End of an Era

Ok, so actually it was just over 3 years, but it seems like a whole Era. I leave the house tonight dressed as Eva Peron, anticipating my forthcoming journey South on this pre-Halloween eve. What everyone won't realize is that I've left my charming little oral ornament at home. Nope! Truth be told my own mother won't notice until weeks have passed and I point it out to her specifically. When prompted with the question, "Mom, don't you notice anything different about me?" Her immediate response will naturally be the assumption that I've put another hole in one of my ears. Sheesh! And I always thought facial piercings were unmistakably obvious. I guess I was overestimating myself...

Hush little baby, don't you cry...

So my 2005 stint on the Toronto Islands ended the other day with a rush of mixed emotions, quick goodbyes, and cheesy stationary (typical Tracy-styles as you well know...). I cannot even begin to iterate how quickly this summer passed me by: "What!?! I had employees????" Although I try I cannot seem to figure out where the time went... Mind you: I have quite a collection (complete with photos) of significant and hilarious memories that will forever remind me of this summer. Yes, it was really very good, now wasn't it? But it's time to get on with things, or as the Bob-the-gate-guy put it: "It's time to get back to my real life,"-- Whatever that means.... What does he know that I don't?

But seriously, I'm going to miss my days on the Islands. But here me now: I'm not yet through with the place, got it? I'm just taking a leave of absence, ye'hear? Good. I'm glad we've straightened that out.

Making the Rounds

So... I'm in North Bay this evening for what will likely be that last time for quite some time. Tomorrow I'll be in Ottawa visiting my Uncle and Aunt. I've been cleaning off my hard drive and I came across the photos from my month in Jonquiere, Quebec. The language bursary program was one of the MOST amazing experiences of my summer. I came away with amazing Souveniers and one amazing friend who may very well turn out to be a part of my life for the long haul...

Anyway, these roots impressed me today. It made me think of where I come from and where I am going. And why. To those who have helped lay the foundation: Thanks. I promise I'm not throwing it all away. Stick around, ok? I'll try to keep it all together and return to the same grounds in the end. Meet me back here in two years time. I'll be waiting.

Cutting old threads..

With Buenos Aires on the horizon I've effectively eliminated "TracyOutEast". This is now my OFFICIAL "Home away from Home". Write it down. Bookmark it. You don't necessarily have to check it, but you do need to be aware of its existence. Just in case you start missing me or something.... If that becomes an issue: Don't Worry, I've got you covered.

Sunday night Coffee, however, is going to be a bit different from now on...

A new home...

With the collapse of the Ulsan contract I became rather disenchanted with my "TracyOutEast" Blogspot so I have decided to start afresh from here. And where is here exactly? Well, very much the same place I was when I created "TOE": still in Toronto, still working on Toronto Island, still without an apartment of my own, still waiting for my adventures to begin... But this is a start. A fresh start. A good start.

Itinerary:

Buenos Aires and Icuazu -- Oct. 31st to Nov. 11th.
Mokpo city, South Korea -- Mid-November.

And YES (a thousand times!!!), I have read the scary Globe and Mail article re: Illegal Alliens being thrown out of S.Korea -- (see: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051010/KOREA10/TPInternational/?query=korea+teachers+visa). Worry not: I will not be teaching illegally, nor will I be engaging in any illegal activities. Yes, I am boring. No, it hasn't always been this way.

More to come in the coming days. Maybe I'll figure out how to post pictures... Until then Adieu. Bon Soir. Reve bien, d'accord? Bon.