moving/leaving home

Yesterday I officially graduated from university. I donned the official gown and cap, picked up the official piece of paper, and walked across the stage to have my hand shook by an official. The weather was brilliant as the small group of us proceeded behind a troop of bagpipers, across the AQ's pond and down the steps of SFU's unique architecture. I had several friends there, some in gowns with me, others with cameras and hugs. My parents and sister made the journey to celebrate too.

Me and Sammy!

And then the move began. Apparently Vancouver on a Thursday evening is not the time to be in a vehicle. Alas, we had little choice. From the mountain to The Drive, between my parents and I (with the vicious cat locked away in the bathroom), we hauled my belongings into the back of my father's truck. Stuck in bottle-neck chaos crossing the Iron Workers' Memorial bridge, we accepted our 9 o'clock sailing fate. Tarp-n-rope trouble caused my dad a bit of frustration as we headed north up the Island but he got us safely home by half midnight. Thank you, Dad, for moving me yet again.

I'm sad to have left Vancouver. However for the past month (at least) I've been itching to leave its unsmiling inhabitants, crazy traffic, and Olympic anticipations. Such feelings began to change as friends expressed their sadness about my approaching absence. I always knew I had good friends but perhaps this last week I realized how good of friends I truly have. I may have just moved 'home' to my parents', but I feel more like I just left home. They will know how much they mean to me, though, as I have many intentions and methods of maintaining relationships across distance and time.

Tuesday night was the launch party for my student's magazine, InContext. I did the redesign and publishing of this issue as the final two credits of my degree; I admit, I'm pretty proud of the end result. We showcased other students' design work at the party and feasted on tasty appies. Very nice to sit down with my fellow keeners over a beer and red wine!Brianna and Tamarah!Cam and Andrea!Me and Gabriel!
Oh, and I have to mention the delight I tasted Wednesday during my first visit to Deep Cove: fresh, homemade honey doughnuts at Honey's. Oh. My. Dense yet fluffy. Crispy outside, soft inside. Honey (and fat) oozing throughout. I stuck with the basic honey version, though there were alternative temptings with chocolate or maple glaze atop (I kid you not). Strongly recommend a coffee to balance out the sugar.