Rejuvenation

Hurray!  In just a few minutes we get to embark on another "small adventure along the way" as we head up to my in-laws cabin in the Adirondacks.  One of my best girlfriends is flying in (in just under an hour!), we're picking her up from the airport and driving away.

It's going to be a great weekend with the hubby's parents, my great friend, and each other.  I plan to hike, paddle, drink, read, maybe swim, run, eat, write, and relax.

It is sure to be a much-needed time of rejuvenation.

I wonder what our lives will be like when we're on our long-term adventure.  What will we need to "rejuvenate" when we're on the road constantly? 

Rejuvenation for us tends to mean getting out of our routine, clearing our minds of all the things we "have" to do, spending time with the people we love or alone with each other, and oftentimes we both find great rejuvenation from spending time outdoors, in nature. 

I'm guessing there will be a few splurges on decent hotel rooms where we just hang out, relax, and enjoy each other's company.  Maybe we'll find a hidden place to camp in the middle of nature away from it all.  Maybe it will be enough to sit on a beach gazing at the calming ocean for an hour. Maybe getting away from the day-to-day of work, chores, errands, and home stressors will be enough and the whole trip will be one big period of rejuvenation.

What rejuvenates you?

Life Changes

I have to apologize for being MIA for a little while.  We had our big garage sale last week (post coming soon!) and about a week and a half ago I found out some news that has already begun to change my life and kept me pretty occupied during my free time.

I tested positive (through a blood test) for Celiac Disease.  There's a lot to it, but the basic outcome is that I can no longer eat gluten.  This means that I can't eat anything containing wheat, barley or rye, but it's much more complicated than that because gluten is in A LOT of things.  I'm not just eliminating bread, baked goods, and pizza, I also have to look for special soy sauce, eat oatmeal from a "certified" gluten free manufacturer, and check the labels of everything I eat.  Gluten can be hiding everywhere and I'm only just beginning to figure it all out.

In addition, I could easily "cheat" and suffer the short term consequences of not feeling well the next day, but there are much scarier long-term effects that eating gluten can have on a Celiac's body.  Basically, Celiac Disease (CD) is an auto-immune disease in which the small intestine attacks itself when gluten is digested.  So, not following a gluten-free diet when you have CD can lead to other auto-immune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, cancer and other problems.

If the short-term affects weren't enough to make me want to change my lifestyle the day I found out about CD, thinking about the potential long-term damage definitely keeps me motivated to learn as much as possible and start changing the way I eat for good.

It's only been a little over a week, but I've already run a gamut of emotions.  On one hand I feel empowered that I can control my health and this "disease" by simply eating a certain way, on the other hand it's overwhelming and frustrating to have so much to learn and so many labels to read before I put anything in my mouth. 

It's made me a little nervous to think about how I will deal with it when we embark on our journey around the world - especially when I think about real Italian pasta...

But, I'll cross that bridge when I get there, and for now it's just a constant "adventure" as I like to call it.  I do love to learn, so I enjoy reading up on it all - but that doesn't keep me from feeling sorry for myself some days, or sad that I'll never eat a real piece of pizza again.  Overall, I'm trying to stay positive and focus on all the things that I love that I can still eat...popcorn, strawberries, many kinds of ice cream, yogurt, broccoli, most chocolate, etc.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you or anyone you know have CD or follow a gluten-free diet?  I'd love for you to share any resources, tips, or ideas, whether they relate to travel or simply day-to-day life.

Cloud of Words




Using some of the commonly published words in my blog, I created this awesome word cloud! 
I love it and it's free!!!
Check out www.wordle.net to create your own!

 

Every Little Bit

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As I've mentioned before, the hubby and I are getting quite diligent about saving money in all the ways we can - even little things.  We have also started clearing out and figuring out how to make a little money from the stuff we don't need or want to hang on to.  Here are a few things I'm doing to make a little extra cash (every little bit helps!!).

