Spring Please......

I understand that this has been an uncharacteristically pleasant winter (although terribly windy near the new stadium site) but I am none the less desperate for spring. I want to be outside in a light jacket. I want to stroll through my neighbourhood with no fear of slipping. I want to sit with girlfriends and judge strangers from a patio instead of a coffee house. Heck, I'll even take a mosquito or two.

As a nearly lifelong Winnipegger I have no great aversion to winter itself. During my brief tenure on the West Coast I genuinely missed our distinct seasons and the vast blue prairie sky. As much as I believe shovelling to be a scourge on humanity and a danger to the health and well-being of us all, I never want to live completely without snow. I spent one Christmas Day in Hawaii, and Santa on a surfboard just doesn't cut it. I enjoy our brisk, white winters. They just last about 5 weeks too long. A winter season from mid-December to the end of February sounds pretty much ideal to me.

Many have tried to convince me that Winnipeg winters pass swiftly if you embrace something to make it fun. Skating (I look like a serious dork), Skiing (were we really meant to descend hills strapped to pieces of wood?) or Snowmobiling (just what the economy ordered; something else with a gas tank). Nope. There's nothing there for me. I come from a long line of hibernators. It's in my DNA to opt for cozy blankets, a PVR full of tear-jerker girl movies and a list of complaints until spring is sprung. I would hate to break from family tradition.

On the upside I already see some definite signs of spring; My cats whine, whimper and then refuse to actually go outside about 47 times a day; Every other news cast includes some kind of "flood forecast" that relies completely on the weather of the next 6 weeks which, let’s be honest, nobody has a clue about; and I received my first unsolicited paint company estimate outlining how much better my house could look if I only cared enough to do something about it.

Here's hoping unfortunate Red River Ex weather and massive BDI line-ups (the proven signs of spring) are not too far behind. I'm running out of girl movies.

With Love

I have been a bit conflicted for the last couple of days. What does a date really mean anyway? I think about you pretty much every day. I talk to you all the time, and if I try really hard I can still feel you in the room with me. You are woven into the fabric of my life, which the passage of time does not decay.

I sure do miss you though.

I remember when it was strange to go an entire weekend without touching base. You were my reality check.  Not only were we always able to tell each other the truth, we were also always willing to hear the truth. I trusted you with every decision, every step I took. I was always so grateful for you.

3 years have passed quickly. They have been the most difficult of my life. There were a lot of tough choices, a lot of things I knew I had to do but didn’t know if I had the strength. I consulted you all along – did you hear me?

Against all odds, there have been wonderful changes too. I’m not sure what makes me feel the loss of you more. The rough patches when I need your shoulder, or the joyful times when I miss your smile.

I have always known there would never be another you for me. The longer I live the more extraordinary I realize you were.

I do my best not to be sad – just as I promised you I would. It’s just that’s it’s been three years, and I can’t help but think about all that we had together. And I wanted to say thank you.

Forever and always - thank you.

xoxoxo

C.