21.5.08

A City Girl Through and Through

When my Mum moved to BC at the age of 23 she moved in with her older brother who was living in Surrey at the time (it was far nicer in the 70s!). It wasn't long before she crossed the bridge over into Vancouver where she really wanted to be. She lived just off Robson street in those days. No need for a car or a bus pass with everything she needed within reach of her front door. I won't even mention what her rent was to save the already many broken hearts caused by Vancouver's current rent situation. The city was in her heart. She loved every second of it. When she met my Dad and they decided to start a family together they faced a big decision. They would have to move out of the city to be able to afford a home for a family. They moved back to Surrey.

When my Mum became pregnant with me it was a rough pregnancy from the start. At 8 months my Mum went into labour. The birth was not going so well and "unfortunately" Surrey Memorial could not handle the birth. My Mum and I were rushed to Vancouver General, the wing better known at the time as 'Grace'. I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone but I can't deny the relief that my birth certificate reads Vancouver rather than Surrey. I like to think it was my Mum's longing for the city that brought us there that day. She knew that deep down she was a city girl and her girl was going to be born in the city as well. Or maybe I knew that, and that's why I gave those doctors such troubles. Either way...PHEW! Dodged that bullet!

Regardless of being born in the city I would grow to love I still had to come home and home was in Surrey at the time. I grew up in Surrey through my younger years before my Mum began to notice that Surrey wasn't looking so nice anymore. We moved a few steps over to Delta where my Mum was confident I would get a better education and upbringing through highschool (Thank you Mum!). Delta wasn't so bad and I made some great friends.


I was 16 when I got my first job downtown. I had been visiting the city since I was a very little girl. Naturally, my Mum took me there every opportunity she had. I still remember the disapproving looks I would receive from friend's parents when they found out I traveled to the big bad city alone. But I was taught not to fear the city. I was taught to be defensive and watch out for myself but not so much that I was afraid of people's shadows. I knew then that the city was where I had to end up. Eventually I would have Vancouver in my address.

Fastforward 7 years and I've made it! After finishing my degree it was time to sell the apartment and Mum was set on returning to the city. We moved to East Vancouver in the spring and I was ecstatic. Yeah, I felt a little isolated from some of my friends but I was in the city! The city was a friend too and I was more than happy to have it as my date almost every night. Luckily, I had a job right downtown so I was getting the best of both worlds. I had the eclectic colours, smells and sounds of East Vancouver and the fast flashy lights and passion of the downtown core.


I've been living in Vancouver now for over a year and I am in love. Many might say I am still in the honeymoon phase but like any part of a great pair I ignore all of that. I lust for and love this city everyday. I get up and can hear the cable bus pass my window (I am now living right on Fraser St). I hop on my bike and race down the hill outside my door before crossing Main and smelling a half dozen bakeries on the way. This is all before circling Science World and False Creek just in time for the sun's first light on the water. Giddiness stirs in me and I'm more than happy to work away with the ride home constantly on my mind.

Separating from my city is not pretty. I have a vast distaste for the suburbs where everything looks exactly the same right down to the dogs, restaurants, and cars (for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...). It drives me insane that the only cafe is a Starbucks and the "hip" restaurant in town is an Earls. Whenever I'm away from the city my heart longs to be back with my one constant love.

From where I sit I can see the city lights, they add a certain glow to my kitchen that no night-light could imitate. As I get older (not that old, but older) my friends are moving further and further away from the city. I am happy that they are happy but there's something that I just can't understand. I can't understand wanting to live in the suburbs. I cannot imagine being okay with being so far away from the cultural centre of the West Coast! It baffles my mind.

Everyone has a place where they just feel they belong. It's a place that feels like home. It's different for every person which is a very good thing. Vancouver is my home, it's where I belong and where I love to be. Though I guess it's in my blood... :)

13.5.08

Dare I go there...

I must decline from participating in this debate too much but I couldn't resist posting the following story. Despite not being a science student I have always had a deep interest in Einstein. For me, it wasn't about his science, I have always been more interested in who he is on a more personal level. I'm no expert on Einstein, don't get me wrong. The most I know are some famous quotes and thoughts of the brilliant man. Recently, I've been reading more on religion and he has come up quite often as a result. When Lucas sent me through this story on CBC I was very intrigued. Take a look and be sure to read some of the comments if you have the time. Whether we participate or not, the debate is always very interesting.



And to provide just a bit of comic relief on the same subject matter...


2.5.08

KRAZY! in Vancouver

The Vancouver Art Gallery is going to be featuring a very exciting exhibit this May. It's called 'KRAZY! The Delirious World of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art'. It's the first art exhibit of its kind and I am so excited that the show is going to be in Vancouver. Thanks to Lucas, I have been introduced to the world of Graphic Novels and Comic Books. I have read some phenomenal pieces of work that I otherwise wouldn't have heard of such as 'Watchmen' (the movie is coming!), 'V for Vendetta', 'Maus', and 'the Last Man'. I think that this exhibit is going to be really exciting. If you're in the city be sure to make your way there between May 17th and September 7th. And don't forget, Tuesdays are by donation! For information visit the Vancouver Art Gallery website here.

1.5.08

The New Pad! ; )

The moving is finally all over! Lucas and I moved on Saturday and Mum moved yesterday and we are now all settling into our new homes. Lucas and my move went really well. It was so fast and we were completely unpacked by around 7pm that night...the benefits of not having much stuff! Mum's was a little rougher but we made it through!

Last picture of Mum and Me at our old place

Pepsi in the wardrobe :)

I accidentally elbowed Lucas in the jaw...he's pretending that it really hurt...I swear!

Getting ready to entertain some friends

Our Tibetan peace flags

The beautiful colours of the sunset coming through our dining room window

Pepsi in the other closet!

The dressing hall, on the way to the bathroom and my temporary bike storage (thankfully I have such a pretty bike!)

My first baking at the new place. Mum's apple crisp...needed some more sugar but was really good :)

Our living space

The Kitchen

Mum's Moving Day! (More pics to come.)

Saying goodbye to the nightmare parking lot at Victoria Drive
First dinner in the new place complete with milk in wine glasses

The chaos that is Mum's new apartment :) It already looks way better than this. I will post more pics soon! (ps. I've told her that she has to write a 5 year lease with me, this moving business has gotten out of hand!!)