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Last night, Bumblebae and I played a boardgame called Cashflow by Robert Kiyosaki. He bought this game off someone from Kijiji.

I was not interested whatsoever in wanting to learn how to play the game but Bumblebae was insistent. He was so pumped being able to find the game because he is so interested in real estate and desperately wants to retire early.

I couldn’t say no to him. He set everything up and made me sit and listen. I was bored and easily distracted.

The game is about trying to get out of the rat race (which everyone starts off in).

Rat race – a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power. to eventually live the dream.

Isn’t that what most of us want- to live the dream? Most of us probably don’t even see ourselves being part of any race. I’m not even sure if people have a specific dream in mind that they want to obtain. I think most of us just work until the age of retirement. But what about all the time spent getting to retirement? Isn’t that important too? Aren’t there things we want to do before we retire? Why do we always hear, ‘I can wait until I retire to do this or do that’? Why are we waiting for a time that may not even happen?

I never thought of myself in any sort of rat race. At least I never considered it. I was a, ‘work until I get full pension then retire and enjoy life’.

I want to enjoy life now….while I can. 30 years from now I may have to wear adult diapers, my eyes might start failing me, my body may be too weak to go for long hikes, spicy foods may irritate my stomach, etc. Bumblebae really got me to open my eyes wider (not literally since I have small Asian eyes, but metaphorically) about all the possibilities there are and that I am not limited like how I thought I was.

I could see why Bumblebae would be interested in this game. He’s always searching for ways to earn passive income so he could enjoy life the way he wants to without having to worry about money. He really loved Kiyosaki’s ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad‘ book and he’s been wanting to find a way to retire early. So, no brainer.

Back to the game – there are a lot of calculations involved.

I’m Asian but I hate math. Shocking, I know! It’s simple math really but I was not interested at all. Everything is simplified so the math is super easy. I pouted and was easily distracted. There was a lot of erasing on the paper which annoyed me cause it was just messy. By the end, the paper was so filled with so many numbers and scribbles and what not that I’m pretty sure some of my calculations incorrect. Plus, it was past 10pm which is past my regular bed time! I was also high so this probably didn’t help matters.

We honestly didn’t even play the game correctly but we definitely got the gist of it.
It was surprisingly fun. I learned quite a bit and more importantly, I won. Did I win because I was good and made wise decisions or was my math all wrong and I inadvertently cheated? We will never know.

Cashflow is a really basic game for those who are just beginning to learn about money management and who want to build their financial intelligence. I would definitely recommend this game to all high school and college students.

The paper and pencil thing was the worst part but it was manageable. You put your basic math skills to use while learning valuable life lessons that I wish I had learned 20 years ago. There are some things that are outdated and perhaps not realistic but making a board game about finances somewhat fun, not too shabby!

We played the original game but it’s been revamped and updated so maybe it’s even better!

Life is meant for good friends and great adventures

no one in particular

I’ve worked long enough at my current job where I now get 5 weeks of vacation. (Now that I’m working a .2EFT, this is a different story). Every few months I would take a week off to just get away from my job; to reset my mind and dying soul. In the winter I would make my way to an all-inclusive. And every winter, I would scramble to find someone, anyone, who would travel with me.

The majority of my travels have been with one other person. That ‘one other person’ has been someone different each time. There have been around 13 different people. It’s tough trying to find someone to travel with. Either I’m the worst travel buddy and no one wants travel with me more than once OR they’ve all gotten married and had kids and no longer want to travel OR we can’t get the same days off. I really hope the first one isn’t true. I’ve had to travel along a few times and not like it’s a bad thing, it’s just not what I prefer.

I like traveling with someone because I enjoy the company. I like to be able to share my experiences and excitement with others. You are able to build deeper connections with people who you share those inside stories with, stories that no one could really understand unless you were there.

I’m the type of traveler who wants to see everything! I am the epitome of a sightseer. I will plan out each day including the route that needs to be taken so that I can see more sites in the shortest amount of time. The reason for this is that I only have a week or so in one place and probably wouldn’t be coming back so I need to see it all. I try to make the most of my vacation. I don’t want to waste any time. I worked hard to have those days off! I don’t stand around for hours admiring statues or buildings or what not. I go, I see, I done. Next.

I’m a ‘been there, done that’ kind of gal. My time is limited. I also have FOMO.

It ends up being a tiring and hectic trip and I usually need a vacation from that type of vacation.

What does this say about myself? To me, its says I don’t really stop to appreciate what is around me. I see things for the sake of seeing things – to cross it off my checklist. Not necessarily because I want to see them but because it’s what the travel books and online blogs tell me to do. It’s what everyone suggests to do/see. Majority of the time I am unenthused with what I see.