1. Next weekend we are hosting a garage/yard sale.  Current status:  Pending.  Hopefully we get rid of a lot of stuff and make some cash.  Whatever isn't sold will be donated.
2. With the help of my Mom who's an experienced eBay seller, I'm listing some of my better clothes, shoes, jewelry and more on this site to hopefully get decent chunks of change while cleaning out my closet!  Current status:  Just this week buyers snatched up two pairs of shoes, making me over $60!
3. I've listed a bunch of books on Amazon.com.  Current status:  I just posted the listings on Thursday night, but I've already sold one book!  I'll only make a few dollars from this, but if I can sell more, it will add up! (AND...it's more money that I would have made if I donated it!)
4. I'm contemplating selling some of my artwork (A year ago I began taking painting classes and I just love it!  I don't have a ton of pieces, but there are some that I'm not completely attached to.  It would be great to not only make a little money, but to know that someone likes my work enough to pay money for it!)  Current status:  Figuring out what I would sell and how.  Etsy?  Word of mouth? 
5. I tried selling a bunch of clothes at a consignment shop - not successful.  Apparently everything I took in was over a year and a half old, so it doesn't matter if it's in great shape.  Current status:  Pretty disillusioned with the whole consignment shop thing.  I might try others, especially for some of my work clothes, but at this point it seems more lucrative to pull out the good stuff for posting on eBay.
6. We are keeping our ears open for people who are looking for some larger items (futon, bookshelf, small kitchen table and chairs) so that we can sell them.  If we don't get anywhere with that, we will list them on Craigslist.  Current status:  Holding pattern.  I sent a few pics and prices to a friend, but she is waiting to make a decision.  If she doesn't want anything, we'll move forward with Craigslist.

It's a great feeling to clean out, and an even better feeling to get a little cash reward for not too much effort!

Purging tip:  Over the last few years I've gotten better about getting rid of stuff, but sometimes it's still tough for me because I am indecisive.  It's been a lot easier for me to make decisions about purging items when I think about packing everything up for storage in a few months!  The more we get rid of now, the less we have to pack, move, and store (and unload some time down the road!)  If you are trying to clean out, try to figure out something that inspires you to really move stuff out.  Maybe you are moving to a new house?  Or having a baby and need more room?  Or maybe you just feel cluttered and don't want to end up on an episode of Hoarders!?  Try to think about how you will feel down the road, when you have tackled this project and can see the back of that closet or open those drawers easily. There is always a good reason for cleaning out and keeping life a little more simple.  You just have to figure out the reason that means something to you and will keep you motivated to clear out!  One other tip I've heard that I think is a great one:  If you haven't worn it/used it/looked at it in over a year, it's probably safe to say you aren't going to miss it!  Get rid of it! 

I'm in Love with a City

Is there a city you've been to that you fell in love with?  A city that you've pictured yourself living in?  A city that you feel connected to and a tinge of homesickness for even though you haven't actually spent more than a few days or weeks there?  A city that, for some reason, really got to you?  A city you feel in tune with, it's energy in sync with your own personal spirit?

For me, that city would be Sydney, Australia.

I love Australia in general and could talk to anyone for hours about how amazing it is, and all of the places to see, the wonderful, friendly people, and amazing scenery and diversity.  I studied abroad at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia in 2004.  While there, I visited Sydney for about four days.  That's all it took.

I fell in love.  I had a daydream of working in one of the glamorous-looking restaurants after graduating college while I figured out my next step.  I would live in an apartment building close to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and that would be my "neighborhood." 

Well, that didn't happen due to lots of other exciting events that came my way.  However, Sydney got in my blood and I knew I'd be back...sooner than later.  The opportunity presented itself in 2011, when I was invited to be a bridesmaid in my Australian friend's wedding in Brisbane.  The hubby and I made it an extended trip - and we couldn't return to the land down under without a stay in Sydney.

It was on this visit that I got a clearer picture of my infatuation with Sydney, although some of it is still inexplicable...there's just something about it.  But what I was able to identify was that Sydney, despite its size, is an extremely walkable city.  It's super clean.  It's also just gorgeous. It's hugged by water on one end with easy access to several amazing beaches.  The public transportation is fun - there's variety!  Take a cab, a train, a bus or a ferry!  You have many choices depending on where you're going.
As a lover of Sydney, I'd like to share three fun, hopefully unique ideas for what to do when you visit.  (Because, after hearing my enthusiasm, you really want to go there now, right?!) 

1. Sydney Walkabout
When you're in Sydney, there are a lot of sights you are going to want to see because, yes, they are the "touristy" things to do and you can't visit without seeing them.  But instead of going on some guided tour, take the opportunity to let yourself wander.  Get lost.  Ask the locals for directions.  Some of the best memories are created when you lose yourself, so let go, and devote an entire day (about 10 hours should be more than sufficient and include time for a couple refreshment stops) to just going.  Start your morning in Circular Quay (pronounced "key"), with a cup of coffee (real coffee, none of that "percolated" stuff as the Aussies might refer to it).  You can sit or walk, but take the time to absorb what's around you:  the ferries coming and going in the key, hurried professionals on their way to the office, tourists like yourself soaking it all in, the colorful flowers in the grass, oh, and the inspiring architectural landmarks of the Opera House, which stands across the way from the Harbour Bridge.  (Look closely, you might see tiny people climbing the bridge!)  Take your time, take it all in.  When you're ready, head towards Darling Harbour, another area of the city recognized by tourists.  It's the home of many restaurants, shops, bars, museums, theatres, and more.  If you're hungry, stop along the way at a place that catches your attention.  Or ask that guy buying his morning paper what he recommends.  This day is all about the journey.  Yes, the destination is awesome too, but if you're new to this whole wandering thing, enjoy it.  Let go, relax, take your time and simply go.  Soak it all in, you never know what you'll find.  I'm not going to suggest any specific restaurants or stops, because I want you to discover the city for yourself....it's so easy to do here.

2. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
An approximately 9km walk, it takes between three and four hours, depending on how many times you stop for pictures and detours!  The path can be a little rocky at times, but it is accessible to most tourists.  At the bus station, tell them you want to get to The Spit, in Seaport. It's about a 20 minute ride from the CBD (Central Business District). When you get off the bus, cross the street and you will find the start of a trail, with a nice sign letting you know you're in the right place.  The trail takes you past jealousy-inducing waterfront homes with breathtaking views, past aboriginal carvings, up to points that give you amazing vantage points of the city, with detours that take you down to small, secret-feeling beaches, and finally deposits you in Manly Beach, one of the more famous beaches, with a bustling Corso that's home to heaps of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.  Hang out here for the day and grab a bite to eat and a stubby (bottle of beer). Try a Toohey's or XXXX (pronounced "four x"), avoid Foster's, which any Aussie will tell you is NOT Australian for beer, but "Australian for crap." When you're ready, catch one of the frequently running ferries back to Circular Quay.  I don't want to give too much away, but here are a few of my favorite shots from our walk.

3.  Circular Quay at Sunrise
If you've never been to Sydney, you might wonder why you need to go to Circular Quay so much and what's so great about seeing the Opera House at sunrise if you've already seen it during the day.  Well, that's because you haven't been there yet. On your first day (especially if it's your first day in the country after a long flight), you'll probably wake up early anyway due to jet lag so this is the perfect day for this suggestion.  If not, do it your last day, and leave Sydney with a fantastic memory and some stunning photos.  There's something magical about watching the city wake up, even if you're still waking up yourself.

These are just three of the many, many things I would suggest to someone visiting Sydney, but they definitely deserve their spot in my "Top 3."  So, when you start planning your Australian Adventure - let me know! 

This is my submission for the ’3 Things in the City’ I Love contest by Velvet Escape, Traveldudes and Wimdu.co.uk.

Embracing Independence = Better Together

I can be very social and extroverted, however, I'm also independent, enjoying and even craving time on my own.  Whether it's to work out, read, write, paint, or just veg out, I like to have time to myself each week, aside from time with my hubby, friends, and family.

My husband is very understanding of this, and enjoys his alone time as well.  We both realize that our time apart gives us time to recharge ourselves, and brings us a greater appreciation for each other and enjoyment of the time we spend together.

I'm curious how these characteristics will affect me (and us) during our RTW adventure. 

I've read a few things about how important it is, when on an extended trip with another person (no matter who it is), to make sure each person is able to take some time for themselves.  Whether that means enjoying a morning cappuccino at an outdoor cafe solo, visiting separate attractions if they don't appeal to both people, spending a day apart exploring a new area, or even taking small side trips to different places for a short period of time, it's important to give yourself and the other person the time needed to reflect and re-energize as an individual.

It's hard to know what things will be like as we progress along our long-term trip, and how the journey will affect us.  We may be fine spending a lot of uninterrupted time together, adjusting to the circumstances and finding we don't need as much time to ourselves on our trip as we do in our lives here.  Or we may still need a regular amount of time alone, and be able to find easy ways to get enough of this time through small breaks or simply wanting to do different things than the other at the same time.  We may find that we are each craving a little adventure on our own at some point and spend several days exploring different places.

Like so much of this upcoming journey, we won't really know until we are out there, "living the dream."

No matter how it all plays out, I feel stronger knowing that we are aware of our needs for independence at times.  We are able to be completely honest with each other, and keep from offending the other because we know and expect to need to find ways to have our own space every now and then.  That way, we embrace our time as individuals while ensuring that as a couple we truly are "Better Together.**"

**"Better Together" is a song by Jack Johnson that the hubby and I both really like and was one of our favorites early on in our dating life.  It spoke to us, as we endured a long-distance relationship for much of our time before we got married.