Snowy Canada

I've been home for five days and I don't feel much closer to settling in. I have managed to retrieve a few necessities and my clothing from storage, the latter being painfully inadequate for the season. At least I have some warm coats and boots to get me through the winter - now if I could just find some pants and skirts!

My landlords (and wonderful friends) have been very hospitable and I am enjoying the comfort of my own space complete with satellite TV and every other imaginable convenience, including homemade meals next door every evening. I finally got some groceries today so I should be able to take the pressure off the pantry across the driveway.

The weather has been very typical Canadian winter fare, which has actually been a lot of fun. I guess some part of me really missed the snow, so I've enjoyed the recent storm and flurries. I'm sure the novelty will wear off before too long, but I'll revel in it for as long as I can. It feels really good to be breathing clean, crisp air, and I'm sure my lungs have already started to recover from the smog and smoke of the last year.

I have managed to visit a few friends and family members since I've been home, which has been lovely, and I look forward to more socializing over the holidays. In the meantime, I still feel like I have so much to do, and it's all made a bit more difficult without a vehicle. I have to focus on buying a car but am finding myself procrastinating since I consider that particular chore to be a fate worse than death. I'll have to bite the bullet soon, so I can stop begging for lifts.

On top of all the logistical issues I'm facing, I have to actually start some kind of normal life again. I have a meeting tomorrow with a potential client and will likely take a short-term contract in the telecom industry (assuming it's on offer). I would really rather not take that route, but it will bring in some much-needed income, and hopefully still allow time for me to pursue other projects. I really hope that I'll be able to leave the telecom industry behind me permanently in the not-to-distant future. In the meantime, I'll use it to pay the bills.

All in all, I'm glad to be home and am looking forward to starting this next chapter of my life. I likely won't be blogging again as I'm back in town and easy to find. I am still available on my travel e-mail address, so please feel free to stay in touch that way.

I wish you all a very happy holiday season and hope to see you all soon.