Summer in the city means...

Hello from the largest city in Canada!! I have arrived in my new home for the next 18 months to 2 years, and I am starting to become a bit more acclimatized. It is extremely hot and humid here, the likes of which I could not have even imagined during my 33 years in the desert. It is unbelievably crowded and jam-packed with all different kinds of people. It is full of many, many things to see and do. I have been laying a bit low over the last few days due to a bit of fear, heat stroke (real or imagined), and tiredness from the trip out here, but have had the chance to see a few things. I am also in the middle of a 2 week long holiday, and so I am going to start exploring...

On Monday, I went to the University to find my building and do some registration stuff. Luckily, my building is probably the easiest to find on campus, as it is right on a main avenue and subway line. I came out of the subway at St. George station and walked about 25 steps. This was a blessing as the temperature yesterday was 34 degrees. (I was not so blessed as I tried to make my way home on the street car later, and not knowing exactly where I as going, walked a lot longer than I probably needed to.)

That evening, Travis showed me around downtown and along the lakeshore. It had cooled down a little, but it was still extremely balmy. We ate at a wonderful little Thai restaurant and then proceeded to walk around for the next 3 hours. It was great exercise, and I was able to see the legislature, city hall, lakeshore and a smidgen of the university campus at night.

Here is a picture of Dundas Square(I think!!), right across from Eaton Centre on Yonge Street.

Lovely!!

Tonight we are heading to Ryerson University to see Peter Katz play!

More to come soon!

Up and Down

Well kidlets, I am 20 days away from leaving our fair city. 20 DAYS. I think it really hit me when I went in to the Telus Store yesterday to see if they could offer me some sort of student plan (p.s., they were monumentally unhelpful...are you shocked?). I told them "I am moving to Ontario in a few weeks", and though I have said it before, it suddenly seemed extremely real. I am moving to Ontario in a few weeks. Yikes.

I am extremely conflicted, of course. I am dizzy with excitement at the prospect of embracing new challenges and taking a pretty big step towards my goals. I am thrilled at the prospect of living in a bustling metropolis where I can spend hours exploring and shopping!! (Have I mentioned my love of shopping?) I am terrified at the thought of leaving the only province I have ever known, and being the farthest away in my family. None of us have ever moved this far away before. I am heartbroken to think of the family and friends I am leaving.

I am ready, though. I have a place to live with two other women who seem really nice. I am not too far from the University. I have enrolled in courses for the fall and the winter semesters. I have arranged to sell my car. I have given away my bed and am in the process of downsizing the rest of my possessions (including my books, which was pretty difficult) as I am moving to a furnished room. Hey, on that note, Denise and I are planning a day in the near future when we are going to have a free "yard sale" of sorts. I say "of sorts" because it will be inside the house and people can come and take whatever we don't need or can't move with us. Details to follow.

Also look in the next few weeks for me to do a few posts about some of my favorite spots in Lethbridge. Kind of a sentimental thing, but a farewell to this city!!

See you again soon!