Merry Christmas from Eden!

As most of you know, I'm home for the holidays.
Time flies when you're thoroughly and sickeningly happy :)

Last year when I arrived at the airport in Toronto I was almost moved to tears, but not because I needed to buy stamps and was yelled at, but because I needed help and the man behind the counter was jolly and joking and HUMAN!
I always forget how wonderful Canada is, and especially how NICE everyone here is. I love going into every shop and knowing I'll get a smile.

So, just to clarify for all those who don't know, those losing hope in the grouchiness that is Poland, and for myself lest one day I should forget - here's a list of WHY CANADA IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!

1. Exchanging money at the airport I noticed: animals, famous Canadians, multicultural icons on the coins and bills. Oh, and don't forget the hockey players :)

2. People in Canada don't just say HI or HELLO. Strangers talk to you like you're there long lost cousin finally paying a visit! Hi there! How are ya today? It's a lovely day outside, eh?

3. And yes: EH! And something I didn't notice before- the lovely sing-songy lilting way that Canadians talk and is just like sweet maple syrop poured over your ears :)

4. Cleanliness next to godliness. I visited Rich in New York over the holidays and compared to Poland it's very clean and pretty. But, Canada is pristine! Immaculate, pure, spotless, unblemished, unsullied, wholesome and untarnished - neat and tidy as ever a place could be. Neat little houses squared properly on square little patches of earth, all organized on grids of square little streets and highways. A place you'd have to try to be lost in.

I've gotta pick Sarah up from work. I'll continue later. I'm just getting started!!!

I've added some more pictures of the apartment.
Check out the entry 'Big Changes' from November 1.

I'm sick.

Last night I had a fever. It didn't last too long, though, and now I just have a bad sinus cold. Not fun. And the weather here is beautiful!

I have to say, once again, God is good. Last Thursday Ewa was sick and didn't work - I cover her juniors for her. Today she'll be returning the favour. So, I'm taking the day off, resting and recuperating.

I just realized I'll be flying home a week from Friday! Yay!!! I so need to get away. And even if there's snow in Canada, at least there's also sunshine.

I found a present for David. Now, just Mike and Dad. Any suggestions?

Wow. I'm so broke.
If any of you get a call this weekend from a pathetic sounding person in need of cash... just don't be surprised.
The deed is done (pardon the pun). :)
The final agreement has been signed. Now, it's off to the bank to have the money transferred.
Everyone at the notary was shaking hands and uttering congratulations. I however, felt no such relief or joy. In my mind the finish line is still hidden in the mists - which are, by the way, covering Poznan these days. What is up with this weather?!?! Rich is worried his flight will be cancelled on Thursday.
I just hope everything is done before he leaves. It's nice having someone to lean on through this.
It's only a couple weeks until I leave! Yay!
Sadly, I'll have no money. Won't be going crazy shopping :(
Mom, help! What do Dad, Mike and David need/want for Christmas?
Tonight, the Christmas season officially begins for me. It's film night and we're watching, A Christmas Story, "You'll shoot your eye out!" Yes, uwaga! Which reminds me, I have to go buy popcorn.
So, until next time, pa, pa!