Goodwill Loves Me

Everything I own fits into my small two-door Civic, a large suitcase and two smaller ones.  Ask my brother Kevin how he fit everything that I am storing at my parent’s house into my tiny car- it’s beyond me. As for the suitcases, I worked with the airline baggage requirements and suitcases I had available.  I had to use the “roll-clothes/stuff-socks-into-shoes” technique to fit everything I think I will need for the next seven months into the suitcases.

Let me pause on this story to look out the train windows. Wow this view is so picturesque! I’m not sure whether I should look out at the ocean or the mountains. I keep turning my head to the left, then the right, then back to my computer. I might look odd to anyone who may be watching me.  No wait, everyone else is doing it too.  I should ride the train south more often just for the views.  Actually, how about I’ll just ride between SLO and Ventura. I’m willing to bet once we hit the oh so wonderful Los Angeles the view will not quite be as picturesque, unless you enjoy looking through the smog at a land of buildings and traffic.

Ok, back to the story about my stuff. I’m pretty sure Goodwill wants to marry me. I gave them so much stuff over the years and especially this week. I feel I have made my contribution to charity for a while by donating so much stuff because stuff equals money and the needy need that. I tried to sell most of it because I’m also needy, a needy traveler, and I did sell some to happy, young Cal Polyians.

It’s very liberating to know that all I own fits into a tiny car and some suitcases. In reality, I probably don’t need everything I have now but I tried my best- small steps baby. “I am living in a material world and I’m trying not to be a material girl, so I can travel!” (I am so good at making up song lyrics; I should sing those in my pretty voice.)

The pause in my story tells you I am on a train. Meaning I left my home of five years, San Luis Obispo. Goodbyes can be hard but I will be back! I have been in need of an adventure for a long time. Putting yourself through college is tough work! I am excited to see other places and learn about other cultures! I have read some articles on the benefits of long-term travel and talked to older, wiser people about it. So much learning and personal growth can happen while I’m living there. It will be so cool!

This is an experience of a lifetime!  I have not once called it a vacation although it may feel, at times, like one. I usually really enjoy watching kids and New Zealand sounds awesome, so actually I may be able to call it a vacation! I’m stoked about New Zealand, my job, where I’m living, and where I’m traveling! See you so soon New Zealand! Adios San Luis Obispo and soon to be U.S.A. I will miss you and everyone in it!

Well back to the train ride. I think my next item of entertainment will be a princess coloring book, courtesy of the Horzen girls.  So far so good on the travel entertainment, I’m treating this train ride as practice for my twenty-hour flight!