Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve posted here.  O.k., here’s where I am at this point.  Giving my notice to work next week (eek!) and leaving mid May.  I bumped up my departure date because my subleaser, yes I found a great one!, needs to move in May 17th.  So, it’s off to Eric’s (my brother) wedding May 15th, and then most likely house sitting in Asheville for 2 weeks.  (She’s letting me know for sure Friday, I hope it works out.  How cool would it be to spend 2 weeks in Asheville in May?)  Then, I’m flying out June 8th to Honduras with Lindsay.  We will spend 3 weeks traveling Honduras and Guatamala. 

I think I’m flying back to the states after that as I’m taking a pretty intensive course in WellCoaching and I need to concentrate and have strong internet and phone connections through Aug. 11th.   Once I get back, I’ll probably house sit for the rest of the summer and then I’d like to go to Costa Rica or Spain in the fall.

I’m not sure exactly what my quitting words will be.  Most people that leave are headed to more exciting jobs like CDC, or other public health related businesses.   I’ll have to put some thought into how to nicely word:  ‘It’s been great but I want to travel.  I’m never coming back to this gray cube.  I’m starting my own health coaching business so I can see the sun and be location independent’  so they won’t think I’m crazy.  I really don’t care what they think though.  I would just like to have a good reference just in case.  I welcome all suggestions in this area.

My new travel site, Fresh New Life,  is getting a fair amount of traffic and my article on Why Travel is So Addictive got a nod on Brave New Traveler’s best of list!  That was pretty exciting. 

Also, I’ve been hired to write for the Location Independent blog.  I’ve followed them for some time now and pitched a couple of articles.  They hired me!  It’s not much money but I love being part of their community.  Here are articles 1 and 2.  The third should be coming out next week.

I can see the light at the end of my cubicle shaped tunnel, and it’s bright!  My mood has changed considerably since realizing how close I am to being free!!!  I feel giddy, like a kid again.  I find myself smiling for no reason.  The warm spring weather helps too. 

While this is a scary transition, I don’t feel afraid for some reason.  I feel completely liberated and 100% sure this is the right direction for my life.  If any of the five of you reading this feel trapped, restless and dissatisfied with part of your life, I encourage you to make a change.  Don’t remain stuck.  Life is so  much more fun when you take risks!

1.)  That I never want to come back to this job.  (I recently entertained thoughts of taking a leave of absence, asking for employment here when I return, being afraid of what will happen in this economy, etc.  and realized:  No.)

2.)  That it’s ok to be occasionally moody and express my emotions more.  I am a woman after all. 

3.)  Be careful what you ask for… there’s a good chance you will recieve it.  I’ve been experimenting with this on a small scale and scarily, it seems to work. 

4.)  Not to listen to the news, the lay offs, the negativity.  I don’t want to shield away from others suffering but if I listen too much, I start to come down to that place.  Not good at this point in my journey.

5.)  That I’m stronger than I think.

6.)  That I’m weaker than I think.  And that’s perfectly fine.

7.)  Time is moving faster.  I must savor each moment.

8.)  That working for myself will be hard, but completely worth it.

9.)  To begin taking more risks with my writing.

10.)  How to cook risotto.

 Don’t you love this photo? It’s so whimsical. I used a cropped version of it on Fresh New Life but I really love the full version as well.

So my departure date is getting closer. I’m getting both excited and nervous. It occurred to me that I should start planning a little bit. So, I’m looking into various things right now. Still planning on heading west after my brother’s wedding and staying in Seattle/Portland/Vancouver area for a couple of months. Then, to Costa Rica. As for making money on the road, I’m investigating opportunities.

I haven’t been traveling much at all lately except home for the holidays. I’m noticing that I tend to get more comfortable, more in my comfort zone and less apt to take risks the less I travel. Also, something kind of strange is going on in that the closer I get to leaving, the more I’m loving my life in Raleigh. Probably normal. I just really value my friendships and life here. I’m trying to nurture them as much as possible right now so that I’ll still have those ties while I’m on the road.

