My parents were evicted the night before Christmas Eve. With 24 hours notice.
I know. I can’t believe it either.

My parents, sixty years old, responsible, quiet, professionally employed, property owners and their sweet and quiet terrier, were evicted under the banner of “the Spirit of Love and Peace”.

The day before Christmas.
This action was taken by Brian – someone I thought was my friend, with no discussion, no given opportunity for my parents to tell their side of the story and no compensation other than the return of their rent for the month of December. Illegal, yes, but my parents chose to leave rather than fight. He made this decision based on unfounded accusations by his other roommate, Chloe.
All of the above characters who made this ridiculous decision spend their days looking for “truth, peace and love” – talking about “what IT is”. None of that love was evident when my parents were asked to leave with no clear indication of why other than Chloe felt “uncomfortable” with my parents. I should perhaps note that this is a 29 year old woman who rarely leaves her room unless it is to discuss her “feelings”. All I have ever seen her do is make tea and complain about her sorry lot in life.

Without going into family history, like most people that make it to their senior years, my parents have been through a lot. Very rarely have I ever seen my father so down as he was on this Christmas Eve. Putting down a mattress on my living room floor with everything he owns in Vancouver piled around him.
My parents had moved out here for one of their golden adventures. My Mom, a seasonal flight attendant got posted to Vancouver for the winter. Two weeks ago the two of us drove from Ontario across country. My Dad flew out this week. They were really excited at the prospect of being in the same town as their little girl once again. Fiercely independent, they were not interested in shacking up with her.

I am posting here because while I am hurt and angered with the above scene, I also wanted tell you about the wonderful aftermath.

Brent, a rowing friend took in my parents dog, willfully and happily without question or complaint. Jon, my friend and ex-boyfriend, lives in a small apartment off of Commercial Drive and he was also willing to take in Bucky, despite having a dog already sharing his tiny space.
My friend Tyler, was on the msn horn in minutes providing my parents with contacts to dog friendly apartments in Vancouver. They actually saw one good prospect that was willing to take them in on Christmas Day and are visiting two more solid prospects today. As of now they feel pretty confident that they will be out of my living room by tomorrow.
What I really want to say is that people can talk about “Peace and Love and Truth” until you are blue in the face. But it is the actions that we are defined by. I have been really touched this holiday season, once again, by the people in my life that come out of the woodwork to help out when I need them the most. In an often jaded and sometimes lonely city it is nice to know that angels still exist and that they are looking out for all of us. For it is the angels that can best help us to define “Peace, Love and Truth” – perhaps Brian and Chloe can take a lesson from them.

xoxox

Lara

Hi guys!  I hope you had a very, very special Christmas…

I certainly did.

This Christmas, I learned a very valuable lesson.  Love thyself, and those around you will love you even more.

I’ve had such an amazing season so far, and as I was suddenly single not long beforehand, it’s been a holiday of contrasts.  This year, I’m thoroughly embracing Vern’s concept of holding onto the excruciatingly bad moments, because they give you the ability to enjoy the incredible highs life has to offer, in balance.

Last night was spent at my Dad’s and Sharon’s for dinner… And, as much as it was difficult to see my Dad in pain during his illness, it was also a time for me to realize that we are all so very lucky to have him here to enjoy the holiday with us.  Hell, WE’RE ALL VERY LUCKY TO BE HERE.  In a blink of an eye, we humans are created, and what can be nearly the same amount of time, we can be gone.  I’m embracing the time I have… Here living, with my family and friends.

After a great visit with my family last night, I picked up Vern for a night of the Christmas Classics at my place… “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story” — A tradition that I often indulge in on Christmas Eve.  I’m so thankful and delighted that Vern was able to share some laughs and the night at my place.  This morning, we enjoyed Christmas morning with some wonderful stockings and a good chat.

Miranda and Reilly and I had a truly awesome dinner tonight!  …Complete with movies, XBox, gifts, and yummy treats.  It was perfect.  Thank you guys, for coming out to share it with me.

And, in true Christmas form, I found out that my very long-standing friends, Lorelei and Darren, welcomed a brand new edition into their family on Friday night (no wonder you guys didn’t make it to the party!) …Welcome Owen!  I can’t wait to meet you in person.

So, this holiday brought me the best gift of all… The reminder that I’m so incredibly lucky to be here, and be here amungst incredible friends and family.  Life is bittersweet, and I for one, am enjoying the sweet part the most right now.

I hope you all had an incredible day, too!

That was so much fun last night!  Thanks to everyone who made it by! 

I’m off to a Christmas dinner tonight, and then after, night out with with some cool chicks I met last weekend!  Should be a blast… Just as soon as I have another several cups of java!

Holy, am I tired.  That said, I have been up since 8am this morning to deal with a crazy-early Sears delivery.

Damned head cold!  I’m suffering today… But, not to worry, tomorrow I’m going to load up on Dayquil and fly through the day, just in time for the “Tanya’s Crazy Christmas Shindig” tomorrow night!  Woohoo!

Here’s something terribly funny to share with you all:

What’s everyone looking forward to, this weekend!?  Me?  An extremely fun night at my place tomorrow night, a Christmas dinner at Vern’s sister’s place (after which, I’m heading out with a new group of friends for some single-chick-clubbing), Christmas Eve with my Dad, and then later that night with Vern… And of course…

CHRISTMAS!!!!!! WHOOOOHOOOOOO!

The votes are in golden compass the dvdrip , and because Donna pulled through just before midnight with more votes for her crazy dating story, she won!

But, because Lara had more votes combined between all her stories, she won too!

So congratulations, chicks!  You’ll be receiving a gift set from Body Shop each!  Enjoy!!

 

Guess what!  I officially have a roommate!

Everyone say hello to Tyler!  (Well, say hello to him when you see him, anyhow!)  I’ve known Tyler for a couple of years now — We met through the rowing club and mutual friends — thanks Lara!!  And, although we haven’t spent a ton of time socializing together, every time he’s around he puts a smile on my face.

He also inspires me a great deal… He’s an incredible rower, and try as I might, I can’t think of anyone more athletic than he is.

I just know he’s gonna be a great fit! 

So, this chick has one more month of living like a batchelorette!  After that, the abode turns into ”T²”!  I’m really excited!

Got some great dating stories to vote on!  Click here to open the comments in a new window, and then vote on your favourite story!

There’s a very cool gift up for grabs!  I’ll be closing the voting on Wednesday at midnight!

CLICK HERE FOR THE POLL

It’ll open in a separate window… It seems to be breaking my template in FireFox for some reason.

This is, by far, the silliest thing I’ve seen in a very, very long time!

Click here for what I’m talking about.  Don’t worry, it’s work-safe.

Some people have FAR too much time on their hands!

So, what are you looking forward to, this weekend?  Me?  I’ve got a wedding, a Christmas party, another Christmas party, and a visit to Ikea to look forward to!!

ps: Don’t forget to enter the contest in the previous entry! Voting starts tomorrow!!