back to life

A new year began a couple of days ago. It is a rather small change, in the grand scheme of things, despite all the hype made about it. Trashing old calendars in favor of new ones hardly compares to buying a new car or losing your job. However, the latter two events never rate as huge a party as the days of Auld Lang Syne.
I brought in the New Year at Charlotte's, arriving just in time for the less-than-rousing countdown, followed by a hearty kiss and some good conversation with people I hadn't seen in awhile. It was nice to relax and have some fun on my first night back here.
Christmas vacation lasted about two weeks for me, and I spent it in Saskatchewan with my family. Stefan joined us for Christmas for the first time (until returning home for his family Christmas), and we all made a jolly time of the season with carolling and skating and presents and way too much food. I saw many friends that I have missed dearly, and spent some much needed quiet time in the sanctuary of the little grey bungalow I grew up in.
It was wonderful to see Simon and Hailey after such a long time apart, and it was a relief to see that, though time has passed, little has changed in our relationships, except that they have become stronger and closer. We continued the tradition of the Christmas Eve sleepover. Because Stefan was included this year, my room was no longer big enough to fit all of us, and we all dragged our matresses and blankets to the living room to sleep in front of the Christmas tree (with Simon between Stefan and me, of course). The laughter and random flashlight attacks continued late into the night. I am blessed to say that not only do I love my sister and brother, I also like them a lot. They are some of my favourite people, my best friends.
I was sad to leave when I did, but at the same time, ready to take on my next semester of school and get it over with. It was with mixed feelings that I surveyed Winnipeg when the bus carrying Chantel and myself entered the city limits on New Year's Eve. This city has become somewhat homey to me, but also holds frustrations of a more complicated life than before. The appearance of an unexpected, bright-eyed, curly head watching through the bus windshield for my dismount was the perfect welcome for any weary traveller, and his hug soothed my soul, reminding me where I belong.
Today was the first day of my second semester. I only had one class because the others were either cancelled or not starting until next week. I celebrated by checking out a used book store that just opened in my neighbourhood. I bought the teeniest little copy of Pride & Prejudice you ever saw, and it did my heart good to read about Jane dancing the night away with Mr. Bingley, and to try and see through the proud facade first presented for Mr. Darcy. A cup of tea made a wonderful companion.
I am now awaiting Stefan's phone call or arrival. It could be either. He thinks he's picking me up from my evening class, and because he is currently out and about, I have no way of reaching him to tell him the it is in fact cancelled. Ahh, life.