Well hello there! Long time no talk! I didn’t expect to be silent so long, but I’ve been on this whirlwind farewell tour to Toronto and I’ve barely had a chance to catch my breath, let alone blog.
On the work side of it, I’ve had a great time zooming all over the Greater Toronto Area meeting with a bunch of associates and wrapping up my work relationship with them and introducing them to one of my key staff members. Many of these associates have become friends, so it feels like a nice bonus to get to hang out with them on the edge of this transition.
But then there’s been the really fun, non-work stuff. I’ve spent a lot of time in Toronto over the past 6 years, so it’s become like a second home. Plus I have a lot of friends here. So I’ve been saying “see you later” to the city in my own way, and I’ve packed as many friend connections in as possible. So far, I’ve:
- enjoyed a lovely home-cooked meal with my dear forever-friend Laurel, whom I’ve known since we were both in diapers. (She’s the one pictured above.)
- had lunch and an amazing heart-to-heart conversation with my friend Barb.
- enjoyed some quiet me-time, wandering on the boardwalk at The Beaches.
- made a quick pit-stop at The Distillery for some of my favourite milk chocolate, chai flavoured cashews.
- went to see a TIFF film with my dear friend Stephanie (where we got to see Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Amy Madigan, and a bunch of other Hollywood types in person) and enjoyed drinks and snacks afterward.
- did a little wandering in my favourite neighbourhood.
I’ve got more meetings today, and then I get to hang out with the amazing Jamie Ridler (who many of you know and love). Tomorrow, a few more meetings, and then a flight home.
It’s been surprisingly good. I’m trying not to feel guilty about getting so much fun out of a business trip, especially since my dear husband is not having as much fun at home with his father getting closer and closer to the end of his life. Last weekend, when he got called to the hospital in the middle of the night, I didn’t think I’d be making this trip after all. But things seem to have stabelized (at least temporarily), so I’m making the best of it and hoping my family at home forgives me.
Gotta run! Talk to you soon.