It’s been 14 months since we left Vancouver and on July 1st (Happy Canada Day!) we finally moved into our own place. This journey has been completely unexpected, unimaginably difficult and the lessons learned and growth experienced as a result will undoubtedly carry us for years to come. Our families have supported us in an amazing way, allowing this saga—as excruciating as it was at times–to end well. Scott is working for himself doing different bits of carpentry, painting, tile and other kinds of handy man type stuff. He likes it and business seems to be going well. Finding a suitable place to live was a challenge we didn’t anticipate, but finally, the day has come.
One thing that deeply bothers us about how the past year has progressed is that we have left so many wonderful relationships essentially on pause in order to keep our heads above water. You have no idea how much energy it takes to blow up an essentially comfortable, peaceful life and transition for 14 months, with two toddlers, searching increasingly desperately for a job, all the while living in other people’s homes. You just don’t. Still, we’re sorry; really sorry. We know that some relationships have withered a bit as a result and that stinks. Anyway, we want to slowly reengage: email us, call us, heck, come for a visit.
Some interesting statistics since we left Vancouver:
- Months: 14
- Miles put on our car: 25,000 (that's 40,233 km)
- Vehicles purchased: 1 - 2000 Toyota Tundra w/ ladder rack & tool box
- Miles put on second vehicle: 1,500 (already)
- States we have been in: 18 (and 2 provinces, BC and Ontario)
- Different places we have slept: 24 (we think)
- Different places we have stayed more than a week: 6 (in four states)
- Bushels of grain harvested: In the neighbourhood of 60,000 if I recall
- Cover letter written: No way am I figuring that up!
- Job ads perused: Tens of thousands
- Craigslist ads perused (for everything under the sun): Countless
- Stanley Cups: Oh so close!