I will likely google the top 10 things to do in so-and-so city. If its in the top 10, then it must be worth it and it is usually on my list of things to see.

Majority of my favorite memories from all my travels are the unexpected/unplanned adventures that aren’t on any top 10 lists. For example: almost being blown off the mountain trying to get to Reykjadalur Steam Valley in Iceland (we didn’t even make it because it the weather was not cooperative at all and we were soaking wet by the time we got back to the car); walking into a traditional spa in Spain after realizing how sore our feet and bodies were from so much walking and spending the entire evening there; going to a spa winery where we got so high and drunk that I don’t even know how we managed to get home safely in Bulgaria, etc.

If I’m at an all-inclusive though, I don’t go on excursions really. This is most likely due to the fact that I am a cheapo and excursions are pricey. I tend to do absolutely nothing but lay by the pool or beach and read. I get my tan on. This if far different from what I just mentioned. But, these are two completely different types of vacations. I still get up early to get in as much sun as I can though.

Bumblebae is not much of an all-inclusive vacation type person. He thinks it is such a waste of money because for the same amount, you can spend a month on a beach with super cheap food in a different country. I get it! I keep hearing how money goes so much further in Asia. This may be true, but to pay money to not have to think about anything else except making sure not to miss the plane and deciding what time I should eat my next meal is pretty relaxing. I am trying to escape work and home which means I do not want to think.

All-inclusive vacations are a no fuss, easy peasey lemon squeezy, pre-planned trip! I want to be able to close my mind of to the rest of the world. This type of vacation fits with my work schedule and is much easier to book and go to alone. At least this is what I have been telling myself.

Bumblebae is the opposite type of traveler from me. He would rather slowly take his time wandering the streets immersing himself in the culture.

Wouldn’t we all love that. To not have to worry about missing flights and making it to work on time to start your first shift back or to not having to get up at the break of dawn to get packing to head to the next destination or to meet the tour group – sounds lovely. Unfortunately many of us do not have that option. Taking months off at a time to travel, especially where I work…does not happen. I dont think they would even let you take a leave of absence to travel…

Sure, I could use up all my vacation days for one mega trip but, that’s only if my vacation is approved. If I did this, I would only really have one vacation a year. I’d have to endure going to work for 11 months straight with no break.

Omg, no thanks.

To be honest, I don’t even know if I can last being in one place for longer than a month. I’ve never had to do it before. Would I get bored easily? Would I know to slow down? What would I do if all I know is go go go?

What a silly first world problem I’ve created for myself.

So, what type of traveler are you?

The other day I came home to yet another gift. As I walked towards my computer in the living room to work on my blog, I saw a book I didn’t recognize on the coffee table.

The book was, Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts and Timothy Ferriss which I finished reading that night. It’s an easy read and although not new, I think it’s quite essential when starting a lifestyle that involves a lot of traveling for extended periods of time. Travel in general, actually.

The first several chapters of the book pretty much spoke directly to me. The words resonated with me. What I read comforted whatever fears I was having.

The third chapter was one of my favorites and what my post today is about because it really excites me. It’s titled, ‘Keep it Simple’, and its about minimizing!

Yas!

I love minimizing! Minimizing is my jam!

I am not a full blown minimalist whatsoever but getting rid of stuff…it soothes my soul.

I think all of my friends and family know how much I like to declutter and purge the house. I am a clutter purger. They think I have nothing left to get rid of. They are wrong. I can always find something to get trade/sell/donate/throw away. Random papers and junk mail is always an easy target. In our society, it is so easy to accumulate, and I’ve accumulate a lot!

The book talked about how in order to keep things simple, we need to reduce clutter – downsizing what you already own. Great! I’m already have one of the points this book suggests!

Because we plan on having a home base where we will spend half our year, I won’t downsize too much! But if we do decide to rent out, I need to keep everything simple and be able to move things out fast and easy if necessary.

I started really getting into decluttering right before I moved out of my house into my condo. I was packing my own stuff and paying a mover by the hour so I didn’t want to deal with so many boxes.

I started off with getting my books. Omg, how did I collect so many books? I donated books I read once- and didn’t intend on reading again- that spilled over two laundry baskets. When I looked at it all, I just thought about how much money I had spent on them and it disgusted me. All of that money could have gone towards a trip.

Recently I got rid another basketfull of books that I couldn’t get rid of the first time around. Right now, I have maybe 10 of my favorite books left on my shelf. I also have a few textbooks laying around that I may refer to but probably will end up googling whatever question I had… Those will be next to go.

