SANDRINA & GUUJII

For some time now I have shared my home, on and off, with other people.  I prefer it to living alone. My whole adult life I’ve had an open door policy at home. In my own way I’ve always been building an intentional family-and often been referred to as the social coordinator.

I currently share my home with a lovely dog companion named Guujii (Oo-gee) He is a Belgian Tervuren who will be five in May. For people who don’t know the breed I describe him as looking like a cross between a long-haired Shepard and a collie. His colour is called grey with black overlay. Guujii is a Haida word meaning wolf. I think he looks similar to a wolf and I was spending time in the Charlottes when he came to live with me thus the Haida connection.  

I like to travel and would like to do a lot more of it which is one of the reasons the co-op housing appeals to me. I dislike leaving Guujii behind and don’t feel as bad if I can leave him in his own environment with people who know his routine and care about his well being. He is a very social dog and I know he would love to have more people to pay attention to him and I have to say I do find him somewhat demanding sometimes so it would take the pressure off me as well.

What brings a smile to my face when I think about the co-op are the incredible meals we will share and the fact that I will also share the cost of the food and other expenses which will create more financial freedom. We intend to share cars as well and to eliminate the use of as many cars in our household as we can by using the public transit and walking more.

This experience will give me the opportunity to downsize and simplify my life considerably. The thought of sharing the decision making and workload of a household makes me joyful.

I am a pretty private person so living in a home with 5 other units will present me with opportunity to grow, the step out of my comfort zone and to lighten up. Guujii on the other hand will not have a moment’s hesitation. I’m excited for him and the other dogs that will visit us. (Max and Finn)

I work at living a sustainable life - in my home and yard by conserving water, heat, electricity, not wasting food and xeriscaping my yard. I enjoy the outdoors, it is where I find my balance and centre, I love to hike in the hills, practice yoga and go to the beach with Guujii.

Hmmm....what else? Did I mention that I’ve left writing this entry until the last possible day….I promised my intentional family I would make an entry so, such as it is, here it is.

Sandi,

Sandra,

Sandrina Cecconi Baloni & Guujii, Nudge, Yub Yub Wolfie