Excited about my New Year’s plans this year…. I, along with 3 friends, am hosting an Around the World New Year’s Eve party. It was my friend Lindsay’s idea and it’s fab. We are having a Eat Globally, Give Locally Party. We’re providing drinks and food from different countries and we’re asking people to donate to the local food bank at the door. I’m really looking forward to spending an evening at a home nearby with friends and staying put all evening. I’m making sangria, salad, and baklava. (Well, buying the baklava)

All of my credit card debt is officially paid off! Yay! Took a bit longer than I thought. Am now into serious saving mode. Man, it feels good to have that card balance at zero. Best Christmas present ever.

For Christmas I got a Flip. I’m so ‘flipping’ excited! It is so easy to use and so portable! I will definitely be using it on my travels and maybe posting videos on Fresh New Life.

My new site, Fresh New Life , is going well. I took a break from it for the holidays but will be posting again very soon. It’s an exercise in both creativity and discipline. I’m excited to see where I head with it.

Happy New Year everyone!

Leigh

I just launched my new site, www.freshnewlife.com.   It focuses on personal growth through travel and I will be writing a few times a week.  I’m very excited!  It’s been in the works for a while and I have finally taken the leap. Now that I’ve posted my first article, I have tons of ideas coming in so keep checking back and feel free to comment!

Also, I have a goal of getting 100 subscribers by Jan. 15th.  So, if you like what you see so far, please subscribe.  The easiest way if you’re not familiar with RSS feeders is to click the email link next to ’subscribe’ and new posts will be emailed directly to you.  I appreciate your help!

I will be keeping restlessinraleigh.com as more of a personal site with updates on my life and travel plans.

Thanks,

Leigh

It is official:  I am simply not an office person.   Up through today, I have felt like a caged animal in every office I’ve ever worked in.  I think I could possibly enjoy the Google offices, but since that is not likely to happen any time soon or ever, I’ve decided I must work in an environment I enjoy.  I’m looking around at my cube/office mates today and wonder how they sit at their computers like drones day in and and day out.  I’m simply going crazy.  I even told my boss this.  Not that I’m going crazy but that I hate sitting for long periods of time… he just laughed and changed the subject.   I will find a way to make a living freelance, out of an office.  I WILL.

In other news, I Just went and saw my proofs from my professional photography session.  That’s right… I’m 32 and single and had pictures of myself taken.  It was fun!  It’s mainly for my new website/blog which will be up and running in a few weeks but also just for the hell of it.   The experience of looking at the proofs was pretty humbling, however.  It’s official:  I am not terribly photogenic.  Out of the 30 or so shots, I managed to find 2 that I didn’t completely abhor and will be using one of those on my new site and the other on this one.

Mom is coming to visit this weekend and then I’m off to TN and Bama for the holidays and my brother’s engagement party.  We are going to look for a dress for the party this weekend.  I want it to be Red and Short.  Nothing is better than a short, red dress… hmm, should have worn one for my professional pics, perhaps I would have liked them better.

I’m reading this really interesting book, The Paradox of Choice, by Barry Schwartz.  I’m not quite finished yet but so far it confirms some gut feelings I’ve been having lately about the overwhelming choices a lot of us have and how that truly affects us both positively and negatively.  I would highly recommend it. 

It looks at many issues but mainly focuses on how having too many choices can limit rather than enhance our freedoms.  For example, when we go to the grocery store and have 35 different shampoos to choose from, a woman can easily get overwhelmed wondering which would be the best for her hair type.  Should she choose A or B or C… and if she chooses one over the other, is she passing up the one that would work the best for her hair?  10 minutes later, she walks out with Pantene.  That’s 10 minutes out of her day that she could have spent connecting with her best friend or family member over the phone or a cup of coffee.

On a larger scale, where and how one lives, works, plays, vacations, chooses insurance, cars, clothes, etc. is all a series of choices with virtually limitless information one could research in order ot make the ‘best’ choice.  Choosing can eat up our days before we know it.  ‘Good enough’ no longer is acceptable when one could have the ‘best’. 

It really got me thinking about how I tend to constantly look for ways to make my life better (it’s already pretty great).  Due partly to the Internet and so much information at my fingertips, I see all the amazing and beautiful ways one can live one’s life and get paralyzed by choice.  But by being paralyzed, and keeping options open, I limit the joy I could experience by diving into a choice and living it up within that decision.   