I then went through my clothes…

I had clothes from over 15 years ago that didn’t even fit. I had clothes that made me question what the eff I was thinking when I purchased them. Other clothes still had tags. Zoikes.

I held my first clothing swap less than 10 years ago. I don’t know about you but I feel much better giving my expensive and some of my favorite clothes to people I know. I probably sound horrible but I guess that’s who I am. But, everything that didn’t get snatched up was then donated.

I’ve gone to three clothing swaps since then, passed clothes down to coworkers, donated clothes, gave clothes to my friends and yet, why do I still have so much? If you were to include all the shoes and jackets along with the clothes I gotten rid of over the last few years, I would say its amounted to well over 6 large suitcases full…probably more because I love jackets and shoes.

What I found helped when you’re not sure if you want to get rid of an article of clothing is to try it on. It’s helped me get rid of stuff I was holding onto hoping they would fit. Also, every time I buy a new article of clothing, I have to get rid of something old. I’ve noticed myself spending a bit more money on quality, classic clothing as well that hopefully lasts longer. Maybe it’s just age that has me not interested in a wide selection of clothing. Im all about florals and solid print! OMG…how old am !???

Here is a great (at least I think so) tip: when travelling, try to pack the clothes that you wouldn’t mind leaving behind at the end of the trip. Works great because the backpack is lighter than when you started out!

If you’re looking to purge, there are FB groups out there that allows you to trade/barter for things. You post what you want to trade and the things you are in search of. I’ve gotten rid of a lot of stuff and in return, asked for and received chocolate bars or bags of sunflower seeds. Works out well because I’m not adding anything to the house

Also, kijiji and garage sales. They can be a bit of work but once you see people pay for your ‘junk’ and the money is in your hand, I think it’s totally worth it. I had a garage sale at my parents house. My 5yo niece helped me set up and my dad sat with me all day while dealing with the hagglers. I had a great time with my dad. Drinking coffee, telling jokes…just chilling. A lot of stuff was theirs that they didn’t even know they had. It felt really good letting stuff that was accumulating dust go.

I’m going to let you all in on something that may make you think I’m the worst daughter ever… Here it goes: one of the reasons why I wanted to clear out a lot of the stuff in the basement of my parents home was because I didn’t want to have to deal with so much junk once they left the earth. I obviously didn’t get rid of stuff they wanted to keep but I did do my fair share of persuading. I don’t think they realize that once they’re gone, none of us kids want any of it. Don’t get me wrong, I want them to live forever. But that won’t be the case.

There you have. Worst daughter award goes to me.

As Rolf Potts puts it, ‘Stop expansion-don’t add new things. Whenever you see the chance to eliminate any expensive habits, take it’.

I don’t think I have any expensive habits. I do enjoy having people over for dinner and going out for dinner. That’s where my money is spent. But it’s also money spent on friends so I wouldn’t give that up. I don’t add much to the house. In fact, whenever I’m bored, I walk around the house opening drawers and cabinets and stand in my closet to see what else I can sell or trade or donate. Right now, there is a shopping bag of full of clothes that needs to be donated.

Was I unknowingly preparing myself for my future actions? Deep down, did I know that I was going to do what I’m in the process of doing: reorganizing my life into something new? Was this the reason why Bumblebae and I met?

Probably not . But interesting to think so.

Decluttering does seem to clear the mind from the mess and money is saved from not overconsuming – so the likelihood of traveling seems more manageable and feasible

If you’re in the Winnipeg, Canada area and are in need of some organizing and decluttering help, check out Three Pines Organzing. My friend Sara is amazing at what she does and she is amazing herself. I highly recommend her!

I’ve followed a couple of minimalist blogs, watched the Minimalism movie on Netflix, binged on the Marie Kondo series and I love it all! I really enjoy seeing how the weight on peoples shoulders is lifted after they organize and clear stuff out. Even I feel more relaxed when I see the transformation. Seeing clutter gives me anxiety.

Blogging and minimzing …it is freeing!

Whoa, did I go off on a decluttering tangent or what!

Getting back on track here. About the Vagabonding book. I highly recommend it. If you just need inspiration with where or how to start traveling or even just to find comfort in your traveling decisions, read the book.

If you ever plan on doing long-term travel, I think it’s really important to get into the mindset of being a minimalist. Lugging around so much unnecessary crap is going to kill your back.

If you have thoughts about wanting to declutter, definitely read chapter three! The entire book is chalk full of quotes, personal stories, and great advice (not only for the traveler but anyone, really). I personally don’t plan on being a vagabond, ever (it sounds quite extreme), but the tips the book provides translates to every other type of traveler out there!

