Purpose

A lot of the choices we make have a purpose or something driving the decision. Lately I've been trying to find exactly what it is that I'm looking forward to most in the upcoming months.

Of course I work at a job that drives me insane on most days but I'm thankful to just have a job and be able to support myself and get to do the things I want to do. So there's that. I want to see the world and live a different lifestyle than I do here for a while. I'm excited to leave my possessions behind and feel what it's like to only have what I can fit in my backpack. I'm hoping to open my eyes a little more and take more photos. I'm hoping to break down my barriers and get out of my shell. To find what it is that holds me back from being outgoing, confident, forgiving and the person I want to be. I want to help other people who need it in whatever way possible. I want to find new music, meet new friends, drive on the wrong side of the road, see nature and all of it's beauty. I want to see new animals, conquer fears and try new food. I want to learn to fish, see different art and be surrounded by different accents :) I want to snorkel in the ocean and feel the sand between my toes. I want to wake up and write in my notebook and take photos in a place I've never been before and may never see again. I want to step out of my comfort zone. I want to get tired from walking and sleep on the ground while I'm young. I want to wake up to the sounds of the ocean and hang my clothes to try on a clothesline tied between trees. I want to mail postcards home and skype with my family. I want to be homesick. I want to experience Christmas with the Akhursts and fireworks over Sydney for NYE. I want to kiss Jeff under those fireworks. I want to see how happy Jeff is while waking up on his birthday IN FREAKING AUSTRALIA. I want to take a boat to a small island to sleep for a few days. I want to walk for days just camping along the way. I want to wash my hair in the ocean and not wear makeup. I want to feel pretty those random times we decide to dress up and go out in random towns. I want to help in Bega valley with a Strawbale House and landscaping and be inspired to do the same here in Idaho someday.

I'm thankful for everything I have here but I sometimes feel as though I take it for granted. I don't appreciate everything as much as I should. I know that also in experiencing all of these new things in another place I will also miss things at home. I'm hoping to develop a better appreciation for how great I have it here. I'll miss my family, my friends and Bear more than anything. I'm sure at points I'll miss my comfortable bed and warm shower.

So of course there is the obvious desire to travel to another country but deep down there are so many reasons why we are risking so much to go. It just feels like the perfect time to do it and I can only hope to come back a better person. Nobody is perfect and maybe I won't change but I really hope to see things from a better perspective and appreciate life more.


There are a variety of activities and accommodation booked already and reserved and here are some of the things we'll be doing and places we'll be staying...
Blackmore's Sydney Marathon
Great Ocean Walk

Hostel in Cairns
Hostel in Alice Springs (before seeing Ayer's Rock)
Camping space at Ayer's Rock Resort
Irish Hotel above a bar in Sydney (staying during the marathon)
Nimbin - Rainbow Retreat (really interesting "rooms")

Feeling accomplished!

Well 2012's Sasquatch Music Festival is done and over with and of course like every other year it was the time of our lives! Amazing music, beautiful scenery, great friends and new memories. We met up with our Canadian friends that were our neighbors last year so we could camp together again and met some new friends to add to our crew. Can't wait for next year! 

Now that Australia is the next "vacation" we go on the planning is in full force again and we have accomplished quite a bit this last week! We've got 2 new backpacks on the way (bigger, better quality and lighter) as well as a new lightweight sleeping bag for me, 2 lightweight camp stove burners and a trek towel (kind of like a shazaam towel that is light but soaks up a lot of water). I bought us some biodegradable camp soap for while we're out and about, traded some clothes I didn't want anymore at a clothing swap in the park for a few lightweight tops PERFECT for the trip and made another purchase maybe only females would care about but actually provides a lot of relief for something that could have been a lot more of a hassle a few times throughout the trip. If you're really curious about a greener/hassle free way to deal with "Aunt flow" click here but you have been warned. I only include this personal info for anyone who may benefit as I did not really know anything about this product until searching for information and have heard nothing but great things about it.

On a different note, planning our trip to Ayer's rock is a little frustrating only because of the cost. There is no "cheap" way to get there unless you want to hitch hike. So renting a car will have to be the way we go! That trip alone (basically done in 48 hours) will cost us ~$600 or more. But who could miss this?

84 days and 14 hours until we leave for Australia 

80 days and 19 hours until we're done with work :)