the majority of the details have been worked out. and the long list of things to do is getting checked off. slowly.
h-kun renewed his passport. and his visa paperwork is underway.
i gave notice at my job. my last day of teaching will be april 28th.
i booked a ticket home. and paid for it.
h-kun gave six months notice at his job.
my little shop is having a big sale.
our apartment will be vacant at the end of april.
i will get on a plane in less than 7 weeks.
and h-kun will join me in october.
IN CANADA.
crazy. this all happened so fast. and something we didn't think was possible for at least a couple of years. but God is good. after that post at the beginning of february we were feeling a bit lost. a bit stagnant. wishing things could change. well, my gosh, they did. and are continuing to. in ways that we never expected. whoohoo. about mid-february a job opportunity came up back home in canada. and i wasn't even looking for it. that's the best part. i will be partnering with a friend in the business field. the job is surreal. people focused. flexible hours. part-time. and it will give us the freedom to do other things. and to create the kind of life we dream about. the decision to go was an easy one to make.
yes. we're both super excited to be moving to canada. and. yes. we're both super sad to be leaving japan. and all the goodness here. we are both struggling with mixed emotions these days. and will continue to. i'm sure. it's bittersweet, they say.
but time is ticking. and i want to fully enjoy the last 7 weeks i have left. that whole live life abundantly thing. it's going into full gear. now.
Leslie,
Best wishes to you. I'm going to pop into your shop and start buying. An international move is expensive, so every little bit will help, right?
I remember returning home from Italy where I had been for 6 years. No doubt about it, it was hard to settle back in. But, in the end I did and now I'm in a very happy place.
Good luck to you!
Posted by: Allison | March 24, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Wow! What great news. I hope you enjoy these last 7 weeks. Well, I'm sure they won't be your last. You'll vist often I'm sure. Japan is a place that seems to draw you back... even if it's just a vacation.
Good luck with everything and how very exciting!
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen | March 24, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Wow, what a great adventure for you two this year! It's funny how we feel like nothing is happening and then before we know it somethings happened to change our life! Have fun with it!
Posted by: Steph | March 24, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Wow! Sounds like something positive and I wish you all the best!
Posted by: Melanie O | March 24, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Gosh! I'm surprised and thrilled for you. It's fantastic news although sad to be losing a friend here. 7 weeks is going to go so quickly. WOW!!! we will keep in touch though, right?
Posted by: Jacqui from Mee a Bee | March 24, 2009 at 09:54 PM
wow.. i'm excited for you guys. tho i can imagine how sad it must be to leave japan. hope you have the best 7 weeks :)
Posted by: Wendy | March 24, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Wow - that's exciting!! Enjoy the next 7 weeks! I am sure that you will.....
Posted by: Di | March 24, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Fantastic - but will you still keep in touch, even without all the Japanese goodness? I know there is plenty of Canadian goodness - I lived with some for a few years! I'm really happy for you and only hope the months between May/June and October pass quickly. Back to Alberta?
Posted by: victoria | March 25, 2009 at 12:34 AM
oh, no!
where will i buy gorgeous japanese fabric from?!
see - it's all about me...
but really - congratulations! what an exciting time and i wish you and your husband allthe very best.
xx
Posted by: kirsten | March 25, 2009 at 03:27 AM
This is very exciting news - I'm so happy that you've found a new direction, and wish both of you safe travels and good luck. Enjoy your last few weeks of living (for now) in Japan!
Posted by: lisa | March 25, 2009 at 03:52 AM
Wow - you must be beside yourself! That job sounds just perfection. It seems a very positive move for your both - I wish you all the best!
I too am looking forward to your Canadian goodness, photos and adventures.
Thank you for sharing your life in Japan...I've enjoyed every word and photo.
Posted by: nerida | March 25, 2009 at 03:54 AM
wishing you the best!
Posted by: sarah | March 25, 2009 at 04:15 AM
oh leslie i am so happy for you, but so sad that i won't get to buy anymore 'good-ness' from you :-(
funny how the universe can provide something just when you need it-yay!
Posted by: Christie | March 25, 2009 at 04:25 AM
wow what great and exciting news! I am so happy for you both that you are following your hearts! I am sad that your japan stories and goodies will be no more, but I am so excited to hear about all of the new adventures ahead of you! Congratulations! -kb
Posted by: kelly | March 25, 2009 at 04:38 AM
Hey Leslie, i hope we get a goodness blog in Canada ?? It has been a fab blog to read and look at. All the very best to you two on your brand new adventure, take care xx
Posted by: norma | March 25, 2009 at 04:46 AM
Oh!.. Now that I found your little shop you will close it down?! Can't believe it! At least I hope the blog will continue, because it is beautiful the way you tell us about live. I wish you all the best and a lot of fun in the coming future. I'll go shopping now...
Posted by: I.Maia | March 25, 2009 at 04:55 AM
i'm smiling big for you! congrats and best wishes. it sounds like you get to live your dream. Yay!
Posted by: erin | March 25, 2009 at 05:08 AM
Leslie, i feel excited for the both of you but sad at the same time that ill be missing the shopping at your "good-ness". Best wishes to you. I hope you will continue blogging here for i really love your little cozy bubble space! I'll be seeing you at the shop! Love to you and yours!
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 25, 2009 at 05:08 AM
wowza! that is some big news! It sounds like you are so excited. wishing you all the best during this transition time.
Posted by: martha | March 25, 2009 at 05:23 AM
whaaaaaaaat!?!?! so so so exciting. what a wonderful adventure! thrilled for you both!
Posted by: emily | March 25, 2009 at 05:39 AM
wow, congrats! how exciting. wishing you all the best and keep us posted on your upcoming adventures! xo.
Posted by: simplesong | March 25, 2009 at 05:42 AM
wow! congratulations! a new chapter in life, for sure. enjoy your every last japanese moment!
Posted by: pamela | March 25, 2009 at 05:44 AM
congratulations, again leslie. Canada is super excited to be getting your goodness and so am I. Looking forward to meeting up with you in person. have a super fun seven weeks. xo
Posted by: karyn | March 25, 2009 at 06:06 AM
I’m excited for you and h-kun! Enjoy your 7 weeks! Wow, back to Canada for you! Hope your future together will be wonderful!
Posted by: nicolette | March 25, 2009 at 06:26 AM
yay! this is so exciting! enjoy your last weeks in japan and i'm excited to hear about your new adventures in canada.
Posted by: carrie | March 25, 2009 at 09:29 AM