It's Always An Adventure

Things have been a bit crazy over the past month.  Sometimes life is, well, life.  Right now daily life is hectic. We are settling in, but that means lots of new challenges and changes.  Just to name a few things on the “to do” list are the not so easy task of finding a pediatrician and general doctor, figuring out how health insurance works, the in’s and out’s of being a class parent, play dates, 3rd grade homework, Ron’s increased work schedule and of course, the general every day adventures of family life. It is the same no matter what city you live in. And it is tiring, draining, exciting, wonderful and overwhelming. Sometimes you feel like you just need a break from it all.

Enter Matti.

Matti At the Apple Store on 5th Ave.

Matti, a former student, came to visit this past week and unexpectedly gave me the break and the bit of inspiration that I didn’t even quite realize I needed.  Instead of sending Matti off on his own to explore the City, I decided to neglect my “mommy” duties (grocery shopping, cleaning, school obligations, dog park visits) and play tourist/tour-guide along side him and enjoyed a sort of mini-vacation in my new home. We wandered, meandered, asked questions, learned some interesting facts and we paused to look up. The view did not disappoint.

The Brooklyn Bridge

I found myself looking at New York City with fresh eyes, in a way, through Matti’s eyes.  His enthusiasm and awe for NYC, reminded me of MY first visits and how I simply could not get enough of everything that I saw around me.  It challenged me to really see the City.

Central Park

Over the week, I found myself relaxing.  Relaxing a bit more into this new amazing place that is now my home.  I felt comfortable.  I knew where I was going.  I have my favourite restaurants and shops. I wanted to share all that I knew about New York City.  At the same time, I wanted to learn more.  I was reminded of how much I truly love this City but I also felt a bit homesick for my old life too. Matti reminded me of that other life.  My life in Ottawa as a teacher, mentor and friend.   I miss teaching.  I miss being around young people. Their energy, thirst for knowledge, the goofiness, the endless quest for adventure.  I miss Ottawa.  I feel like after this week it is okay to say that.  I have always felt that I was betraying my new life if I actually voiced that opinion. However, I have come to the realization that it is okay to miss elements of the past even if you are loving where you are in the present.  I guess you never really know when moments of reflection are going to hit you and where being an accidental tourist may take you.   Thanks Matti, for reminding me that even though a new journey has just begun it is the people and the experiences of the past that will help you have success along the road.

Matti and Cara at FAO Schwarz