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.
Wow Leslie! What amazing news! I am so glad everything worked out for the best for you both and look forward to hearing about your new adventure.
Posted by: Kirsten | March 25, 2009 at 09:35 AM
leslie. i am sooo excited for you both.
new adventures. a new chapter. how very exciting!
Posted by: leslie | March 25, 2009 at 09:49 AM
How super exciting! I can't wait to see what is in store for your future.
Posted by: Dani | March 25, 2009 at 10:01 AM
woah! Where in Canada are you headed? We will miss your shop, but maybe you will maintain some connections to crafty goodness back in Japan. Good luck with everything.
Posted by: angelune | March 25, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Wow. Congratulations on the big upcoming move. Life has a strange and mysterious way of working itself out, doesn't it? I would've never guessed that I'd ever be in Chicago but it was here that I found the job I wanted when I wasn't even looking (but looking so very hard everywhere else).
Good luck with the move and enjoy the last several weeks in Japan!!
Posted by: sara | March 25, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Well, this is all terribly exciting!
I can't wait to read about your adventures and the new opportunities in Canada. Sounds wonderful.
I will miss the little shop of goodness...sniff. But perhaps there will be new Canadian Goodness?
xo
Posted by: CreatureofHabit | March 25, 2009 at 03:56 PM
congratulations! the opportunity sounds wonderful. i'll miss the dispatches from japan, but know that goodness is to be found in canada, too!
Posted by: painted fish studio | March 25, 2009 at 04:26 PM
Whoo hoo!!!
Canada bound!
Posted by: Ermie | March 25, 2009 at 07:15 PM
Hi Leslie,
Wow - lots of change for you both. I'm so happy for you - happy that you are happy and excited.
We both have big changes ahead in 7 weeks time.
Keep well and enjoy your last couple of months in Japan.
Posted by: Kristine | March 25, 2009 at 07:42 PM
Wow and congratulations! I wish you guys the very best as you prepare for this big and exciting move. Maybe we'll see you out in Vancouver one of these days? (or the Okanagan?)
Posted by: sarah r. | March 25, 2009 at 09:39 PM
How very exciting (and scary and stressful)!
I hope your move is smooth and uneventful. Cheers to your new start.
Posted by: Nini | March 25, 2009 at 10:01 PM
holy crap! That's crazy! Congratulations on what sounds like a positive thing for you! And you'll be just a little bit closer to me! :) Where in Canada?
What are you going to do about your other business venture, WG?
Posted by: Tracy | March 26, 2009 at 05:07 AM
best wishes on your new adventure. my prayers of safety are with you both. i look forward to following you on this journey.
Posted by: Nicole | March 26, 2009 at 08:11 AM
This is amazing news, Leslie! And I hope to have news from you here at your blog when you will be in Canada as well.
I wish your next few weeks in Japan will be full of exciting things!
Posted by: Mariana | March 26, 2009 at 09:12 AM
oh my goodness! - Sorry - I did that accidentally, but now I can't delete it. ;)
This is SUCH big news and there is so much happiness in your 'voice' - even amidst all the 'work' that it will surely entail to wrap everything up and get on your way. Wishing you MUCH peace and luck these next 7 weeks, Leslie!
Posted by: amanda | March 26, 2009 at 12:30 PM
So excited for you. I live in Canada and it is a great place to be. Welcome home!
Rita
Posted by: Rita | March 26, 2009 at 04:23 PM
WOW, I will really miss your Japan blog and your shop!!! Though maybe you will keep them both? Best to you both!!
Posted by: Mary | March 26, 2009 at 05:45 PM
oh wow! how exciting! i'm so happy for you about this new adventure.
Posted by: lindsey clare | March 26, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Wishing you all the best, Leslie! Enjoy your remaining weeks in Japan...I hope you will continue your blog when you get settled. (Thanks so much for offering those wonderful Japanese goods...I hate to see it end!)
Posted by: Gail | March 26, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Such excellent news! Bet you can't wait to get back and start new adventures. Be well!
Posted by: Jade | March 28, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Oooo...I bet a little Betty is very happy! So great. I am so happy for you. It's seemed you've been a little out of sorts lately. I can't believe it, you will be on this continent now!
Posted by: Jen | March 29, 2009 at 12:01 PM
oh my goodness.....I just come on to see how you're going and what big news! wowee I'm shocked but what a great move! i'm a huge believer in change is good and a move back home will be great for you both!
wishing you lots of luck and happy times ahead...plus you can always go back to japan!
Corrie:)
Posted by: corrie | March 30, 2009 at 04:29 AM
Leslie! I just got back from a 10 day vacation to find this post. Oh my gosh! That sounds so wonderful for you both. Maybe I missed it, but is your shop closing perminately or just until you get settle in Canada? Either way happy for you both. What part of Canada will you be relocating to?
Posted by: ghiland | March 30, 2009 at 04:22 PM
That's beautiful news Leslie. I am really happy for you and how it all transpired. No stress. Welcome back!
Posted by: Heidi | April 02, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Wow, that is SO HUGE. Best wishes to you both!
Posted by: emily | April 02, 2009 at 05:29 PM