Getting settled...

Most of you are probably wondering what I am doing to pass the time. Well...since I've only been here a few days it is safe to say that I haven't done a lot besides drink coffee in the morning, play cards at night, and drive around town with Ridley's Mom who I'll refer to as Momma Chen. But, hey I am just trying to get settled, used to the time difference, and climate change.

Awe. Life. Is. Good.

The other night we played Gin Rummy. I used to play tile rummy with my grandma years ago. We used to also play Kings in the Corner for money. Of course it was money from her penny stash and it was only four coins each. We never played for big money or our own for that matter. However, the other night we were ruthless. I of course was just learning so the first few rounds were 'free' however after that it was no holds bar. Ok, well maybe it wasn't that ruthless, but we still lost $10 Ringgits! That's about $3 CDN or what it would cost for two bowls of breakfast noodles at one of the many cafes in Miri.

Evening entertainment...Gin Rummy.

The day after our ruthless card game, Momma Chen and I went looking for a dresser since I am currently living out of my suitcases. We were lucky enough to find a nice white dresser for only $400 plus Ringgits or about $130 CDN and this morning I spent some time figuring out where to put said dresser.  So, when dresser got delivered Momma Chen and I were so proud that it fit perfectly into the spot we thought it should go. However, I knew our pride would be short lived when after the furniture movers left and we began to inspect the $130 dresser. It was then that we discovered one of the drawers wouldn't open and close properly. So, we sat and attempted to fix the prized dresser. We thought it best to try and fix it as good as we could before anyone else figured out our steal of a deal wasn't the best steal of a deal. More like the furniture store owners were probably jumping with joy when they saw us two eyeing up the pretty white dresser. Well, as it turned out the nice furniture people returned and fixed our ailing drawer. Phew. And now we have a pretty white dresser complete with three large drawers and two locked cabinets. But really, how nice was if of them to return, not once but twice to ensure the dresser was fixed and to our liking...all for $130 CDN.

Yes.

A. Steal. Of. A. Deal.

Pomelo fruit...

Native to Southeast Asia the pomelo fruit is the world's largest citrus fruit. And. Yes. I tried this yesterday. It is also referred to as the Chinese grapefruit, or not to be confused with jabong, pompelmous, or papanas among others names. Sigh. So many names for one large fruit. To put it simply it looks like a grapefruit and has the texture of a grapefruit, only larger and sweeter, much sweeter. To learn more about the pomelo and other Malaysian fruits check out: http://www.malaysiafruit.com/

Day 1...

And...we have finally arrived in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia...my new home for the next year. It was an interesting trek and so far we've learned a few key lessons...like always...always...book your seats well in advance of any trip. We spent the longest lag of our journey sandwiched between two other people in the middle of the plane. Even though it wasn't the most comfortable flight it still wasn't that bad...besides what really are you going to do on a 12 hour flight that left Canada at 1 am besides sleep. Oh. Ya. And watch movies. We also had a lot of time between flights, which is great if you don't want to miss your next connecting flight...however an almost 7 hour layover is a wee bit excessive. But we made it work. We entertained ourselves with people watching, napping, scrabble games on the iPad....oh ya and thank God for the iPad. We walked up and down the hall which helped stretch our legs and of course we ate. I think we had the best latte ever...may have even been better than Starbucks, but I didn't say that out loud, and of all places it was at the Taipei airport. Who would have thought. Oh ya and while there we were able to Skype with Leigha, and my Dad and Laurie. Oh how great technology is!

Ok...and now it's about time for a nap...so more to come soon!

3 more sleeps...

When my nephews were little we used to count down by the number of sleeps. Such as only 5 more sleeps till Santa comes. I'm certain that this is very common in many households. Although I don't have kids I am a wee bit excited for the adventure to begin so I have resorted to counting down in sleeps. It is much easier. However, I do remember when I was counting down weeks and months...and here we are with just 3 sleeps. Yes. 3. Sleeps. Eeekkk.

Now the panic is beginning to set in. Don't get me wrong, who wouldn't want a 365 day vacation. However, now that I only have let's see approximately 56 hours I have finally listed my vehicle, changed my address on a few things, half packed my suitcase and attempted to get my international drivers license. Not like leaving everything till the last minute. Technically I changed my address via Canada Post a few weeks back, but am just getting around to having it changed at the bank etc. And it probably wouldn't be that big of a deal if their 1-800 actually worked. Instead I call and call and nothing. Not even a ring. Sigh.

I also stopped to get my international drivers license today but was horrified to find out they actually need a photo. And today was not my best day. So, I will go again tomorrow. The girl at the counter even said "you can go to the washroom and fix your hair if you want." For the record I had a hat on. But I politely declined and told her that wouldn't help and that I would return tomorrow ready for a photo shoot.

Now over the course of the next few days I am taking it all in. I am visiting a few friends, finishing my errands, finishing packing, and making sure I get lots of hugs and kisses from my favourite nephews. Yes, I will miss it all here but it's an adventure that I can't miss out on.

How to plan for a 1 year vacation...

In 20 days I will be travelling across the globe to Malaysia. Yes. 20. Days. For 1 year. Yes. 1. Year.

Over the last few days I have had several people ask me what I have done to get ready to hit the road for a year. To tell you the truth it has been easier than I initially thought. At first I felt overwhelmed and wasn't sure where to begin. But, thankfully I had so much support from family and friends that the planning didn't seem too complicated. However, if you ask them they may tell you different, and therefore I will not divulge any names of individuals who helped me get organized. They may or may not tell you that there were many times I had moments of sheer panic. There could have been times in which I was consumed and overwhelmed with my 'to do' lists. There also may or may not have been times in which I wasn't sure whether I would ever check everything off my 'to do' list.

Okay. So getting back to the preparation phase. First thing was first and I received a leave of absence from work. Check. One thing I didn't have to worry about and was overjoyed with the fact that I will be able to travel the world and return to a great job. Then it was investigating immigration. Check. Since I wasn't going to be working and travelling to various locations immigration wasn't as worrisome as if I were going to be relocating due to employment. This part was easy. Have passport. Will travel. Check. Then there was the renting out of my house. Advertise house. Screen tenants. Which I could probably write a novel on. Note to potential renters...don't stand at the front door and continue to talk about your past employment, past relationships, financial difficulties or pets that you didn't mention during the initial application. Note to potential landlords...always continue to visit with potential tenants before they leave the rental unit you will also uncover something of interest. Sigh.

Okay. And back to getting ready. Two months before I depart I had my place rented out, which was a relief. I have put all my belongings into storage. Purchased medical insurance, storage insurance, continued my long term and short term disability insurance...I think I could become or should become a broker after all the insurance I have purchased.

And now, the last 'to do' items on my list is sell vehicle and pack suitcase. Now, this may make me go crazy. Packing a suitcase for one year will be a challenge. I am the Queen of indecisiveness when it comes to clothing. How does a girl truly know what she will want to wear every day. But, I have to remember that I can always go shopping...but then again on what budget...

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.