Sacrifice your life...

Today it rained. Great sheets of water falling from the sky. I was happy to have a proper storm before I left. The rain here is beautiful.

I drove across the Lions Gate Bridge, the treetops wreathed in cloud and the rain pounding on the hood of my 2001 Jetta. It was sheer beauty and poetry and song. I couldn't stare out at the grey without my car veering off the bridge. As much as I would love to 'go' that way, careening off the road and through the green supports, floating on the wet air down into Burrard Inlet and my doom, I decided to watch the road.

I went for coffee with a friend of my father's. Despite some strange revelations, I heard what I knew to be true. If I want to be here, I need to sacrifice things.

I've known this from day one. Vancouver is expensive, snotty and it is hard to find work here. Frankly, I don't care. It would take a lot for me to refuse a life here. I am willing to spend exorbitant amounts for a home, willing to work in a job that maybe doesn't quite fit. This city is my home, and it is the best place on earth. Every time I leave, I return more convinced than ever.

Last night, Katie and I sat on the beach overlooking downtown and the north shore. I could never live anywhere else, because this is home.