, and I guess it's about time to post about it! :) I think most of the people who read this have already heard the news, but incase you haven't: Mark & I are engaged! The wedding day is now set for July 28, 2007 and we are in the midst of all the planning chaos. It's amazing how quickly life can change.
Mark is living and working in Richmond, and our tradition has been that I go out to his place on Thursday evenings after spending the day at A Rocha (since I'm already in South Surrey at that point, only about 1/2 an hour away). His apartment is in Steveston, right on the ocean, and we had already decided that as soon as it stayed light long enough and wasn't raining, we would go for a walk before dinner. Well, Thursday Feb 15 rolled around, and although the started out looking wet and gloomy, it had cleared up by the time we were both done with work. So, we went for a walk along the dyke and enjoyed the signs of spring (crocuses were just starting to come out then), and then decided to stop and curl up on one of the benches to watch the sun set over the water. It was at this point that the ring appeared, and the rest is history! :) As the stars were beginning to appear, we headed inside where Mark cooked me a wonderful dinner. Then we called some family and friends to let them know, and heading to DQ for a celebration treat. All in all, it was a pretty perfect evening.
Mark is living and working in Richmond, and our tradition has been that I go out to his place on Thursday evenings after spending the day at A Rocha (since I'm already in South Surrey at that point, only about 1/2 an hour away). His apartment is in Steveston, right on the ocean, and we had already decided that as soon as it stayed light long enough and wasn't raining, we would go for a walk before dinner. Well, Thursday Feb 15 rolled around, and although the started out looking wet and gloomy, it had cleared up by the time we were both done with work. So, we went for a walk along the dyke and enjoyed the signs of spring (crocuses were just starting to come out then), and then decided to stop and curl up on one of the benches to watch the sun set over the water. It was at this point that the ring appeared, and the rest is history! :) As the stars were beginning to appear, we headed inside where Mark cooked me a wonderful dinner. Then we called some family and friends to let them know, and heading to DQ for a celebration treat. All in all, it was a pretty perfect evening.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
spring?
This is the view from my balcony which greeted me this morning.
We've had such an odd winter, with more snow flurries than we've had in a long time. I love the quiet beauty the snow brings, yet I hate the anxiety it brings when it comes to driving in it. I will readily admit that living in the Lower Mainland for 15 years of my life has prevented me from becoming comfortable driving in the white stuff. Part of this anxiety comes from my lack of experience; the other part comes from sharing the road with others who have no experience, yet seem to think they can drive as they always do. Just because it's icy doesn't mean we need to slow down or leave more space between our cars, right?
Sigh.
It's almost time for me to attempt the drive out to South Surrey once again, now that the sun has been out and less cars (and loaded semi trucks that can't make it up the hills) are on the road. My anxiety turned me back earlier this morning. Perhaps one day I will be comfortable on the roads. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the beauty it brings from through the window or on the sidewalk. :)
We've had such an odd winter, with more snow flurries than we've had in a long time. I love the quiet beauty the snow brings, yet I hate the anxiety it brings when it comes to driving in it. I will readily admit that living in the Lower Mainland for 15 years of my life has prevented me from becoming comfortable driving in the white stuff. Part of this anxiety comes from my lack of experience; the other part comes from sharing the road with others who have no experience, yet seem to think they can drive as they always do. Just because it's icy doesn't mean we need to slow down or leave more space between our cars, right?
Sigh.
It's almost time for me to attempt the drive out to South Surrey once again, now that the sun has been out and less cars (and loaded semi trucks that can't make it up the hills) are on the road. My anxiety turned me back earlier this morning. Perhaps one day I will be comfortable on the roads. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the beauty it brings from through the window or on the sidewalk. :)
