I’m sitting at twenty days out from the 23 hour journey to the land down under. I’ve quit my job and now it’s down to just selling stuff, cleaning up our flat, saying our goodbyes and packing up our lives into a backpack.
People keep asking if I’m excited yet; whether or not it has hit me – the answer is nope; not yet. I don’t know if it will seem real until I’m buckled into the airplane seat. It’s been words for so long that to think it’s actually happening just seems absolutely surreal.
Twenty days. It seems like a lot of time. But it’s also not very much at all. Before I know it I’m going to have my bags packed and on my way to the airport. So that being said, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’m leaving behind here in Canada.
-
My Cat
This is my kitty. His name is Iker Catsillas (for any of you soccer fans he’s named after the spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas). I’ve grown up having a cat in the house since before I can remember; but, Iker is the first cat I call my own. I rescued him when he was a little guy, he was left behind in a bucket with his siblings. He has the most character I have ever seen out of a cat. He plays fetch, he spoons with my while I read my book at night and he will give me high fives. He’s going to be one of the hardest things to say goodbye to when we head to Australia. Luckily my lovely parents will adopt him from me and take care of him (I know you’re reading this mom and dad, thank you, you rock!). So if anyone in Brisbane is reading this, I would love to give your cat some cuddles! 😉 #crazycatlady
2. The Rocky Mountains
Australia is gorgeous. I love the sea. I love the sun. But . . . I also love the mountains, and as far as mountains go, Canada does them freaking well. As soon as Kels and I decided we wanted to pack up and head to Aus, we also decided to dedicate our last summer in Canada to the mountains. We took the four hour drive at least once a month (sometimes more) to go on a weekend getaway. We did more hikes in Banff, Jasper and Waterton National Park this last year than I have my entire life. I have fallen so deeply in love with how the mountains make me feel that I 100% know that I will miss these big rocky beauties.
3. My Parents
I’m a homebody through and through when it comes down to my parents. Free evening? Dinner at the parents. Need my taxes done? Mom’s on it. Sore body and needing a hot tub? Over to the parent’s place. You name it and they are there for me. My mom is my best friend, she will listen to my problems and always be there for me. I like to pretend I’m a grown up – but you best believe I’ll cry at the airport saying goodbye to my mommy and daddy.
4. Our Waffle Maker
Now, as weird as this may sounds – waffles have played a big role in the relationship of Kels and I. We bonded over waffles, I through him a BYOT (Bring Your Own Topping) surprise waffle party for his birthday one year, plus we have a sweet as waffle maker. So yeah, I may miss that waffle maker.
and of course,
5. My Friends
And I refuse to post a photo for this one, because I have way to many friends that I am going to miss and I don’t want someone reading this thinking that because their photo wasn’t included that I won’t miss them – because I will. I have so many people in my life who bring a smile to my face constantly. So many people who are such strong and passionate individuals who I am proud to call friends ( you all know you who are, I’ll miss you and let’s schedule skype dates). ❤
I’m sure that once I am on the other side of the world I will find many more things to miss. But I’m also going to find so many new things to enjoy and fall in love with (Hellooooo sunshine, ocean and aussie coffee).
Even after writing this post, the adventure awaiting doesn’t seem real. So I guess all I can do until then is take advantage of my time here in Canada, cuddle my cat, spend time with my friends and family and eat waffles for every meal ;).
LET THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUE 🙂
