Silence is golden?

Well, the secret is almost out. It's almost official that I'm leaving work and it's almost okay to talk about this adventure openly. On Wednesday I had a chat with my boss about changes in the branch and time lines involved with those changes. I wasn't going to give notice until August 2nd when my manager comes back from vacation, but given the subject matter of the conversation I was in, I decided it was probably best to let the boss know. He was supportive and asked lots of questions and though my hands were shaking the whole time, it went really well. I typed up a resignation letter to give him but until my manager comes back, I have to continue to keep it under wraps. And it's killing me! I want to put it on Facebook and I want to be able to share all the details with co-workers without having to whisper. I want to take boxes home and a roll of bubble wrap...all things that will raise eyebrows and cause questions.

Sigh. Silence is actually rather blue.

A lesson learned...already?

Brandon's mom bought us our backpacks yesterday and they're a very welcome and super exciting sight in the house - or at least they are for me. Now I can practice packing!


Brio Backpacks from MEC

And speaking of packing, I've been thinking a lot lately about the subject. The house is relatively easy to pack, it's just a matter of getting going. But how does one pack to live for a year abroad? The longest I've ever been away is two weeks and in that case, recycling outfits without having to wash them was no problem. I even bought cheap underwear and socks and just threw them in the garbage every day. Not so practical on this adventure. 

Clothing is the first thing I think of. And I think it's best to prepare for the worst - a winter relatively close to what we have here, a whole lot of rain and a little sun thrown in for good measure later in the year. So pants and sweaters, a few pairs of shorts and maybe a nice dress for me and a suit for Brandon, just in case. Seeing the backpacks I actually think we'll be okay for space. Mine is 60L, his is 70L and they're actually quite big inside, especially if we fold and roll things correctly. But then there's footwear, toiletries, electronics, warm weather wear for if we end up travelling somewhere sunny, instruments, a kilt for Brandon, warm coats...etc, etc, etc.

But then what about bedding and such? We'll rent a furnished flat in Glasgow, but does furnished include things like sheets and pillows? What about towels for the bathroom...blankets...dish rags...tea towels? I'm inclined to say that they won't be included but rather than try to bring it all along, we should probably just find a thrift store when we're there and buy all these sorts of things. Same applies to dishes and other kitchen stuff. The budget will be tight so I'm prepared to live a whole lot simpler than we do now, but there are a few obvious essentials that we're going to need.

I think this is something I'm just going to have to let go of.

Wow, did I actually just say that? I know, shocking. But I'm starting to learn that it's okay to not know all the answers and it's also okay to find those answers as we go along. That's not to say that I'm going to throw all planning out the window and just go with it. The lists are growing nearly daily. But leaving a few unanswered questions is adding more excitement and more anticipation to this journey.

In the mean time, anyone ever packed for a long, long trip before? Any ideas?

And in other news, I just found out that a favourite former co-worker, who is now a favourite current customer, is going to be on the same flight as us to London! Small world!

Seventy sleeps

We have a deadline. We fly away on September 22nd. Holy crap, this is real.

And we have the beginnings of a plan. While discussing flights and our options of days to leave, Brandon mentioned something about wanting to start this adventure off with a bang. Why not begin with a bit of a holiday? So instead of flying direct to Glasgow, we're saving a rather large chunk of money and flying instead to London. We'll spend a few days there to do all the touristy stuff and then make our way north.

And I'm not sure if it was because I'd had half a Caesar or if it was the thought of returning to London, but I'm surprisingly completely okay with this. Usually I'm a direct-flight-only, do-not-deviate-from-the-plan kind of girl. But I told Brandon I'm completely fine with getting there, having some fun, and then letting him figure out how to get us to Glasgow when we're ready to go. Judging from his reaction, I think that may have been one of the best things I've ever said to him!

So, let the countdown begin!

Pity? Party of one?

How can one be so sleepy after a long weekend? Two parades on Friday, two days of intense house and yard work on Saturday and Sunday, and hosting a dinner for 9 last night. That's how. I am one tired girl today. I was very nearly late for work due to turning off the alarm instead of hitting snooze and it's been quiet on the sample front today which is never conducive to staying alert and motivated. Top this all off with an appointment at the lab after work and having to come to work early tomorrow to do the cleaning and I am having one happy Monday.

Welcome to my pity party!

In happier news though, Crystal and Mick brought us some boxes on Saturday so we can start some initial packing soon. That dinner for 9 went really well, Brandon will be home when I get there tonight, the sun is shining again today...maybe I just need to suck it up a little bit. And have a glass of wine with supper...