So Canada became the third country to allow same-sex marriages this week, and already there's a fourth country added to the list. Spain has joined in. Although I was just in Spain, I had no idea they were on the road to this.

After weeks of waiting and crossing my fingers, I finally watched the episodes of Survivor: Palau that I missed while backpacking. It's hard to believe that no one inadvertently spoiled the ending on me, so thank-you to all those people who made an effort! Tom was my prediction from Day 1, and within the first few episodes totally felt the Tom/Ian/Katie alliance would be strong.
I won't blog on anymore about my thoughts on the show as most people have either a) given up on Survivor or b) forget who the contestants were. I will just say this season was full of some good twists and interesting developments, although mainly due to the contestants. To me, it really shows how casting the show is such an integral part of it all. They do need to end it soon though, and the only way it should end involves a return to the original island that started it all (but with new contestants).

I am in a shopping funk. On every clothes shopping trip I've ventured out on since returning from England, I have come home empty handed. Not sure why this funk is occuring, I've been having no trouble charging stuff to my Visa and I start off in a good mood before entering the mall. It could be benefical to go with another homo to get feedback on. It makes no sense at all as I am so sick of my current clothes after wearing them so often while abroad.

After only having gone through the interview process myself not too long ago, it was somewhat surreal to be on the other side of the table today. Interviewing is tough work and I can't imagine people who work in HR doing them so frequently. I think I would go nuts.
I can't wait to get home and veg.

After 4 years of perfect attendance at Toronto Pride, it only makes sense I can't go for my 5th anniversary yet alone Pride's 25th celebration. Along with the perks of a new job, come new responsibilities and alas I'm "on-call" for Pride weekend. I was also on call for my birthday weekend and then will be for Canada Day weekend and potentially the weekend after that. Yes, 3 or 4 weeks straight! And also 3 important fun weekends to miss out on. Once the other new person starts then we'll be one week on, one week off. Tell all the boys I'll see them next year and I'll be back with a vengeance.
Note: on-call means being within 10 minutes of campus in case of emergencies.

On top of researching cars and computers, I have also spent some time researching dogs. Although I don't think I have the resources (time or space) to fully embrace a dog, I figured it doesn't hurt to do general research and see if there's a breed out there that would compliment my lifestyle - and that I think is cute and fun.
Considering the size of my apartment, a smaller dog would be ideal. The ones that keep drawing my attention are various terriers. Notably are: Jack Russell, Cairn, West Highland, Wirehaired Fox and my new favourite, the Border Terrier.

On Friday night, I went on what was to be a random night of adventure in TO with Shandy and Emily. Despite being random we didn't encounter any crazy stories - although the cool people ate chocolate sprinkles at a pub we ended up at (where we met Jeff, Brennon and David!) And I finally bought hand soap and shower gel! Now on to some bigger purchases.
I am in the market for a computer and a car. Both of which require some research that I have just been far too lazy to do. I eventually want to have a PC that allows me to do digital video editing and whatnot but think I may just get a decent functioning one for the time being.
As for the car hunt, I am so impartial about what I want. It makes sense to go with a lease as within the next 5 years I would live to be living in a condo in Toronto and have no desire to own a car downtown (ie parking costs and I'll just TTC it everywhere). The next train of thought is that if I'm leasing, why not just lease new? It's tricky to go and look at cars though without a mode of transport in the first place.

Shout out to Jeff for fun times this week. He wins the award of most frequent visitor to my new place. He's helped me to keep the sanity, although when we went and played board games with 2 of the dons we seemed to lose all sanity. I am a champion at Catch Phrase.

Despite being in Mississauga, this campus feels like it's in the middle of the forest. With a river nearby and lots of wooded walkways, it's very nice here. The other day as we walked across campus we saw a deer just standing around. Then on my walk home from work I passed a cute turtle hanging out on the lawn. Despite the wildlife, I am still tempted to get a dog.

So after just moving into "temporary" housing for the summer, it turns out my more permanent place of residence on campus is ready for me now. Which means no phone or internet at my temporary place because that would just be pointless. I spend my evenings in the office so I can play online and hope someone will call my work number. I also need to buy a TV so I can have something to do. I aim to be moved into my actual place this weekend and then can spend time making it my own. It does mean surviving a few days without any blinds or drapes - so much for walking around naked.

Day one: one of my best first days in a new job. Balloons and gifts awaited me in what is now my first personal office. No more sharing with other people. I have a working computer, my own extenstion, a corner window and a water cooler just outside. Some adjustments will need to be figured out however: for example, my desk and chair are far too high and when other people come in and sit across from me I end up towering over them. There is also an inspirational hockey poster on the wall - that will be missing as of tommorrow.

Barely back in Uxbridge and now I'm packing up what I just unpacked and leaving town for the "real" world. My real world will be Mississauga. One of my interviews last week was sucessful in allowing me to continue on in the Residence Life area. It'll be an offical step-up, I am trading in the S from SLC to an R for RLC. Woot.
Only slightly stressed as I start TUESDAY, which means I move on Monday into temporary housing on campus before I get my real digs for the fall. Luckily most of my stuff has been sitting in boxes for the past year, it's just a matter of assessing what I need to buy though - and that list is endless.

Today was a day for catching up with friends. I had lunch with Jessica and Krista where I splurged and added bacon to my tasty Whimpy burger. We talked about how it seems we're all going somewhere with our lives - although odd, I love the idea of growing up. I really like the idea of making a salary finally.
This evening it was out for beer with Amy at the only patio bar in Uxbridge really. Of course saw familiar faces. I think this one night will do me in for the summer. I thought at one point it'd be cool to go each week and see old high school kids but have since realized it's not my scene. However, Uxbridge is still not yet Suxbridge.