16,265km
That’s how far it is between Melbourne and Toronto. It’s not the furthest I’ve lived from home. The internet tells me that Glasgow is around 700km further, but it’s still a hell of a long way from here and in one month’s time, I’ll be on my way.
It still feels a bit surreal. Like it’s not happening to me. I’m not as organised for the USA part of the trip as I would like to be, but I’ll get there. There are still things to book, but the flights are done and the test pack of my suitcase tells me that there’s room to buy some new clothes that I so desperately need. I have decided that Boxing Day will be ‘Get Organised’ day. (December 26 for those who don’t get Boxing Day) It’s probably a good thing to set that day, really, as it’s usually one of my most motivated days of the year. Last year I painted my office on my own.
I’m emotionally ready for this trip. It’s been a long time coming and it’s just so awesome that I made a goal and am actually able to achieve it, and so long as everyone pays me what they owe, I will have more than what I need in monetary terms, which will also be a weight off. I won’t make the $20,000 I was aiming for, but that was more than I needed anyway. It was a nice round, and very ambitious goal and having it helped me to get as far as I have.
I hope this trip will help keep me inspired and find where I’m meant to be. It’s nearly time to say my goodbyes and get ready for a lot of friendly hellos from new and old friends and to find that adventure that I’ve been missing.
If we can just get through Birthday/Christmas week, I think we’re going to be ok.
x
More Good News
So today was my US visa appointment. I was pretty nervous. Most people who had been through the process told me that it was more of a formality than anything, but still, I was nervous.
All my plans were riding on being able to get it, so I really didn’t want to get my hopes up that it would be a straightforward process in case it was anything but. It took over an hour, most of it was waiting for my turn. You see three different people for different stages of the interview and having your fingerprints taken. The one thing I noticed, is how long an hour and a half is without my iPhone to distract me.
The people at the Consulate were lovely though, and in fabulous news my tourist visa was approved! Yay! Massive tick in that box! And now the ball can well and truly roll. I can now look at booking accommodation and flights and confirming meet ups with friends. And most importantly, try to reach the 100% mark on my savings. Tomorrow on the blog I will have a fun way for you to help me reach that goal! Woo!
After my visa interview, I took the tram back into the city and after a pit stop for some lunch, I decided to have a look in David Jones (a department store) for my suitcase. I really didn’t think I’d be able to get it today is it was a bit out of my budget (as so many awesome things are), but I thought I’d look anyway. I initially got lost in the wrong David Jones store – travelgoods are in the Men’s store not with the handbags – but I eventually found them and there it was. That suitcase I’d been researching and wishing for for months, all pretty and neon green and in the size I wanted.
It was the Medium – I have realised that the only way I can curb my over packing habit is to take a smaller suitcase. There’s a method to my madness, I promise.
So I enquired about the price and asked if it was on sale. I always feel a bit icky about this, so it took me a while to ask. But even though it wasn’t, the gentleman serving me asked if I had seen it on special anywhere else, and I had. I knew exactly the price and he asked to see the site and offered to price match!! Woohoo! Luck was clearly on my side today! I tested the zips and the lock and checked for damage, all good – so I bought it!
I gave it a test drive around Melbourne before taking it home. Over tram tracks, on and off busy trams, weaving in and out of the slow walking tourists on Swanston St and it was just a breeze. It moved with me and I never had to drag it. Because it has 4 spinning wheels you push it rather than pull. I had no trouble with it on the train or over the steep overpass. I can’t wait to take it on this trip with me and give it a run through the airports.
Hooray for lucky days! I hope tomorrow can be as good too!!
How was your day? I hope some luck found you too!
x
Where to Start
I don’t know about you, but I seem to be missing that part of my brain that tells me the difference between crazy, but good ideas and crazy, step-away-from-the-computer-slowly ideas. And it’s making me indecisive. Which is highly annoying.
I have ticked many of the important (for actually moving) things off the list, but I’m stuck for where to go and what to do next. I keep looking around at my things and seeing them as a giant to-do list. What comes to Canada. What gets stored in Australia. What goes to charity or a new home and what to just get rid of. I feel like every moment I’m not doing something that helps make this transition easier, is time I’m going to regret not using later.
I reached a major milestone in getting past the 75% mark to 77% of my savings goal. Yep, 77% of the way to $20,000! Yay! When I first wrote about wanting to make this move to Canada, I never really thought it was possible, but it turns out that it is. I am now a bit stuck as to how to bring in that last 23% in a way that feels right.
I want to do something creative. Something that’s fun. Something that people can be and feel a part of. I guess I struggle with it being all about me. That’s a bit boring, and as the quietest person in my large family, it feels a bit weird.
I think I have an idea that could work. I’m still trying to work out how to share it the best way possible. I’m not the greatest with building up to something, I am more of a ‘I had this brilliant idea, here it is’, but that might not be the best way to go. I am asking a few people for their ideas on it, I’m learning to ask for help (as hard as that is, I hate to bother anyone), and I’m hoping to have it available soon! Hopefully it’s in the good crazy ideas and not the uh-oh ones.
I love that this isn’t a crazy dream anymore and I can’t wait to share my process around the paperwork and the organising with you as soon as I can. It’s wonderful to realise that something you’ve worked hard for is paying off.
Do you ever feel a bit lost as to where to start?
