First week of freedom...

It's day 3 of my 365 day vacation...and I have already stopped in at work. I have also checked in with the girls every day. But, just to see how they are doing. I know everyone is great, it's me that is having separation anxiety. However, I'm sure that it won't last long...right?

I was also told that I haven't updated my blog since I left work. So, Jenn this one's for you!

In my few days of being unemployed I have been rather busy. I've managed to spend a lot of time with friends and family including hitting West Edmonton Mall (Canada's largest shopping centre) to spend a few days with some great friends, attend a wedding, lunch dates with friends, visit my nephews school and the list goes on. And here I thought I may get a wee bored. Nope. I don't think that will happen. Well for a few weeks at least.

Out on the town with one of my Besties!

Three great girlfriends and I spending a weekend away.
Shopping of course!

BEST wedding decor EVER! And of course best favours.
Who doesn't LOVE home-made jam.

Despite all the fun I have been having visiting with family and friends,  I have started to contemplate packing. Yes. I. Said. Packing. Although I still have about three weeks till the big departure date I figure nothing like the present to get everything I will need for the next year into 1 suitcase. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I said 1 suitcase.

Here's the deal. We fly on a domestic airline from Edmonton to Vancouver then we board our international flight. And on this particular domestic airline you are only allowed to check 1 bag, a second will cost you. And, since I am currently unemployed with no income, I have chosen to see if I can strategically pack all my belongings into 1, yes 1 large suitcase. For some reason however I am doubting my ability to fit everything into just 1. In reality I will more than likely cave and pay the charge for a second bag, let's be realistic I will be taking more than one pair of shoes.

Now, I am curious, if you were leaving for 1 year, what are some of the things you would insist on taking with you?

Living without my stuff...

Yes I know it's been awhile since I last blogged. And...no I don't have an excuse. But, I am pleased to report that I have officially moved out of my own pad and into my sisters. I will also report that her house is much different than mine.

The 'positives':

1. There is edible food in the fridge
2. Coffee is always on
3. I get to spend time with my two favourite nephews
4. Natty is so busy she hasn't chewed a pair of shoes for a week and a half
5. I have my own bedroom and bathroom...no sharing with the two boys and having to wash the seat every time I sit down
6. Getting to spend the last month with my sister and her family.

The 'negatives':

1. Sometimes the food seems to disappear...who knew five people could eat so much food
2. I may or may not have pushed the wrong button on the coffee maker instigating a tiff between my sister and I...sigh...but we are sister's so tiff's occur on a regular basis
3. Although I love my nephews sometimes a girl needs her quiet time
4. Natty is not as pretty since living on the acreage...she is starting to turn into a real 'farm' dog
5. Sometimes the boys use my bathroom
6. Saying good-bye after spending a month with my sister and her family.

So, now that I have made myself at home, in a new home, I am beginning to learn to live without my stuff. It's just stuff right? It's amazing how one can get attached to stuff. Stuff like, your own bed, your own dishes, your own couch and television, is nothing compared to time spent with those you care about. I don't want to be attached to stuff and I am hoping along this journey that I come to the realization that I don't need any of it.

That being said...I do have a lot of stuff...and we stuffed it all into a small 10x10 storage unit. I hired movers and upon first assessment of all my things and once they found out I only had a 10x10 unit, they forewarned me that all my stuff may not fit. So as they moved everything into storage I stood there with my fingers crossed hoping that everything would fit because if it didn't that would mean I would have to get rid of some of my stuff. Well it fit. Barely.