It's been a while since my last entry, but time really does slip away. I can't believe it's the middle of January, 2012!!! We've had a lot of "firsts", living here and the adventure continues!
We finally settled in our home; Bill settled into his new job and the cats have finally given up hope of going back to Texas, anytime soon. This cold weather is something they've never experienced and come to think of it, neither have we(spending time in Europe during Christmas, doesn't count!).
We reached the point of just going with the flow and accepting things are done differently here than what we are used to, although we still get frustrated at times. They aren't going to change and do things that actually make sense, so why keep fighting an uphill battle? I've also met a few people that are amazed that I have what they view, as a positive attitude towards winter. Again, why fight it? The one 'person' you will never win against, ever, is Mother Nature. So, "when in Rome....".
We decided to stay in Montreal during the Holidays and although we missed
seeing and spending time with our family, we made the most of it. I
decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner and trying to find a Butterball
Turkey, was a challenge to say the least! It was more comparable to
searching for Jimmy Hoffa, or finding Nemo! Three days and 4 stores
later, jackpot! They don't sell turkeys here like they do in the
States; a month before. No, it's more like a week, maybe two, before the big day. Next
time, I may make soup or have cheese and crackers; it would have been
easier and less stressful! All in all, it worked out!
We had read and heard about how Montreal goes all out, decorating for the Holidays. Those of you who know me best, know how much I love to decorate for Christmas! What we found or more to the point, didn't find, was less than desirable. Maybe they decorated in a part of the city we didn't venture to. Maybe they took it down the day after they put it up. We walked a good part of the city, searching for "it" and was disappointed at what we saw. Their idea and my idea of decorating, are definitely on opposite ends of the spectrum! Again, different ways...
We didn't want a repeat of Thanksgiving, so decided to make Christmas, relaxing and stress free! We have made some great new friends, and a few came over for a day of snacking, drinking and fun conversation! New Year's Eve, we actually braved the weather and ventured to Old Montreal, where they had outdoor concerts, ice skating and fireworks! We crossed the river to get a better view of the fireworks which went off at midnight, accompanied by a musical melange. It was so awesome, but so very COLD!!!!
We are getting out and experiencing the city, which is a lot more often than what we did living in Texas, and in the winter!! One of the great things about living where we are; we're across the street from the metro and when it gets too cold , there's always a place nearby we can duck into, to get warm.
A few people have asked if I regret moving here; my answer is this: right now I don't regret it, but that's not to say I won't/can't change my mind. You never know how events will play out, as those determine how you may feel and react about a place, person, situation, etc...
When I'm older(say around 90), sitting around looking back on my life and the paths I've taken, while reflecting on this time, I don't want to say, "why didn't we", rather than "why did we". Life is filled with too many of the "what if" questions. I'm not much of a collector so I don't want to start collecting these questions at this point in my life. They tend to weigh heavy on the mind and take up too much space. Besides, my "No Vacancy" sign, is on!
The brunt of it is on my husband, as he's the one working(I'm still holding out hope for me!). So the only thing I can do now, is give him LOTS of support and encouragement; lend an ear when he needs one; make this house a home and hope for the best possible outcome. That's all we can do. It doesn't matter if you live your whole life in the same spot, or if you venture out of your comfort zone. Whatever you do, where ever you go, get out there and take on the world!
Start having a LOT of "firsts"! You never know where the road will lead or who you will meet along the way.
Stay tuned!
