Week 1

Dear Dad,

It’s been one hell of a week. I wish I could say we made it through without a lot of tears, but I’d be lying. We’re not as tough as you, but we’re trying. I can only hope that you’re proud of how strong we were and know how much we miss you.

We tried to make the arrangements as you would have wanted. No depressing church music for you. No sir. It was Kenny Rogers, CCR, Neil Diamond and Blood, Sweat and Tears that saw you off. We laughed at the reception and shared stories about you. Bobby and Joey had their shot of rye and a beer. We didn’t even have to kick them out after that but only because they didn’t get drunk.

We laughed at some of the old pictures of you (mostly because of your ears), but most of the time we were quiet. It’s hard to laugh when one of the most important people in your life is gone. We have our memories (and there are a lot), and our love and that will have to do.

I have to tell you dad, that I feel horrible for another reason as well. Aunt Sally is sick, and I can’t help but question it. Is it as serious as she says? Part of me doubts it because of her past, but another part believes it. Regardless of whatever part wins out in the argument I still can’t feel anything for her. My heart and brain can only process so much, and this last week has left me completely overloaded. I’m either numb or I hurt, either way, I just can’t deal.

I think I’m done for now. I’ll write again soon.

Love you forever,
ME

Untitled

Exactly one week ago today, I lost one of the greatest people I have ever known. My father passed away shortly before 7 am on Monday, February 12, 2007. I wish I could write more about him right now, but it’s just not in me. All I can say is he was a great father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend. He wasn’t just a dad to me, he was my friend. And for me to be able to say that he was my friend is a great honour.

So here’s to you Dad. May you rest with the angels.

Peek-a-boo, I see you!

So I’ve been MIA for 9 days, or something like that.  During this time I have done the following:

1. Worked 9.5 hours of overtime
2. Spent 7.5 hours playing with my neices and my nephew
3. Spent several hours with good friends and their children
4. Watched too much television
5. Gone to bed early and slept well
6. Picked up my computer at my sister’s (but forgot the power cord)
7. Tracked every penny that I’ve spent
8. Viewed 4 different apartments

Do you know what’s missing from this list? There are a few things that I should have been doing but didn’t.

1. Finish Innocence by Kathleen Tessaro
2. Go to the gym
3. Start the long and interesting task of decluttering and purging crap, er, stuff from my closet

I need to get my butt back to the gym before it expands and begins to plot a plan to take over the world.  Work has been so insane lately that I’m just interested in going home after.  But, with 3 campaigns launched, and no other campaigns in the final stages, I should get back to the gym this week.

I saw some really nice apartments yesterday (I left work at 1 pm which was damn near impossible) but I’m not totally committed to any of them. I think I’ll wait another two months or so and see what’s available during that time before I make up my mind. As much as I love Apartment D (2br), I don’t want to take it quite yet. Space wise, the rent is extremely reasonable. And even knowing that I could afford it doesn’t really make me want to take it.

The super told us that the 2 bedrooms actually are more commonly available, with the 3 bedrooms in second place and the 1 bedrooms very rare. I think in a few months if another 2 bedroom is available I’ll take it. So until then, I’ll stay where I am, pay off more bills, stash away more money and move when the weather is better and I’m committed to paying the price of moving. But, by God, I swear I will be out of my house by the beginning of the summer!

For anyone who’s interested, here are brief descriptions of the apartments.

Apartment A
Size: One bedroom
Cost: $680
Hydro: Ranges from $80 to $200 depending on the season
Pros: Double width closet in the bedroom – Linen closet – bathtub – new stove – new fridge – double sink – more kitchen cupboards
Cons: Small apartment – storage room is virtually non-existent – insulation sucks in this particular section which means higher hydro costs

Apartment B
Size: One bedroom
Cost: $875
Hydro: Included in rent
Pros: Big apartment – linen closet – bathtub – new stove – new fridge – more kitchen cupboards – large storage room – 4 closets – decorative glass shelves in bathroom – No hydro costs
Cons: Crazy neighbour downstairs has been throwing parties and being a general nuisance since he moved in 4 years ago (not likely he’d change his pattern for this summer)

Apartment C
Size: One bedroom
Cost: $850
Hydro: Included in rent
Pros: Medium sized apartment – linen closet – bathtub – new stove – new fridge – more kitchen cupboards – medium storage room – 4 closets – No hydro costs – Window in kitchen – Small sheltered outdoor storage off balcony for BBQ, etc.
Cons: 3 flights of stairs to climb – smaller than Apartment B, larger than A – Annoying woman lives downstairs

Apartment D
Size: Two bedroom
Cost: $886
Hydro: Averages about $80 a month
Pros: Huge apartment – linen closet – bathtub – new stove – new fridge – more kitchen cupboards – Giant storage room – Walk-in closet in large bedroom – double wide closet in small bedroom – Solarium
Cons: More than I was looking to spend right now.