Hello 2012!

Well, 2 days into 2012 and it's turned out to be a great year so far.

Before I begin, I figure I should mention that I need to write about 2011, because...thinking back, a lot happened.  A lot of trips, a lot of personal demons faced, and a huge turning point that changed my outlook on a lot of things.

I'll do my best to get to that within the next day or two.

Lindsey came to Vancouver for New Years.  Despite the fact she couldn't get time off work and was only here Friday night - Sunday night, it was still special and I loved every minute of it.

Friday was the first time she met my parents, we just hung out upstairs for 30 minutes or so chatting.  Seemed like everything was going fine and wasn't really any awkward moments :)

Saturday my sis came over with my grandparents and we all had brunch, was meaningful to have everyone together, I remember sitting at the table, looking around while everyone was eating.. Lindsey holding my hand under the table.. and everything just felt right.  Despite my grandma not doing well, Lindsey only being there for the weekend, my sister stressed with the wedding etc. etc.. everyone was living in the moment, we were all laughing and having a good time.  I could have gone without the "two bellybutton" story from my grandma, but I'll survive.

Headed downtown on the skytrain, then took the seabus over to North Van.  That was actually the first time I had ever been on the Seabus. Although we had horrible timing and were only in North Van for like 30 minutes, we still had a good time and Lindsey took some amazing photos.

Did a lot, a lot, a lot of walking that day (before eating Japadog) to the point we were exhausted and didn't really want to go out for new years eve.  So we went out for dinner with my parents for Japanese.  Ate enough that everyone felt like they had twins in them, and then came home and watched a hockey game before watching the countdown 30 mins before midnight.

Again, a simple, quiet night.. but I loved it.  It's not about what you're doing, it's about who you're with.  I couldn't be happier to have spent New Years eve with Lindsey.  I'd been hoping for the last 8 years to be able to spend New Years with her, so it was nice to finally have it happen!


Sunday was an early morning, was nice not being insanely hungover.  Went to Ihop, drove her through Westwood Plateau, walked along rocky point a bit, then went to the mall before meeting up with Matt and heading to Stanley Park and walking along the seawall before going to the Aquarium.  We've all been to the aquarium before, but well.. it's the aquarium and it's friggin awesome.

Headed back home, had my aunt/uncle over, davin/erin, matt, parents... all had dinner together.  mom made lasagna and everyone wanted to meet Lindsey, so we had another nice night full of laughs and memories. 

It's always tough saying bye to her.  Especially since I got her to the airport like.. right as they were about to start boarding so she went through security right away.  A quick kiss goodbye and she was gone :(

The drive home.. it's quiet and lonely.  Walking downstairs and not seeing her suitcase or clothes anywhere was tough too.  It doesn't get easier.  I think it only gets more tough.  As the days go by, and the more we spend time together, the more I fall for her.  So yeah, the distance does suck, we both knew it wouldn't be easy going into it, but if this is truly something that we both want and are willing to fight for and sacrifice a bit for, then we can make it work.

Despite there being distance and it being difficult that we can't have a "normal" relationship.  It makes us appreciate the time we have together and we make the most of everything, even if it's laying in bed watching food network, it's still meaningful.. to me at least anyway! lol

Overall, it was a great weekend.  She finally got to meet the family and my family absolutely loves her.  dad accidentally said "So what did she think of the in-laws?" or something like that and then corrected himself.  They like her, said she has a great head on her, she's very easy to talk to and get along with.  Someone who can hold a conversation and looks to be engaged in the conversation no matter what it's about.  The fact that my parents took us out for dinner, were asking when she was going to be coming back, saying that she is welcome whenever she wants for however long she wants... Just shows that they like her and approve of her.

I wonder what my grandparents thought of her :P.. I'm glad my grandma was able to meet her this weekend.

So yeah, it's been less than 24 hours since she's been gone and I'm sitting downstairs, watching tv with my fireplace on and an empty feeling within me.  I miss her.  I can't wait to see her again.  I hope it come soon and I hope that time goes by quickly.

2012, you're proving to be good so far, please don't change.