Kamloops

I'm in Kamloops right now, sitting on CJ's balcony, Listening to the birds chirp, and looking at the cloud-covered mountains. It sounds cheesy, but I feel like I'm in a postcard.

Feels good to be away from Winnipeg. Though I love it there, this vacation feeling of not knowing anybody and getting hopelessly lost on twisty mountain roads kind of gives me butterflies. It always makes me remember how big the world is, and how much there is to see. (Ironic, since I'm in a city a lot smaller than Winnipeg...)

I arrived here a few days ago. After two plane rides, and a hell of a lot of anxiety riddled thoughts of every terrible plane incident I've ever heard of, CJ picked me up from the airport with a bunch of rainbow balloons and a box of Rocky Mountain chocolates. I was exhausted, and confused about the time difference. It's surprising how much of a difference two hours can make on your system.

I didn't really know what to expect of Kamloops. I think I imagined this city to be smaller than it actually is. I pictured Portage la Prairie with mountains, when in fact, there is nothing in Manitoba that is similar to Kamloops. The mountains surround the city. There are so many curvy roads and highways that make your ears pop and make you lose all sense of direction. Thank God for GPS.

Being here, in BC with CJ, makes me realize how much of a life she has out here. Obviously I know she's got a life away from Winnipeg, but it's so different to see her BC life over Facebook or to hear about it on the phone, then it is to actually be here. I don't know if I am even making sense, but it's good to see how well my little sister is doing. She's got a nice apartment, a good job. She has friends, and has amassed a whole bunch of 'stuff' from living out west for six years. When she left home, she did it with her whole life packed into two suitcases! You'd never know that now, looking around her apartment. She fits in; a girl with a Winnipeg soul and a BC heart.

I'm proud of my sister, and so excited to be with her for a week in her home. I'm admittedly a little envious of her, for living in such a beautiful place, and for having the balls to venture so far away from home. I know I'll never move too far from Winnipeg, but I guess the lucky thing for me is that I have a sister who did.

Time to meet her for lunch...