October 22

For Thanksgiving, Amber and I put a large section of brown wrapping paper on our wall, along with some markers, each held to the wall with a large wad of sticky tac.  And for the last two weeks, anyone who’s passed by it have been adding things they are thankful for: socks, mashed potatoes, toilets, rain, friends, laughter, beds...literally almost everything, though, strangely, the kitchen sink hasn’t made it up there yet.  But next time I see it, I’ll add it on.  Today was the last day of a two week period which has been crammed with exams, papers, and presentations for everyone at school.  In fact, the campus and surrounding areas have been noticibly quieter.  As of 10:00 tonight, the University’s first fall reading week, has begun.  And I feel like I’m just one of thousands finally taking a moment to breathe.  After handing in my last assignment, I rushed home from class, grabbed my suitcase, packed a few final things, and left with Amber for our journey “down east.”  3 Busses later, we made it to the airport, and then finally to Nova Scotia, where we met Amber’s Grandparents who drove us to their home just outside of Windsor.  

For the last two weeks I’ve watched the brown paper become more and more filled with colourful words.  I have been so, so blessed to be where I am, to have the friends I have, to know things and be learning more every day, to be loved and accepted for who I am.  And I am thankful! I live in a beautiful, vast, large country.  I can talk to, visit, and discover places thousands of kilometers from my home.  

This week is going to be a week of adventure, a week of relaxing, and a week of getting caught up with life - yes, life.  Not just school.  And hopefully, that will mean updating my blog as well...if not...well, next time I see you, I may talk for hours....potentially days.  Keep your fingers crossed!