Homeward bound...

in less than a month. The plan is to stop in Taipei for a couple of days because we can, then head home so I can start eating nasi lemak everyday.

Just got home from Whistler today; it was good fun! As usual, I do not have any photographic evidence/memories of my endeavors but I hold it in good faith that it will be on Facebook soon - in fact, Tereza's album is already up and I've tagged myself.

I don't think the pictures do the beauty that is Whistler sufficient justice. Like the rest of the conditions plaguing today's world, our stay coincided with drought week. Only five runs were open and the bottom of the hill was mostly green. Towards the end of the week though, it snowed and it was truly beautiful. It then became ffffucken cold and I was more than happy to admire scenery from the inside of a Greyhound.

So I did pass all my courses so I will be graduating. My aunt was quite distraught to learn that I wasn't planning on being in Vancouver for my convocation; so much so that she bribed me with plane tickets (I tried to justify my decision by claiming travel costs) so I guess I might be here in June after all. Mike will be living downtown by then so it all sounds quite good right now.

Now that all is said and done, the closing of this chapter is quite anti-climatic. Aside from the personal perception that I am a victim of academic injustice, I also cannot be arsed to fill out appeal forms, chase emails and see heads of departments for a minuscule grade bump. Too much work, too little pay-off.

These days, most trade-offs are not worth much to me anymore. For instance, while in Whistler I opted to stay in and watch 16 episodes of Friends because I rather that than put on an extra pair of socks to go out. Of course, I got called a number of names (and rightly so too) but I can't say I regret it. After four months of desiring regression but forcing some action out of myself, I do think I am justified. I am loving every moment of laziness - I do think I have earned it.


On the other hand, the house is a mess(!) as we sell/give/store/ship the accumulated evidence of my last four years and Andi's last two. Discarding possessions and packing boxes should make me sentimental for the last four years of the life that I have built for myself here in Vancouver but it hasn't. More than anything, I am anxious to just get it done with so I can go out and see the people that I will miss. My thoughts these days are steeped with excitement; excited at the prospect of moving to a new city, meeting new friends and reuniting with old ones, celebrating CNY at home, conversations with Suzi, seeing places I've never seen before, making decisions.

Leaving Vancouver right after New Years is perfect timing in my opinion - the holiday season will afford us much time together but the brevity will numb the abrupt separation. There will be no time for tears and contemplation, only after-the-fact acknowledgement with no chances of repatriation hence making it easier for us all to get on with our lives.

Happy holidays all!