Hi!
And what a year it has been. Dramatic changes are afoot and some have already marched on by.
To recap, and I guess I should start with the biggies:
I got engaged! To the most wonderful man I know (except for you Dad!)- the HB. He does amazing things, like clean the bathroom and dust, and love me even when I'm being a jerk, he talks to my friends and family and
Funny thing is when I was actually confronted with what I wanted I almost threw it back. But the HB is nothing if not persistent and somewhat sneaky. Sneakier than me even, waaaay sneakier than me (truth be told). We entered into a "formal agreement" over bbqing about getting married next summer. And boy did he let me think it was all my idea, the force is strong with this one. Pretty much if you can angle me into thinking it's all my idea, I'll do it.
So the "formal agreement" was cemented with a Christmas morning proposal on bended knee with my beautiful custom made ring. (thus ensuring this Scrooge McDuck would forever have a soft spot for Christmas)
Since we were under a "formal agreement" we decided it was probably a good idea to get shacked up. And the universe smiled upon us, it is funny- when things are right, they are easy. A friend of mine was in (rental) possession of a beautiful semi-detached in Parkdale. And she decided the time was right for her to quit our Mean City for the last time. (follow her at Illumination Magazine for some wonderful writing) She passed the torch over to us, we are the now proud renters of a two level half house! Many of you (or the two of you who read this) know I have been a basement dweller for the past 4 years. We still have a basement with no windows (the man cave) but there is an upstairs! I have a "sitting room" and windows! And a wee back patio we plan to transform this year.
I miss my old neighbourhood, it's lazy charm, my big backyard and days spent watching the trees. I miss the junction and the good neighbour and bloor west village. But I am now closer to the Ocean/Lake, closer to the park and in the middle of a very happening hood that we are still discovering. And despite it's proximity to Queen St. it's a quiet house. We live across from a park, within walking distance to an all year farmers Market, it is a beautiful and a family oriented neighbourhood to our North and hipster heaven to our South.
That's right, hipsters I am in you*. Often called "Little Williamsburg" there is no shortage of guys sporting skinny jeans and/or harem pant jeans, black rimmed glasses, weird facial hair and plaid shirts. I may be succumbing slightly and have purchased a bright green fur hooded jacket (c'mon $20 what a steal!) but I also work on Bay St. so I think it's a pretty good balance.
*I believe Gwen will remember a time of me drunkenly shrieking F**K Parkdale!! Ahh life is pretty funny.
I do not miss living in a moldy basement or the racoon mafia that liked to use my one window as a toilet area.
So here we are! It is year end, I'm getting used to living with someone else (ie- sharing things- still sucks I tell ya, but I'm getting there).
After a year struggling to enter the work force I finally did on a year long contract starting in July, it's been interesting. It's not my calling, but at this moment it is paying the bills and that is what I need.
Being DINKs (Double Income No Kids) was the perfect opportunity to expand our little family to include Montague aka Monty aka The Little Gaffer aka "quit it shithead". He's from a shelter and now I think 7 months old really fits in with us. The HB and Monty can often be caught snoozing on the couch together.
So onwards to 2012- where I will be getting married, taking a honeymoon(!), working on expanding our family (and in turn expanding me, I suppose), celebrating with friends and family alike and getting to show our out Easty's my little slice of the West Coast.
There is so much to do, but I'm feeling positive and strong and that it will all get done.
And no NYE post would be complete without a few resolutions here we go:
I intend to:
Exercise my mind and body more
Worry less
Be more creative
Put myself first
Not behave sluttishly around the house (only in connection to housework- OBVIOUSLY)
Give back to the community
Keep living in love
Merry Happy New Year everyone! Maybe I'll be back on here before another 12 month lapse!
MAYBE this will turn into a crazy wedding blog- who knows. (I really hope not, trying very hard to keep my inner bridezilla in check)
One love!
M
