Making the Move

1 small bottle of water – $3
18 bottles of beer – $40
Haircut, color & brow wax – $170
Sushi – $40
A few groceries – $57

Cha-ching…cha-ching…cha-ching!  

It was day 4 of my 1st trip home to Calgary when I officially started to freak out about how much money I was going to spend during my 5 week stay. If I continued at this pace the MasterCard was in for a serious beating.

After spending 8 months in Nicaragua it didn’t take me long to figure out what I had missed most in Canada.

#1. My Nephew Aiden 

How sweet it was to be reunited with my adorable 11 month old nephew Aiden. From camping, to going for walks, to seeing Aiden through his 10 & 11 month birthdays, to reading “Llama Llama Wakey Wake” over and over again and being there as he learned to crawl the time I spent with him was definitely the highlight of my trip.

– Day 2 in Calgary with Aiden
Moyie Lake, British Columbia - Canada
– Hangin’ in the Hammock Swing – Moyie Lake, British Columbia
– A rocking chair & a shirt from Nica for Aiden

#2 My Girlfriends (especially my sister)

Getting together with my special gang of girlfriends and being able to pick up right where we left off was a great feeling.  Heart to heart talks with my sis was something I think we both needed.

– Good Times with Girlfriends: Melrose Bar & Cafe, Calgary, AB
Canmore, Alberta - Canada
– My sister Sally & I: Canmore, Alberta

#3. Shopping 

I know my stores and I know my sizes. I know where to find the best deals on my favorite products and I love a good sale. Planning my visit at the end of the summer season was a good move – EVERYTHING was on sale. I so miss being able to get good quality clothing and the products I love at great prices.

– Aiden was such a good little shopper!

#4. The Food

$40 on sushi (for one sitting) was a bit expensive, but I gotta tell ya, it was worth every penny. Strawberries, blueberries and Activia yogurt were part of my daily diet.  And although not technically classified as food, I couldn’t seem to get enough 5 cent candy from Macs.

Joey Crowfoot - Calgary, AB
– Tuna Sashimi Salad: Joey’s Restaurant, Calgary, AB

#5. My Hairstylist

Cassidy from Ca Va Bien rocks! After 8 months without a real haircut it felt great to have my hair cut and colored by a professional I trust. Now if only I could convince her to move to Nicaragua.

#6 TV

Specifically the Slice channel. I have to admit I watched quite a few episodes of Say Yes to the Dress and What Not to Wear.  

As we pulled into the driveway at my sister’s house on July 26th I felt like I had never left. Aside from Aiden, not much had changed.  

But after spending two months in Calgary – ten months after departing on a Nicaraguan adventure with nothing but a couple of suitcases, and my husband Gord – I realized I’ve changed.

I’m thrifty now.

I’m more laid back.

I’m less concerned or caught up in the minor details of day to day and I’ve realized not everything has to be perfect.

I don’t need a fancy house, or a designer handbag to make me happy.

More importantly, I realized just how special time spent with family, friends and loved ones is and how much it means to me.

My cousin Nicole & I – Canmore, Alberta
– Chowin’ down on hot dogs! – Eau Claire Campground – Kananaskis, AB

Unfortunately all good things must eventually come to an end.  

– Almost packed & ready to go!
– Just minutes after this photo was taken tears started to flow.

Saying goodbye sucks, but as the plane left the runway in Calgary – 285 days after my Nicaraguan adventure began – I was more excited than sad. This time I wasn’t leaving home – I was going home.  

12 Comments

  2. Feels good to read your blog. My partner and i are dreaming about moving to Nicaragua. We both quit our career in the restaurant business to go back to school to learn web design so we can work where ever we want. Am learning about blogging right now and i love the way you right. You make me laugh, which is good. Thanks Claudie

    claudie simard

  5. Ahhhh….love the post! We did have such a great visit didn’t we. So glad you could be here to hang with Aiden and I. We miss you everyday but are so excited for you to be living this Nica Adventure. XOXO

    Sister Sal

  6. Tona 90 cents
    Full lunch $1.25
    Water, free, bring your own bottle to any water station and they fill it for free
    Haircut 75 cents
    Manicure/pedicure $4.00 EACH
    Fresh prepared fruits 50 cents for a small plastic bag, includes plastic fork
    Sushi (now there are two in Granada) $4.00

    Good friends …. priceless

    Welcome home.

    glennkoons

  8. That was an awesome post!! Really great that you were able to get out to Calgary for such a fabulous visit!! And am jealous and excited for you that you are living in such a beautiful and interesting place!! 🙂
    Cheers!

    Tracey

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