the end of the road

As of yesterday at about 4:00, I am officially finished my Masters of Library and Information Science. This has really been a heck of a year for me. I got married on August 5, 2006, honeymooned for a 8 or 9 days, returned to Victoria for a bit, and then on August 24, Caitlin and I pulled out of my parents' driveway to embark on this little adventure. I must say, it was a pretty big step for newlyweds of three weeks to leave the only home they've ever known, all their friends and family, and drive some 3000 miles to a strange place to live and start school.

I will never forget the Orientation Day at school. I was so nervous and overwhelmed with everything I had experienced and with the 90 new students around me that I barely said a word. I was the epitome of brevity when I stood up to tell everyone who I was and where I was from. One of my peers said that, based on my behaviour that day, I seemed very introverted and quite unfriendly! When we had a break to go out into the main atrium and mingle around the refreshments, I grabbed some Timbits and a drink, strapped on my iPod, and immediately walked away without saying a word to anyone. It was all so much to take because everything was so foreign to me--I may have been in Canada, but London (and Ontario!) felt like a completely different planet, which I have subsequently discovered it is.

However, the point of this long and rambling post is that I owe some thank yous to a good many people, so though this is going to read like an Academy Awards speech, please indulge me because I want to publicly acknowledge those people who have been there for Caitlin and I this year:

1. Jeff, Jolene, Mathieu, Claudia, Pat, Jeff, Bonnie, Steve, Lindsay, Louise, Ron, Jen, Tim, and Connie: thanks so much for you encouragement, thoughts, prayers, teaching, and hospitality throughout my Masters. You have been so great to Caitlin and I since we arrived in London and I appreciate each of you and the blessing you have been in our lives.

2. My boss, Elizabeth Marshall: you have been such a great boss and friend since I arrived in London--from the beginning you were so friendly and went out of your way to talk to me when I knew almost no one. In addition, you have no idea how much I appreciate the opportunity that you gave me to work in the GRC during my degree--it's been such fun and a really valuable learning experience. Your advice, encouragement, and flexibility have been so very much appreciated--thank you!

2. My fellow librarians: I couldn't have asked for a more fun and supportive group with whom to claw through my MLIS and I appreciate the camaraderie and fun that we have had for this year. There are so many of you who made this year awesome that it would take forever to list you all. However, very special mention goes out to Michael (& his lovely wife Eleanor), Jess, Carolyn, Chris & Heather, and Paulie, without all of whom I would not have made it through this thing as "gracefully" (*ahem*) as I did!

3. My friends back home have been rooting for me, checking in on me frequently (mostly via Facebook, the world's greatest stalker tool) and I really appreciate it. Deets (& Lynnester the Spinster), Jenni-Jen, Mikey, Nazzy, Brent (& Rachel) and Suzanne, as well as the Kingsleys: you guys have been especially encouraging and your e-mails and phone calls (and in a couple cases, visits!) have been much appreciated.

4. My family. I owe you each so much because this has all been possible, financially and otherwise, because of your love and generosity. Ken, Kathy, and Biff: you have become such an important part of my family--thanks for all your support, calls, and love (and the visit!). Papa and Nana: this would not have been possible without your incredible gift to us and I will forever be grateful for your support--I have always wanted to make you both proud. Dad, Karen, and the girls: thanks for the care packages and the Sunday night (when we were always out!) phone calls--Dad, I always enjoyed our Leaf-laden chats! Mom: thanks for your concern and for always letting me know how much I (and Caitlin) am missed--we'll be home soon and can't wait to celebrate your milestone birthday with you! Laura: I have missed you so, so much since I have been gone and I want you to know what an incredible sister you are--I wouldn't trade you for anything because you are irreplaceable! Curt, you're all right too! ;) I especially want to thank my stepdad, Alan: your consistent e-mails, advice, and encouragement kept me plowing through when I wanted to give up--I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support.

5. Last, but never least, to my lovely wife Caitlin: I am at a loss to tell you what an amazing wife and friend you have been to me. I did this as much for you as for myself, probably more so. You have stood by me, propped me up when I was exhausted, affirmed me, held me (and held me together!) when I was falling apart, made me laugh when I was discouraged, cooked for me, cleaned up after me (constantly!), and have never once complained. Plus, you have worked jobs that you hate in order to support us and have done so bravely and with great perseverance. You traveled across the country not knowing what the future held, three weeks after marrying me, and that in itself took a great deal of faith and courage. I have only ever wanted to make you proud of me, which I know you are. To me, you are the definition of grace, patience, and fortitude and I love you more every day. Truly, none of this was possible without you.

If there is anyone I have forgotten, I apologize--I have done my best to remember everyone who has played a part in this milestone in my life.

Now, it's time for me to face the real world, at least for a half year or so, and find a job before (hopefully) taking off for Europe for two or three months. After that, who knows what the future will bring? But I can say for sure that I am pretty excited about it!