I’m not sure why I’m receiving all these gifts but hey, I’ll gladly take it! It’s comforting to know that Bumblebae is supportive.

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams

oprah winfrey

After reading a few different blog posts, reddit posts, articles, facebook pages, etc., I realized I needed to get a handle on my terminology. The internet is confusing me with so many names being thrown left and right that I’m beginning to lost sight in what’s really important: leaving our cold winters for better climate while making money!

There are a handful of terms that I regularly come across but seem to all fall under one umbrella: Traveler. Each term, and extension of said umbrella

The differences between them are slight and you can be more than just one and at different times of your life.

Take for example the article by Matthew Karsten titled: ‘Why I quit being a digital nomad’.

I know, I know. Why would I subject myself to reading this when I haven’t even started my own journey yet? Well, if I want to eventually lead a certain lifestyle, I better be prepared. I need to be able to roll with the punches and take the bad with the good. Ultimately I won’t really know until I’m living it.

Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Karstens post and highly recommended it.

My point is, Karsten used different terms such as digital nomad and vagabonding and location independence, etc all in one post. I got all confused with what was what.

So, I decided to try to clear things up for myself and made a small list for me to refer to.

Here’s the starting lineup:

Vagabond – a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or regular work

Nomad – a member a people/tribe with no permanent home but instead moves from place to place; a wanderer

Travelpreneur – someone that owns a profitable business that is not restricted to a certain location

Solopreneur – a one (wo)man business

Digital nomad –someone who moves from place to place, not really having a home and spend their time traveling while working; someone who continuously travels the world, not really having a permanent home, while working remotely.

Digital Slomad – person who works remotely and travels at a more leisurely, slower pace. (Brent and Michael have a post on their blog that has a great description of a slomad, check it out)

Location Independent – not being tied down to living in one geographically location for any reason but are free to choose where you want to live for however long you want

Expatriot – a person who lives outside their native country and is unclear whether they intend to stay (immigrants intend to stay in their new country indefinitely)

Snowbird – person who migrates from colder climates of northern USA and Canada towards southern, warmer climates for the winter

Just an FYI, I’m getting these definitions from different sources so they may be slightly off. You’d think wiki would have them all listed, but nope. But, they make sense to me so I’m going to go with it.

I don’t know if you noticed but each definition is very similar to the next.

Why are there so many different terms being used? I think everyone else is confused as well! At least that’s what I tell myself and it makes me feel better. The terms are so similar that one could be used synonymously with another. And as I mentioned before, you can be more than one type of traveler.

Perhaps the more terms you refer yourself as, the more bases you’re able to cover?! You’re a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Sometimes this, sometimes that?!

I think I get it.

Can you see why I got easily confused?! I can’t even apply any of the above definitions to my own life. I would however, hope to consider myself as a future slomadpreuneur!

I’m pretty sure I just made up a new word: s l o m a d p r e u n e r

Perhaps someone has already used this term, but I haven’t come across it just yet so I want to own it! The term actually sounds like an older, wiser version of a digital nomad.

Digital Nomad sounds hip, cool, and for the twenty-somethings and I don’t think my body could handle taking on such a name and all that comes with it. I’ll stick with slomadpreneur.

Today, we woke up to a warm fridge.

Shoot. Another thing not working??

Yup, another thing. Last year, we had to purchase a new washer/dryer.

Earlier this summer we dealt with a broken air conditioner. It was such bad timing because it was a really really hot week. $3000 later, we got a brand new one.

Next was the toilet. It wouldn’t stop running. We were able to youtube the answer and fixed it ourselves thank gawd but before I bought the parts, I was already looking up how much toilets costs.

As for the fridge, we scrambled to look online to see what the issue could be before I had to leave for work (btw, it was another annoying day but I gotta make the cheddah). There were several things that could have been the problem. Later on that afternoon, I got a text from Bumblebae that he tried a few things and was waiting for the fridge to get cold again.

Fridge seems to be working for now. Fingers crossed.

I’m already thinking about when our hot water tank is going to go. The approximately 12 year life span is around the corner. I am hoping the tank will last for another few years.

After todays debacle I really fully understood one of the allures to being nomadic – digital or not.

If I were to add up all the costs we put into fixing/replacing appliances and other stuff for the house, it would probably equal to the amount we need for a return flight from Thailand and two months of living, maybe more.

Apparently, Bumblebae said he lived for a whole year in China for the same amount.

That’s insane. To think how much further money can go in a different country. To be able to live more freely on so much less…I get it.

The appeal to move away from all of this just keeps getting better and better.

