Had a belated birthday dinner at Jimmy's parent's house. The installation of new cupboards collided with my birthday so it needed to be rescheduled. New cupboards were higher on the list of priorities since it was something Jimmy's mom had wanted before Christmas but they couldn't hire anyone who would promise that the kitchen wouldn't be in shambles on Christmas Eve. Anyways, it's cool.....I kinda like spacing birthday dinners apart.

Went to a bridal shower for my cousin Michelle this afternoon. If ever I have a moment of regret for moving back to Timmins from Ottawa, I'll make myself remember that being close by and able to attend family functions like this makes it sooo worth it.

Spent Friday at my aunt's house preparing for the shower. After all the food was made, we sat down and laughed till we cried and chatted late into the night. And this is the norm in my family...I've spent countless days, afternoons, evenings and even a few weekends partying with our family. But those days are coming to an end.

My cousin Michelle is getting married next weekend. That'll mean we'll see a little less of her now that she has to share holidays between two families. I don't blame her. I do the same thing too. But still, I'll miss having her around. Her fiance just returned from a 2 year mission in Guatamala this past October and since then, we've seen significantly less of her.

My cousin Renee is leaving me also next month. She's off to Vancouver BC for 6 months to attend school at the Vancouver Academy of Performing Arts (or whatever the name is.) As excited as I am about the prospect of having a celebrity in my family (and ultimately her falling in love with a leading man and throwing the biggest effing Hollywood party when she gets married) I am sad that she's leaving. However, I officially have a place to stay and a reason to visit BC once she's settled.

My two closest cousins - practically little sisters - are moving on. And I'm the most sensitive geek in the universe. I can't think about all the memories we've shared without getting misty-eyed.

Sunday morning we're off to check out a house for sale. (Why Jimmy booked chose 10am on a day off is beyond me.....Sunday is my day to sleep-in and stay in pj's.)