So the first step to my travel extravaganza has been to move back in with my parents. Don’t worry, it’s only for two weeks and it’s going to be great. I am going to save a ton of money by not having to pay rent or food until Germany and I get to spend quality time with my family before I take off galavanting around the world.

The first word that comes to mind is relief. Ahhh, the weight is off my shoulders to pack up all my crap and move it out of my house in Anchorage. Once again I get to count my blessings at what amazing friends I have. Matt and Marcus helped me move all my heavy furniture into our friend’s trailer and Matt drove it all the way to The Valley with me and helped me unload it all at my parents’ house. I’ve lost count of how many heavy mattresses we have wrangled together. As usual, I couldn’t have done it without Matt!

 I am a little sad to be moving out because the house is great and I really enjoyed living at Westchester. It’s the perfect location close to downtown, but such a safe area. I’m embarrassed to admit that the only time we locked our doors in the five months that we lived there was when Peter woke up to find our street saturated by cops looking for an escaped felon. And then we never locked them again after that.

So now that I am out in The Valley for the next couple weeks I get to focus on saving money, packing for Germany and figuring out what I am taking to the lower 48 with me. My skis are the only things I am sure that I am bringing. Some clothes too. But I think that’s all I need. What a relief not to have to worry about hauling furniture around the country!

I am seriously evaluating my financial situation and it looks grim, to say the least. I am so lucky that I will get the dividend this year, which is going to be around $3000! Woo hoo! Proud to be an Alaskan! On top of that I’ve saved $1,000 to take to Germany, which will probably be gone in the blink of an eye! Although I did hear a rumor that the dollar is strengthening against the Euro. I hope it keeps it up!

And now it is bedtime since I have the pleasure of waking up at 4:30am to get to work in Anchorage on time. We’ll see how long this chipper attitude lasts!