To not have to deal with the headache of fixing things…maybe we should just sell the place. That way it’s one less thing to worry about when we decide to go leave.

Is this just an excuse to run away though?

Yes. Yes it is.

It is definitely a great excuse for me!

I just realized that I was excited to go to work today, even if it is the weekend. But, I’m dreading going into work tomorrow.  What’s the difference? 

Yesterday, I snagged a free ice cream sandwich and a burger and chips and I knew I was going to get more free stuff today. 

I was right. 

I got a coffee and a croissant.   

Last week I got a booster juice, a hot dog, sandwiches, muffins, etc. 

Is this all it takes to make me happy at work? Free food?  Apparently so. 

This is not typical of my workplace at all.

It’s all attributed to Unions.  They are all trying to grab our attention by bribing us with food, lunch bags, lanyards, lip balms, pens, frisbees, etc.  They think free stuff is going to make us vote for them.   It is such a waste of money but I can’t complain because I love food and free stuff.  More so the free food. 

Typically, the thank you we get at working at the biggest hospital in the province, is taking our entire lunch break waiting in line for a free hot dog and drink we get once a year.

I know I complain about work a lot.  There’s a lot of stuff going on that, for me, upsets and annoys me.  It’s not the worst.  You’ll find politics anywhere you work.  Drama is always around the corner.  It’s fun, until you’re a part of it.  I’m sure things will eventually change but our time on earth is short and it’s not worth working another 20 years here before I can retire to not be happy.  

When I firsts started this job, I was so excited and eager to do more.  But after several years of dealing with patients and co-workers and management, I became deflated.  Now, I don’t care so much to be around these type of environment anymore.   

You would think a job in healthcare would be fulfilling.  Don’t get me wrong, some of the patients I have are so wonderful and appreciative and they really do make the job meaningful.  They remind me why I do what I do. 

But then you get the patients, the majority of them, who start texting on their phones in the middle of a test or who are so upset with the system and they take their anger out on you, or who just won’t cooperate so the test is twice as long and that much more difficult to complete.  

I love(d) talking to coworkers about vacation and couldn’t wait for my next vacation.  Every few months I needed to get away to reset myself.   

But, to not have to be tied down to a schedule and book my vacation a year in advance or plead with coworkers with more seniority to let you switch vacation days sounds amaze-balls 

Can you really blame me for wanting out?  Maybe I’m too delicate of a flower and can’t handle work stresses.  Whatever.  I’m not happy.  I tried making things work and voiced my complaints but nothing changed.  It is what it is until it isn’t.  I’m making ‘it’ a ‘was’.   Removing myself from the situation seems like the best solution!   

I’m sure digital nomads face their own issues as well.  It’s not always going to be rainbow and flowers.  The adjustment will probably be hard.  Maybe I’ll hate it.  But for now, it’s looking to be pretty good. 

Unfortunately I have to deal with the present.  Next week, union voting will be closed so there’s not going to be anymore free food. I will have to keep on keeping on until our great getaway begins! 

disclaimer- if this post is out of sorts, its because I’m high. ‘Beast mode’ is around the corner.

I’m having a first world, privileged dilemma; hey, a girl is allowed to be dramatic from time to time. Cut me some slack. I’ve been trying to weigh the pros and cons between short and long term workacation planning and its stressing me the eff out. But is this all so serious? Is this even a struggle? I mean, its pretty much a vacation. That should be fun, right?

So here’s the dilemma, there’s actually two.

1. When do we go- January 2020 or January 2021
2. How long do we go for – 1 or 3 months

Writing then thinking about what I just wrote…I’m feeling pretty silly. This is like a dream for me – to be able to do this. I know many people who take month long vacations. I can’t believe I am even writing about this! Why am I so weirded. Why am I making this such a big deal?

I have co-workers who vacation for one month at a time. It’s nothing to do them. It’s really no different from taking four vacations a year. One month is no biggie.

For one thing, money is a big issue for me.

Let’s take Chaing Mai for example. If we were to go for a month costs would consist of:

1. $2500 airfare
2. $1000 accommodation
3. $300 food (if even – I heard it’s pretty cheap there)
4. $1200 bills at home

That’s $5000. It’s a lot when I think about how I am working less and spending more. But, this amount isn’t going to break the bank. It’s going to put a dent in things but we would be getting an adventure.

Bumblebae says if we go away for an even longer period of time, we would be making our airfare worth it. Airfare is the biggest expense and if we make it go further, the better. A long trip is more worth it (cost wise) than a couple of small trips.

eg. We’re going to a destination wedding in November and another wedding in Vancouver in a couple of weeks. These two trips that total 1.5 weeks is pretty much the same amount as us going away for one month. I mean, weddings are a whole different thing though.

