1 Week In

So I've been in Canada for a week and only one meltdown so far. While many factors went into said meltdown, not being able to get a couch was the catalyst. Twice I've tried to have couches delivered and neither fit. Not really a huge problem but it was right at the point when I was starting to get a little lonely and not having a couch seemed like a failure. I know it's not and I still don't have a couch but I'm feeling good. A little sunshine and some good deals at yard sales can do wonders for the soul. I also painted my living room a light blue which is lovely. Except I was a little lackluster in my application techniques so just don't look too closely at the walls when you come visit. Or just assume it was a look I was going for. So once I get a little furniture in here, I'll be on top of the world. I picked up a coffee table from a nearby alleyway so that's pleasing and free. I don't think I can rave about yard sales enough; they're the perfect places to pick up little odds and ends to make a place seem more like home. Also, I got a small shelving unit for closet for only two dollars (Canadian). Granted I looked a sight carrying/wheeling it 5 blocks back to my apartment but it's worth it.
Erin will be arriving here tomorrow afternoon to give me a hand with some of this moving thing. More than that though, I think I'l appreciate having some company and a buddy to do things with. I've managed alright on my own but it does get a little tiresome. So we'll get some much needed things around here (a sofa??) like lamps. Light would be good. Maybe we'll find some nice things for the walls too. I am going to show her my new favorite haunts (Salvation Army, alleyways) and we'll go father abroad to Richmond where all the big chain stores are. Thrilling, I know. And Costco. I think I really want to go there.
I also went to church this evening at St. Augustine's. It's only 4-5 blocks away and felt like a nice, comfortable place. As I've said in posts long ago, the ritual of a Catholic mass is reassuring and familiar when you're in a strange place. I didn't feel homesick there like I once did when I was first in Italy. I think going to mass is something I'll rededicate myself to. Maybe for the somewhat superficial reason of giving me something to do every week but it certainly feels nice to be part of a community.
So, all in all, after one week this place is feeling like home. I'm getting the hang of things around here and I've been happy for the majority of the time. Sure, a little lonely at times but it won't stay that way. Now I just have to get used to the seagulls that are always screaming outside my window.