And this is why I blog...

.....because of people like y'all! I can't believe (but really I do because you folks come through for me again and again) the range and practicality and thoughtfulness of the ideas, suggestions and advice that came out of my last post. I have already put a few things into effect and will provide an update in a few days.

                     I can't see YOU, but I know you're there! And I know I can count on you!

So I need some more suggestions/advice but on a lighter note! It took me awhile but I finally found a carry-on bag that is only 20cm deep (around here the usual size is 23cm) as well as 50cm tall and 40 cm wide. These are the restrictions for travelling on Icelandair. I received the carry-on a few days ago and then yesterday received my tote bag that will carry my laptop, iPad, iPhone, camera, wallet, passport & other important papers etc.  Both purchases came from Future Shop's online store and were shipped at no cost.

I AM BEYOND THRILLED AT THE QUALITY OF BOTH BAGS!!!

 So here's my carry-on bag made by the United Colours of Benetton - no kidding eh? This was the only colour combo it wasn't sold out in but luckily I LOVE IT!!

A side view :)  I should have done the inside but too late - it is lined in the bright green!

 One of my best all-time finds!! While I love my carry-on I am in lust with my tote bag!! So well made.

So, the outside pocket, once unzipped, reveals a padded spot for an iPad, then in front of it a zipped pocket for jewelry, a place for pens and a mesh compartment for...

 and inside there is a padded spot to slide in my laptop and other essentials..

all while looking chic!!

On one side are two pockets with flaps - I'm thinking quick and easy access for iPhone and camera...

 and then another pocket on the other side for...I don't know what yet...

See the little ring symbol for jewelry, so CUTE!!

Ok, so here's where I need input. I've decided that I neither want to LOSE luggage or WAIT for luggage on the carousel. I want the convenience of carrying everything I need with me. So I'm thinking, no big suitcase. I'll carry everything I need for a 2 week walking trip in these 2 delicious bags.

CAN THAT BE DONE?? Can I live out of a carry-on and tote bag for 2 weeks? What should I take with me? When reading the reviews of the walking trip one woman was thankful she was able to do a bit of laundry at one of the accommodations. I'm also thinking that when I get to the farmhouse B&B they will probably let me do laundry. Of course I'll need to wear my hiking boots while I'm travelling along with jeans and rain jacket. SO what do I pack??? I'm not planning on wearing makeup or dressing up at all - this is me tromping and biking around the countryside and eating in pubs. How very British!!

Suggestions? Ridicule? Nah, let's just stick with suggestions....
***update - just realized I should have said when I'm going - from mid-September to the beginning of October.

Back in the Saddle

I need to acknowledge all of you who commented on my last post (and emailed me) because you, my friends, don't pass off platitudes as caring - you really DO care. If you haven't read those comments please do. I felt such genuine kindness and support and it makes a big difference in my day. I wanted to share Louise's comment because it really helped put perspective on things - while the breakup came as a total shock to me it wasn't such a shock to Michael as he had  already done the thinking about it and the planning and had processed it whereas I was at square one - total bewilderment, loss, heartbreak and grief. And now throw in some anger. 

Here's her comment:

((hugs)) jane. I used to work as a marriage counsellor and we know that the person who initiates the breakup copes better because they have already been through the doubts, anxieties, fears and grief as part of coming to their decision. So by the time they announce it they are already well down the track to adjusting to the change
The person who doesn't initiate the breakup usually had no idea it was coming. It hits like a bolt out of the blue and suddenly their world has changed with no chance to prepare. So for them the grief, anxieties and fears then begin and they are at a totally different stage to the other person.
It's a roller coaster for a while. Just do whatever you need to do to get through each day ((hugs))

Thanks Louise - that helps and so did all of your comments. (*Judy for some reason my reply to your comment just keeps spinning - not sure why?)

So did I start putting one foot in front of the other after writing that post? Yes, I did. I put on some music and did some more painting in the kitchen - trim, pantry door, above the cupboards AND the ceiling!  Now I have some physical aches and pains to divert me from my mental aches and pains. The I baked a huge tray full of seasoned french fries - potatoes, sweet potato, turnip and carrots. I also baked a tray full of tilapia fillets so had my own weird version of "fish and chips" for dinner. 

I made lots of juice and also some refrigerator oatmeal. Go here for some awesome "cold oatmeal" recipes that are SOOOOO delicious!

On Saturday night I picked up a friend and we went to another friend's house. We played a game called "Cards against Humanity"  which is not a game for the faint of heart!! I thought I was going to die laughing!! You have to check it out!!  Totally politically incorrect but SOOO funny! That of course made my good endorphins flow like crazy :) Just what I needed. 

This morning Kazi and I "face timed" with each other which is an iPhone way to talk (and see) each other for FREE! She told me all about her weekend trip to Sydney and I showed her all of the snow that she's missing and also our very old kitty. We're going to do that again tonight so she can "show me around" the area she's staying at on the Gold Coast.

I thought we were going to have a snow day today because I awoke to another foot of snow and the roads were an absolute MESS!  The powers that be decided to cancel ALL of the school buses but keep the schools open!?!  Today was an exam day and they postponed the exam until tomorrow. I had 1 parent call me and she drove her son into school. So there was me and 6 EAs all fighting over 1 student lol! He was very popular!! Now I'm home and will be tackling my school work again once I finish eating my lunch. I just didn't want to wait too long to thank you all! 

THANK YOU!!

THANK YOU

Thank you everyone for being great friends. I don't often get "sappy" as I call it, that's Michael's department :) but I can't let the outpouring of support from you go by without a warm thank you. It means a lot to me to be able to just let rip with what is in my heart and on my mind "in the moment" without having to worry what you would think of me. That is a precious gift.

Today I am breathing again. Metaphorically anyway. Some, not all of the pain is gone and I had a good sleep last night. Things are looking up!

I'm giving myself a bit of a break from biking, but I will get back to it soon. I'm still so stuffed up, my ears are popping and my head's a bit achy - believe me, I'm the worst "sick" person ever. I actually feel indignant when I get sick, like "why me!?!" "What did I do to deserve this?" "I eat my veggies, take my vitamins, wash my hands etc, I shouldn't be sick...this must be a mistake!!"  It never does any good but I whine anyway. I get very cranky and stomp around the house looking for the kleenex box. I'm telling you I should have bought shares in Kleenex the way we go through it around here. My daughter can go through a box of Kleenex in a day, easy. The garbage can in the bathroom is full yet they don't even look like they were used. I know, gross topic eh?

I can be sick for about two days tops, then I just want to get back to normal life. One day is kind of nice...lay on the couch, stay in my jammies all day, drink gingerale, spend hours on Pinterest or read a trashy novel...it's wonderful.  Day two and I'm starting to get restless...maybe I should get up and vacuum as I'm feeling really useless.  I watch a movie or two and then I'm really getting stir crazy. But I can't put my glasses on because my sinuses hurt so I have to stay in...but there's nothing good to eat so I should go to the store...because when you're sick you know that calories don't count.  You didn't know that? It's a well known fact - you can eat whatever you want when you're sick because the extra calories work hard to fight the nasty sick cells in your body. So now you know. You're welcome.

Well, it's time to warm up my Anti-Stress Microwaveable Neck Pillow with Lavender and Chamomile and go lay down so my sinuses will clear. Now THAT's too much information!!!

But, before I go, here's a few pictures of my snowdrops now blooming. I know you folks out east buried in snow will be sooooooooo jealous but they just make me smile so thought I'd share: