Putting the DO in aDOption.

So, I've been promising an update on the adoption pursuit. So here we go...

On September 26th, Don and I met with our homestudy social worker for the first time. Thankfully, we really hit it off and think she's just great. The fact that she also does social work on the other side (with birth mothers) is a real bonus, in our opinion.

The past few weeks have been spent checking various requisites off the list---fingerprints sent to RCMP, asking friends and family to be references, booking medicals, filling applications out, and perhaps the most interesting task---writing our letter to the birth mother. Challenging because we know we need to make ourselves stand out amongst all the other prospective parents, but also enjoyable because it was a real exercise in expressing our desire to be parents. You realize that most parents don't always take the time to answer this question in any great detail. But when you do---you actually walk away with a better sense of what you both want out of life and it's really quite lovely and enriching, if I can be so fromage.

I toyed with posting our letter here on the blog but I think I'll wait until our mini Web page is posted to www.canadaadopts.com ---likely in a few weeks.

Next meeting with the social worker is Oct. 26th. Main subject of discussion? Our own childhoods...

San Frantastic

Ok, this entry is a wee but overdue but better late than never. I had the unforgettable pleasure of spending 4 days in San Francisco with my good friend, Jilly. AKA, Gillian Keith, soprano extraordinaire. She was performing in Berkeley (in an amazing "dramatick/ semi-opera" interpretation of "King Arthur", put on by the Mark Morris Dance Group), and she graciously offered me half her bed at the Hotel Durant for free! How could I not go?

Anyway, I had an incredible visit. Albeit, far too brief. What an amazing city. Colourful, liberal, hill-y, intelligent and strangely un-American. And did I mention how amazing the coffee is? San Franciscans clearly get their coffee. Particularly, Blue Bottle Coffee, a funky hole-in-the-wall located in an alley (yes, an alley) in the Hayes Valley district. The best cappucino I've ever had in my life. Accompanied by the perfect sized walnut shortbread and peanut butter cookies. I was transported to another dimension.

They also get their food. Local, seasonal and simple. The Ferry Plaza Market was dreamy. Jill and I also had a delicious meal (and a tantalizing Bloody Mary) at The Zuni Cafe.

Shopping of course was grand too. Next time, I plan to spend more time on Filmore Street. And there *will* be a next time, I assure you.

*Above pics of Blue Bottle Coffee and heirloom tomatoes at the Ferry Plaza Market.

Banksgiving

I' ve been somewhat irregular with the posts lately. Must do something about that.

I've got next to no time to say much of anything right now, as I'm at work and have a leadership training workshop to go to in 5 minutes. But I will say that Thanksgiving at the Banks was lovely. Mom, Dad, brother and sister-in-law, and Sarah and Tony.

Will write more later---specifically about the homestudy and my trip to San Fran.

For now, here's a pic of Banksgiving 2006.