When we moved to Saskatoon last fall so I could attend law school, all of us were really excited about the change.  We found a house, sold ours back in Edmonton, and prepared to begin a new chapter in Saskatchewan.  The plan was to stay for my three year degree, assess where things were, and go from there.  Heck, maybe we would even stay forever!

Jeff was at home with the kids for the first couple of months, but soon it was time for him to begin a serious search for work.  By March, there was still nothing open in his field, finances were getting tight, and the stress level was building.  Eventually, Jeff was contacted by some former colleagues in Edmonton, who offered him a job.  He considerately kept this quiet from me until I finished my exams, and once they were done, we were faced with a predicament.  After several long discussions, we decided it would be best for Jeff to accept the job in Edmonton, and he would commute back and forth each week.

Of course, this was enjoyable until the novelty wore off.  After two weeks of driving/flying, paying for hotel accommodations, eating out each night and missing each other, we realized that this arrangement wouldn’t work.  It was hard to imagine the arrival of fall with me still here with the girls, house, school and dog, and Jeff living in a studio apartment in Edmonton.  Instead, I applied for a transfer to the University of Alberta and we bought a house in Edmonton.  It looks like this:

Strangely enough, it’s in the neighbourhood I grew up in; a place I have been avoiding since I left it in the late 80′s.  Weird how things come full circle.

Of course, my transfer isn’t a sure thing.  Our decision was based on the stark reality that I could be rejected by the U of A and will have to return to Saskatoon to complete my education.  The truth is it would be very difficult to do that, and I really hope the family is able to stay together.  I can’t imagine what it would be like to be separated from everyone, but I accept the possibility that this might happen.  

It goes without saying that Edmonton is my home, and I am so happy to be coming back.  I leave Saskatoon with mixed feelings – I love being near my brother and his family, but with such busy lives, we don’t see each other nearly as much as I would like.  I really enjoyed my first year of law school, and if I am successfully transferred, I will be leaving behind some great friends and outstanding professors.  All of it feels rather sentimental already. 

But really, I don’t have to worry about any of that right now.  Instead, I will focus on a lovely summer in my favourite city, with good friends and family.  We move into our new home on June 29th, and the kids are so excited to be home for their two month break.  I will help settle them in, and await the letter that seals my fate.  In the meantime, Edmonton Friends: start mixing the mojitos…let project catchup begin!