Carpe Diem

What. A. Whirlwind.

Just like that, I find myself back at Toronto Pearson Airport waiting to fly home to New Zealand.

Five days at home was never going to feel like a long trip. While it was short, it sure was sweet. The knowledge that my visit was on the clock made me appreciate the time I did have with a new gusto. I slept little and made my most of every special moment with family and friends.

I had a manicure date with my mom, and coffee with my parents.

I did the running man with my sister (and documented it with a Polaroid photo).

I curled my five year old niece's hair and relished in the moment when her eyes lit up when she realized how beautiful she looked in her flower girl dress.

I watched my two year old niece sleep with her bum stuck up in the air.

I snuggled with my furry four legged nephew, Norm.

I had dinner with my wonderful friend Barb and her "life partner" Chris; and laughed as her dogs inspected my luggage with the intensity of an airport inspection dog. Maybe they were trying to find one of the cats who had climbed into it.

I had breakfast with my best friend Alex in Prince Edward County, a place that I truly love. I listened in awe as she shared her plans to raise even more money towards the fight against cancer.

I drove a luxury car through a rain/snow storm in April.

I danced with my father.

Most importantly, I saw my brother marry his best friend. How great is that?

For months, patients and friends have been telling me that it wouldn't be worth traveling so far for such a short time.

But as I laughed, cried, danced, celebrated, and talked with the people who I hold dearest to my heart, I felt like every moment I spent in Canada had justified every hour spent on the plane.

In life, we take what we get, and I am grateful I got a chance to make this trip.

Thank you to everyone who made it so special.

:)

Sweet as...

Almost 5 months to the day since we left Canada, I find myself waiting at the Wellington International Airport flying home to Canadian soil. I am glad to report that the reason for a trip home so soon after arriving is happy one. My brother is taking a wife.

With a ceremonious NZ sheep packed in my suitcase (people still give livestock as wedding gifts right?), I sit through my first flight delay, having not even left the ground yet. The first of many long hours of traveling today. Saving my book for the long flight ahead I have found myself reflecting on my thoughts and feelings on the concept of home.

I realized this morning over a 6am airport cappuccino that "home" for me is now at both at both ends of this journey. Not to say that I am now a kiwi,(though I've started saying things like "cruisy" and "flash" and have become increasingly comfortable at operating on the left side of the road) but I will return to new Zealand with a new sense of belonging; a home, my family, a job, and trusty NZ visa that will allow me to breeze through immigration.

Still, returning to Canadian soil, no matter where you have been or how long you have been away, will always feel good. Being away makes you realize just how Canadian you are, and how special and wonderful Canada is, often in ways you would never guess. Part of that is relishing in the love and company of the family and friends you have missed while you have been away, and appreciating the real life experience of seeing people without having to use the wonder of Skype.
I am loving my New Zealand experience. But I cant wait to see those people who make Canada home.

Get the inflight drinks ready.

I am homeward bound.