Excitement

Oh, so much excitement... where to begin??
First, May is almost here. And I'm seriously hoping there will not be any snow in May!! We were doing so well here too. I even had a tan from reading outdoors in the mornings. And the herbs had just started staying outside overnight... and now there's been almost no sun and all precipitation! But the herbs are on the step now soaking in whatever sun comes their way! And of course May 1 is Beltane so there's fun stuff to celebrate with my Pagan friends.

Second, all my papers are in for the term and I finished grading 120 essays last night. Now I get to start reading for a summer course. So I'm not quite done. I do still have 3 years left...

Third, and this is the best part, Robin and I are house hunting!! We've got an appointment with an agent tomorrow and we've been browsing online listings. Many good options... Now we just have to start visiting these places! Ideally we'd like to move by June. I'll be sure to keep you updated. I can't wait to be away from these walls, literally. I hate the paint (or really, it's just primer) here - hate the colour and the texture and the fact I can't wash it. I hate the "bomp-bomp" noise at the base of the stairs. I hate the carpets, yuck. And I hate having the living room with my work computer and Robin's XBox all together! Oh, and I hate that we don't have a yard or anywhere to plant a garden or let a dog run. Otherwise I like this place :) It was a great starting point, and a very good option for grad students. And of course, my friend Monica is just down the street... Moving will make it difficult to get together spontaneously as we usually do. And then there's the proximity of the university, but I don't have to be on campus that often.

And a related fourth - once we have a home we can open it to a dog! But we won't do that until July when we return from Winnipeg. Then Robin will have his pet and a reason to get out of the house (read out of my hair) and go for a walk. :) And I've told Jenny that the dog will keep Gryphon busy, but I'll train it to leave her alone! I'm not sure she's buying it.

As for new events: went to a surprise birthday party Tuesday evening for Laura and it was a great success, ie, we REALLY surprised her. But poor thing, she'd been sent up to her apartment on the pretense that her cat was sick and not moving on the floor. So she was freaking out and then we yell "surprise!" Of course, she still had to find the cat and make sure he was okay :) Robin and I were the decorating committee and hosts for arriving guests. And Robin spent a lot of time preparing yummy foods in the kitchen - some M&M party pack stuff and home made antijitos (VERY good!!!! Better than at Montanas!)

And I just learned that one of my friends in Newfoundland is engaged. Congratulations Sabrina.

I think that's about it for now.
Blessings,
Mandy