Going away for 1 month this January is not a big risk at all. It’s an extended vacation for many. Like I said, so many people go on month long vacations. Honestly, I am ready to do this.

I guess I am thinking that whatever we decide, it’s going to be a big leap for me even though technically its just a little hop. Doing this test run is really about me and getting myself used to this change of lifestyle. I’m not even diving in head first. I’m wading in the waters. No, I’m just dipping my toes in to see how cold the water is.

Why am I stressing? Silly me.

I’m the person who can go to Iceland on a whim because flights were cheap. It doesn’t help when you have friends who are willing to travel with you. It makes the decision so much easier. I shouldn’t be having such deep thoughts about this month long getaway. But a vacation is a vacation.

I’m stressing because work is affected. I won’t have a safety net of a job. I’m not coming back to a full time job. I won’t have a steady income. I suppose working 2+ days every 2 weeks for the time being is steady, it’s just not enough to pay all the bills.

I’m stressing because I’m scared because I am confused. Bumblebae says one thing and is getting my hyped up and then he flips and says his home office is really working for him right now. We look at different rental options in different cities, and then he starts talking about how he loves his home office. Sounds like he’s the one doesn’t know what he wants. Not me.

He knows what he wants though. That’s the thing. He see’s things differently than I do. He has a different mindset. A nomadic mindset. I have a homebody mindset. Does that make sense? He’s a go with the flow type person and I’m stuck in my ways. He knows that the move is going to happen. It will happen when he’s ready. He will be ready for it. I’m the one who needs answers now. I’m the one making things more of an issue than it really is.

…I hope Bumblebae is ready to have the same conversation all over again because I’ll consistently be bringing it up until we have a solid plan.

Aside from me starting the blog, what really got me to start thinking more seriously about the one month workation was a dinner we had with some friends.

There is this couple, a husband and wife team, who we had over a couple of weeks ago. They started their own company a few years ago. They thought about moving away and working on the road but then family became front and centre and they now think their time has passed and are staying put.

We started talking about my blog and how we both have parents snowbirding out in Arizona and then we came up with an idea! We would co-work during the day and then go hiking or just chill out in the afternoons. They were pretty excited about the idea and so was I.

This would be my first chance to try this digital nomad thing out. I know, its Arizona – not that foreign or exciting! It’s the easiest. Everyone’s parents and then some bought into real estate there! I’ve never been so I was pumped…plus, we would be with friends.

Bumblebae is a little more reluctant and I completely understand why. Digital nomads move when they want to move. They move when they feel like they need to move: for new ideas, new connections, change of pace, etc. If you’re in a groove and things are going well work and life, you don’t want to disrupt the flow. Right now, Bumblebae has his groove on and I don’t want to disrupt it. The better he does, the less I have to worry about money.

What’s going to end up happening is that we end up going to Arizona for one month in January. Even though Bumblebae may not be ready to go, he’s going to feel bad because he knows that I really want to go, and then I feel guilty, and then we decide to say, ‘fuck it’ and go.

Is going away for three months completely out of the question for this year? No. I will have to revisit that when the time comes. But for now, one month is the winner.

Funny how I am the one who’s ‘convincing’ him and not the other way around. What I expected from him being a dn is that he’s ready to go at any moments time. It was true at one point..but not now… It’s like I’ve changed him!!!

He’s gotten used to a great time zone, the colorful neighbourhood we live in, seeing family more often, and a personal home office that has multiple computer screens and microphones and lights. It’s kind of nerdy – but this he says, is working for him. He doesn’t know when he will be ready to leave. At this very moment, it is just not the right time.

Its like we are reversed: I’m becoming more like the travel minded him and he seemingly is becoming the more home-like me.

I want to leave when we are both comfortable. As much as I want to go, I don’t want to push him.

At the end of the day, is it really that stressful to decide between a 1 month vs 3 month workation? This is a dumb post because I I didn’t leave my title, ‘is the struggle really real’ open to discussion. I pretty much answered my question. No fun.

It’s funny how writing down my conundrums on paper/ typing into words, really helps me realize how stupid my thoughts and fears are. Wracking my brain for no good reason.

If you’re confused after reading this, think about how I feel: being pulled in different directions when I should just go with the flow. Did you not notice how I flip flopped with my thoughts: I’m ready to go, but only for a short period of time. I’m not ready to go because Bumblebae isn’t ready to leave. I want this to happen sooner than later. I’m impatient. But, I’m too scared with all the what ifs.

