Having cleared the toughest hurdle of admission to the program, I took some time and made a rough outline list for the transition that grouped easily into four categories:
- visa
- moving of stuff
- money
- finding an apartment
The fact that money was third tells me that I've got the right perspective going forward, as I keep reviewing maps of the Greater Toronto Area to start to hone a sense of geography. Anytime I've committed to moving, my compass of "home" starts to change at that instant, but less so this time, with no mental map of any kind. Strange that now I can use things like Google Earth to get a literal sense of what a neighborhood looks like, and reviewing apartment postings on Craigslist and the associated maps has already helped me to realize what places are simply too far-flung to be practical. I'm hopeful that Jen and I can find a place that will be equally convenient for both access to school and employment opportunities (reviewing the killer public transit options will help that long) and when I think of the two of us walking around and exploring our new town... well, few things make me happier than that. I mean, there are eleven streetcar routes! And a solid subway system to boot, which to me has always been the hallmark of a big city that's proud to be big and welcoming of all comers.
So often, it's been the case that there's never enough time to fully digest something new and interesting, be it a book, a magazine, or a city that I played on one of the In Defence tours. The play-it-faster part of me (as well as the "band father" that looks to manage the unknowns) has been the cause of some anxiety with so much far off, but the wrap-the-horizon-around-my-waist part (a favorite part of this great book) is starting to win, and instead of feeling the glums of another work week about to begin, I'm feeling inspired, relaxed, and ready for what lies ahead.
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