While I think it’s healthy and normal to be striving and looking for the best options for our lives, I think we have to simplify, and pick things we want to focus on and not spend our time wondering ‘what if’.  The grass is always greener, right?  When you make a choice you make a commitment and other things no longer become available.  This is downright scary, definitely to me as well as others.  I’m pretty good at not wasting too much time on picking out the basics… clothes, insurance, what to do, eat…etc.   It’s the bigger things that tend to paralyze me a bit.  How to live my life, what hobbies to pursue, what kind of partner would be best suited for me, where to live, (in an exotic location or closer to family?), have children or not, work for myself or someone else? 

Perhaps I’ll start smaller.  Where do I want to travel beginning in May?  This changes for me on a weekly basis.  Obviously, I can read all the magazines, web sites, books on travel and be constantly changing my mind on what’s the best place for me to go.  However,  I’m just going to choose, and go with that choice full steam ahead without thinking, well, what if I had gone to Spain instead?  Would that have been more fun?

Anyone else have thoughts on this?  I’d love to hear them.

There seems to be a recent proliferation of blogs, books, etc. on productivity.  Most of these have fun, useful tips.  I’ve jumped on Lifehacker and Dumblittleman before and after a few visits, I quickly realized that most of the info they relay is just plain common sense.  However, it seems we are so busy these days that we forget how to simplify and use our common sense.  The only one I read with any regularity is Zen Habits.  This, too, is mainly common sense but it’s presented in such a simple, calming manner it’s enjoyable to read.

Today’s article is great.  It gives the only 2 secrets you need to get motivated to do an activity:   Make it enjoyable, and positive public pressure.   I’ve never been very good at self discipline and this article totally gets me off the hook!   Check it out. 

I can really relate to the positive public pressure point.   I’m keeping this blog partly so I can’t back out of my travel plans (as I occasionally consider doing in moments of panic).  Especially in these economic times.  My blog and encouragement from people who read it really help me when I’m tempted to stay ensconced in my cozy apartment in my cozy life here in Raleigh.

And, my one year anniversary of this blog is coming up soon.  I can’t believe I’ve stuck with it so long…a record for me in any department.  It’s mainly because of point number two from the Zen Habits article:  make it enjoyable.  I enjoy keeping this blog up.  It’s been fun for me and helps me to be more open as I tend to be pretty private. 

As they say in social marketing:  “Make it fun, easy and popular and people will do it.”

I agree wholeheartedly.

Oh, how I love fall… it is physically hurting me to be inside today.  The air is cool and crisp and I’m wearing my new brown boots and favorite scarf.  Apples abound at the Farmers market and soon I’ll be cooking pumpkin anything and brewing apple cider.  Yay!!

Lately I’ve been thinking about where I’ll be in 8 months and I’m getting excited!  I haven’t made detailed plans yet but I have a general idea of what I’m going to do.  I’m keeping an open mind up until that time and see where I am then.  I have been proactive in trying to meet as many people as I can both in person and over the internet so I can have ‘friends’ to meet up with during my travels.

Two weeks ago I was in Park City, Utah for a work conference. (Where above photo was taken)  We stayed at a really cool ski resort at the base of the mountain.  The air was dry and crisp and the scenery there was amazing!  There wasn’t snow yet, in fact, the ski slopes were green with trees except for the ski runs.  It looked like someone took a razor blade and shaved down the mountain.  Being in such a beautiful location  made me realize how much I miss being near nature on a daily basis… and it also made me realize how loud the traffic noise is outside my apartment.  I was considering subletting my place out for the duration of my travels but I think I’m just going to pack up and move out.  It’s a great place for an amazing price in downtown Raleigh.  However, I think I want a place that’s quiet, and that has a washer dryer and dishwasher, and has some green.  I couldn’t even put a pot of basil out this year without it getting stolen!

While in Utah, I met up with a really nice couchsurfer who is really into travel too.  He showed me around the town a bit and gave me some great travel book recommendations.  Gotta love couchsurfing.

Have been shopping again for fall clothes.  Must stop NOW.  I need to curb this big time if I really want to save the amount I’m aiming for.  I am reading a lot, working out and spending time out with friends while the weather is nice.  I’m taking pleasure in the simple things and trying not to over think things too much.

Life is good.