The ‘first world’ struggle is real for me because I want to have a clear and direct path. I want to have something to look forward to. Going with the flow is too much of a risk for the person I am. I just really need to ingrain in my head that the simplest answer is usually just around the corner. The struggle is the contrarian in me fighting against myself. I can see how being a contrarian annoys people now. I’ll work on that characteristic.

In the end, things will work out. I will eventually laugh at how much time was wasted thinking about my stupid worries. The last time I thought about this topic, I couldn’t sleep. And to think, yesterday this whole dilemma was sparked by the wanting to buy a julienne peeler…

Backstory: Bumblebae wants to buy julienne peeler.  I get mad because I know he's going to use it only a handful of times, if that.   He says, 'if it makes him happy for the time he is here, then he should be able to buy a $30 gadget.  I get more mad because all these little $30 items he wants adds up.  The amount of things he's bought for his office...omg.  Fair, it's his money.  Ugh.  I hate having 'stuff' in the house.  It's my cheapness and my minimalist OCD that's the issue. Funny thing: I'm probably going shopping later today buy purchase some heels for the upcoming weddings.

Last night I was working on this post on my couch while I was in ‘beast mode’. Today, I am at a local coffee shop alongside Bumblebae finishing it off with a chai latte . I think I can definitely get used to this life.

Side note: While writing this...I accidentally closed this page without saving and now I 'm having to rewrite a bunch of paragraphs...Eff!!!  I had some pretty good ideas that I can't even remember cause I'm so jazzed about what just happened 😦  Such is life.  I am now saving my draft every few sentences.  NTS: apparently the best solution is to write in Evernote (as it constantly saves your work) and then copy and paste over.

The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.

oprah winfrey

Last night, Bumblebae gave me a gift.

He got me a domain name. Or an address? Is it the same? Apparently you have to pay monthly to keep this domain address. Having a blog is costing me some change. Well, it’s costing Bumblebae some change since he’s paying for ‘this gift’.

nomadgirlfriend.com belongs to me now!! This is a little victory.

How exciting! I feel so ‘digital’. I just need to learn some new terminology.

Now what? What’s the next step? Am I blogging to little? Too slow? Do I need to add more photos? I definitely need more readership. I also don’t want to annoy those who subscribed to my blog and be bombarded with emails of updates.

I made a facebook page and now I need to make an IG for ‘nomadgirlfriend’. But whatever I post now may be boring since I am not quite on the ‘adventure’ yet.

My current adventure consists of the stresses and headaches and decisions I need to make before I leave. It’s not an adventure I’m enjoying but I know that it is moving me in the right direction. This place I am in now, is only temporary and I am making it better.

I’m sure people are thinking, ‘what a silly gift’. But, it is so much more. Sure it only took 5 minutes to create but to me, it was a grand gesture. It symbolized Bumblebaes belief in me. That I can make something of myself. The fact that he is excited about this, has me excited as well.

Having a domain name kind of makes me feel validated. This gift…a simple name, is actually a huge step forward. It’s a major push. I can’t ignore this movement. As silly as it may sound, knowing that Bumblebae is paying for this domain name is keeping me accountable.

It’s kind of like buying an expensive gym pass, prepaying for the entire year. You better damn well go to as many classes as possible and make use of every single machine because you paid for it. You want to get your monies worth. Am I right or am I right? (I did this very thing. I made sure to use the gyms showers, shampoo/conditioner, qtips, razors, hair ties, bobby pins, etc. Perhaps this just proves how cheap/economical/money savvy I am).

I won’t sit idle hoping for things to come my way; hoping that things will work out. I need to put the work in. I get that. But I still have hope that I will win the lottery.

I do not know where my gift will take me but I truly believe that, as Oprah puts it, it will take on a greater meaning than just a name.

I’m at the point where the morning I wake up to go to work, I’m already dreading the day. Each step I take walking to work is heavy. Entering the doors of the facility pains me. Seeing some of the faces at work and hearing their voices is like nails on a chalkboard.

I suppose that’s a little extreme and I am exaggerating just a bit.

Maybe if I had a beautiful and safe walking route on my way to work, things would be a bit better. It would definitely beat seeing curb couches our shopping carts on the regular.

All the negativity at work and feeling unsafe walking to work is making me more excited thinking about this blog now and what to write next. Getting things in order to make this work better. It’s pretty crazy. I was so hesitant starting a blog.

[I signed up for an email account specific for this blog.  Shortly after I logged out, I forgot my password.  I had written it down but it wasn't working.  I think I am on perma-frozen account.  I can't even seem to answer the security questions correct to retrieve it.  I've made 2 more email accounts since then - did I mention how bad I am with computers, and apparently memory?]

