Finally, some good news!

this past week has been marvelously crap-tastic for me.  one of my classmates- someone who i've known for the past 13 years and even graduated with- passed away on the 11th.  what was supposed to be a time of preparation for potential travel to vancouver, became a time of intense grieving, communication and planning.  his funeral was on sunday, and it was both a time of great joy and sorrow.  this guy was like a mischievous older brother and was part of the glue that held everyone together.... to have that young, vibrant soul inexplicably taken from you for no reason is the hardest thing to bear.  but i was glad for it, because on top of his funeral becoming a meet-up with people i wouldn't normally see/talk you within my graduation year, it made me appreciate how important that bond is, and how we have to not only treasure one another while we're here, but to also never take this life for granted.  it helped me talk to those i would normally never talk to, and reconcile with others i've fallen apart from.  there's still a lot to be done in my growth, and i'm thankful that even in death, he was able to show us all that.

but the good news finally came on friday- a week after i had completed my long-awaited medical exams and had them mailed out- when my authorization letter finally arrived!  i head to vancouver on the 30th with dad, and i'm super-thrilled.  mom's already done a deal of shopping and gathering for me as jackets, coats, shirts and essetials may their way to my room to be packed away in anticipation.

and amazingly, it looks like Tavares may be able to make it after all- although it will a very close call, i think.  last thursday i went with him to complete his medical exams [he got his papers to do so on tuesday] and we got confirmation that everything arrived in trinidad this morning.  he had to re-send his bank statement, and after a brief scare [thanks to ineptitude on their part], the guys in kingston were able to locate it.  i don't know how his package will make it with the christmas holiday coming up so soon [we have monday as a holiday since boxing day's a saturday], but i'm confident he'll be able to get his letter in time to head out- even if it's not with me and dad.

i'm also excited to meet my new landlady in vancouver who has been so incredibly sweet and accommodating to me and Tavares.  with luck, we'll actually be able to share a place together <3

i honestly can't wait for everything- the 30th feels so far away...