Eight Things That Happened Today:

1. Daniel hugged me on the corner of Hastings and Main. The sun was shining and it was a perfect moment.

2. Her mother owns a flower shop in Alberta. I remind her of home, I remind her of comfort.

3. A woman abandons a pair of sneakers. Even though I witnessed the action take place, I remain curious of the why. How long will they sit, one on the curb, and one in the gutter.

4. Dean comes to visit. He has five days left in re-hab then he is getting the hell out of here. I lend him ten dollars even though after three years here I know better. I remain hopeful.

5. For the first time in five years I am not in love or excited about the idea. I am satisfied.

6. Yuen walks by, in a baseball cap, white lighter held tight in her fist. She is beautiful despite hard choices. Her face enlightens my afternoon.

7. The bottle lady passes by she wishes me "Happy New Year" in Chinese even though it is May. She will still be wishing in October.

8.The shoes are gone, it took about forty-five minutes. Nothing lasts forever.