I picked up a bunch of shifts but now I feel like getting rid of them.

Is it worth it to stay at a job you aren’t fond of at all or that makes you miserable? Does having seniority, pension, a great wage, and benefits make up for it all?

Hmmm…kind of sounds like it’s worth it. Trade the wealth and security for happiness.

Whatever happened to working at a place until you were retired. Sticking to one job. Being loyal to your employer? My dad didn’t like his job but he kept at it for over 30 years because it provided for his family.

But isn’t happiness worth more than all of this? Isn’t sanity worth more than this? If you’re happy, won’t your family benefit from that, no matter how much money you make? Why put yourself in a situation that you’re dying to get out of? Is it the money? Is it to keep up with the Jones’s?

When you take yourself out of the unpleasantness, what becomes important in life? When you remove all the ‘treasures’ on earth that we can’t enjoy when we’re dead, what really matters then?

Seems like we work our miserable jobs just to please others. To be able to show off. We spend our hard earned money on things we don’t even know we really like.

Anyways…

I apologize if I sound like I’m bashing people who work the 9-5. I’m just talking about those who aren’t happy with their jobs. I don’t mean to say that it’s the worst type of job ever. Some people love their job. That’s great! My job is just not for me. It doesn’t work for what I want now.

20 years down the line though, things may change and I may eventually end up back at my old job. Who knows.

Until I can find something else that can help pay the bills, I will not be fully quitting my job.

And until then, I must keep going into work and doing my job that I dread. The advantage of this is that I get to keep my benefits, keep paying into my pension, keep getting paid!

I have the day off today. I am drinking my coffee and baileys and working on my blog today. Feels great. I don’t dread this work at all. Is this even considered work?

Would you date a digital nomad (dn) if you weren’t one yourself?

I did. I am.

I didn’t really know where we would end up when we first started dating. I had to think about what I would do if our relationship lasted more than a month, a year, etc. Even though I enjoyed everyone moment we were together, I was always slightly worried that he would pick up and leave the country. I also hoping that maybe he was going to ‘settle down’.

I was making every moment count. His dn lifestyle intrigued me. I was smitten. I enjoyed being around him.

We talked about ‘us’ a lot. He knew my worries. I knew that it would be really difficult for him to stay in one spot for a long period of time and that eventually, he would want to pack up and leave the city for warmer weather. But, we knew that we wanted to be with each other and that we would have to compromise and somehow make things work.

He left for another province shortly after we met. I knew he was leaving from the get go. He was away for three months and I went to visit him twice. It was so hard to do and I commend those who make it work.

He eventually came back and And now, here we are. Three years later. Still in the same city and still together.

He set up his office in the condo. It’s pretty dark. He rarely opens the blinds or windows so it seems so stale in there. Sometime’s he will go to a nearby coffee shop to work. So far, this is ideal for him. It works, apparently. It’s working for us. I’ve dug my claws into him! I’ve worked my magic. Something is working. Thank gawd, or else I don’t know if we would still be together honestly

He is getting the itch to go. He doesn’t fully admit it but I can feel it in my bones. I can hear it in his voice and I can read his body language. I know he thrives being around other entrepreneurs and feeds off their energy.

Dating a dn is difficult. I knew shortly after meeting him that I would have to really think about my willingness to be able to move if I had to. If I knew I wanted to stay put and never move, then the relationship would have to end. I would never want to force a certain lifestyle on someone. He never forced his goals on me. I knew his plans. It was all up to me.

He knows that I am willing to move for him. With him. He also knows that I need to figure things out and not rush things. He knows that I am not one to ‘drop and jet’ and that I need to do things on my terms. I’m not doing this just for him. I want to do this for me. For us.

What’s crazy is that I never saw myself leaving this city. Okay, maybe once when I had a huge desire to move Calgary. I got comfortable though.

I don’t feel like I’m giving anything up though. I wouldn’t give anything up for a man if I didn’t want to. I do feel like I am making changes though. Tough changes that I know will eventually work out. Changes that I am slowly beginning to understand are doable and not as difficult as I made them out to be once.

We are in it together. I am eager to leave. I am eager to start something new.

I am constantly thinking about how to make all of this work. Yes, we have a goal. Yes, we have a rough plan of what we want. Putting it all into motion – whole other story.

Starting this blog though, a major step for me! It’s getting Bumblebae excited! I’m getting excited.

Is there a right time to leave? Sure. We both want to feel secure…prepped…ready. His compromise is waiting for me, making sure that I am comfortable to leave. That I won’t have regrets. That what we choose to do will make us both happy and be able to fulfill both our needs.