Leigh

I admit, it took me a while to get used to the idea of Facebook.   I was a reluctant convert…totally clueless as to how to send a message much less use one of those application thingy’s.  I’m somewhat adept now…although I still don’t know how to ‘throw something’ at someone or what ’superpoke’ means and to be honest I’d rather call my friend than throw Obama at him.   However, it has been really cool reconnecting with old friends (hello first grade crush!)  What is also really cool about Facebook is the sheer number of people that have a page, including those that  you admire.   That happened yesterday when I discovered that the author of one of my favorite books in the world (Tales of a Female Nomad) has a newly minted Facebook page.  I commented on her wall how much I enjoyed the book and she wrote back!  Here’s what she wrote:  

‘Thanks Leigh.  Hope you have some wonderful adventures.  Don’t forget:  smile a lot, talk to strangers, accept all invitations, and eat everything you’re offered.  And make as few plans as possible.  Just flow with the day.  Best… Rita’ 

What great advice.   

Especially since I’ve been feeling the traveling itch again lately… even more so than usual. I’m heading to Park City, Utah next week so I’m excited about that…even though it’s for work. (I always manage to work in ‘exploring’ time) and then possibly to Seattle in Oct.  I found an amazingly cheap ticket and am dying to go.  Must check to make sure the weather will be o.k though.

Still working with my career coach.  She’s fabulous.  A great encourager and I love bouncing ideas around with her.  We are so similar in many respects.  I have purchased my new site and am working on design and content as I write this. Keep you posted!

My picture of the Chinese garden in Frankfurt got published in Schmap!  It’s an online map guide used on iphones. Pretty cool!   

Fall is coming…. I can’t wait.  It’s my very favorite season.  Crisp air breathes new life into my body and mind.  I’m savoring the last of the watermelon and peaches and am gearing up for apples, cider, sweaters, scarves, soup, long books and fireplaces.

O.k., must go take some aspirin as my yoga soreness is settling in.

Happy travels…   

‘I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine. ’

                                                                           ~Caskie Stinnett

This week I’ve been in Gulf Shores with my family.  It’s been really fun and a relaxing week.  We almost didn’t come due to Hurricane Gustav but took a chance anyway.  The first couple of days were crazy with hurricane force winds, high surf (almost to our condo!) and rain.  We stayed in and watched movies, read, ate, etc.  It was really nice.  The past three days have been beautiful and sunny and I have the tan to prove it.  So it’s been nice hanging out with Mom and Dad for more than a weekend but I’m pretty ready to head back to Raleigh where the only Hurricanes are the ones with hockey sticks in their hands.  We are meeting my brother and his fiance for a wedding here on Saturday and I’m heading back on Sunday.

Right next door to our condo is a national landmark, the Flora-Bama beach club.  Half in Florida and half in Alabama separated by the state line.  It’s a legend.  The poor place took quite a beating in Hurricane Ivan but it’s up and thriving again!  I’ve been twice since we’ve been here.  They have great live music and all kinds flock to this joint from millionaires to your local Alabama rednecks. Dad loves it there because it’s a dive bar on the beach with great music.  He’s in heaven.  That’s all he really needs in life!  I hear they make fabulous Hurricane drinks too but I did not partake as I had a bad experience with one of those in Cancun and have not been able to look at one square in the face since.

I’ve been thinking this week about how my travel plans are just 8 months away. It will fly by and I”m starting to feel a little panic/fear at the thought of quitting my job.  That’s to be expected I’m sure but it’s there nonetheless.  This summer has flown by and this is the first week that I’ve really had to sit and think.  Of course, I’m not really thinking in any sort of productive way like I planned to.  Oh well… fall is here and I’m super busy up until November.  I’ll be able to get more done in the winter.

Hmm…what else is going on… I had a fabulous couchsurfer from the Bay area last week.  Very cool person and it reinforced my belief in couchsurfing in general.  In two weeks I’m heading to Park City, Utah.  Woo hoo!  It’s for a work conference but I’m going to try to do as little of that as possible and as much exploring time as I can.  It’s supposed to be beautiful, I can’t wait.  If anyone’s been and has any tips on where to go, please share!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

That’s all for now.  Happy travels!                        

 ”A journey is best measured in friends, not miles.”                                                                 ~Tim Cahill                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

I really love this one.  It’s so true isn’t it?  p.s.  Here are some pics from the trip.