Out with the new / In with the old

This week I waved goodbye to my beautiful BMW X3.  I remember when I bought this car ... I'd been talking about getting a new ride for almost 10 months, if not longer.  The search took so long because I could never quite make up my mind about what I wanted.  My yearnings ranged from a Chevy Avalanche, to a Toyota FJ Cruiser, to the Infiniti FX350 etc

It still amuses me that, after months of pondering different options, this baby was spotted in the wanted ads on a Friday (thanks B J) and it was mine by the next week. 
Plus, it came with a very persuasive price tag ... thanks, Euge J

Soon after the title changed hands, I realized that our love affair would be fleeting.  I was sitting in George Town traffic, tapping away to the beat on the radio, when it fully dawned that I really was going to head out on my travels this year.

So, the deed is done. We've had 6 wonderful months together … the physical separation has occurred, now it’s time to sever the emotional attachment L  Oh, BMW, our tryst was short but sweet, and you will be fondly remembered.  I am sad to see you go, but my account is happy with the farewell lol.

So, it’s back to trusty old Pajero ... my first love!!  It is sunburned, has age-spots, it rattles, it’s slow to accelerate, drives like a go-kart, it has 'interesting internal features' (aka holes in the upholstery lol) that give it a certain charm and strength of character, it's lost some of its bits randomly … it’s all of that, but it’s also the car that just keeps on going and going and going ...
 

Stuff Junkie

I thought I kept a relatively uncluttered life and home space ... but apparently, I was deluding myself.

That nifty little trick of finding a niche for everything only serves to hide how much stuff is tucked away.  Now its time to pack up and go, I keep get getting those "Oh my God, where did you come from?" or "When and why did I get you?" moments lol.

On the wardrobe front, my stuff's pretty compact as I've gotten used to the "1 In / 1 Out" philosophy over the years.  Plus living in Cayman is not exactly conducive to being a shopaholic. Yes, I've got the shoes and handbags that I've loved and nurtured, and which I will be sad to leave behind.  I shudder at the thought of no pretty heels for 12 months ... I will surely need therapy when the trip ends lol ... but, needs must.

Anyway, I digress.  What I find confounding is all the knick-knacks and 'stuff' that have crept in surreptitiously over time.  Pretty little baubles of no real value to anyone else but me; jewelry that I never wear (granted, its not the real McCoy, but still); a bicycle I've ridden 3 times tops (gave up on it when I over-stretched myself one fine day and ended up with a sore butt for a week and calluses on my palms), a BBQ grill that's easy on the eye but rarely fired up; books I have yet to read; exercise gear that seldom get a work out … sadly, the list goes on L

Why does 'acquisition amnesia' set in after the first heady rush of ownership?

So, I'm discovering, discarding and decluttering, and I'm promising myself to go easy on 'stuff' next time round.  Its probably a promise I'm going to break ... that blasted amnesia again lol

Status Update

Maryland/Washington last week visiting my brother and his family. My gorgeous little nephew turned 1yr old … bless his little cotton socks J.

I got to see my sisters and nieces as well, as they also flew in from London.  Lovely time spent catching up.

Did a bit of sightseeing in DC … it’s an interesting city.  The White House did not live up to expectations though; it was smaller than anticipated lol

Stateside, I got to pick up my Eagle Creek Switchback Convertible Pack J I went with the Max 25 in Cypress Green and copped an extra 10ltrs of packing space.  I also got a few packing solutions to help organize my stuff … might have gone a bit overboard, but what can I say, I’m in LOVE with this gear J

So, I’m back in Cayman now and the clock’s ticking.

The gamy tooth’s been terminated, vaccinations have been administered, packing is underway, car's up for sale, 24 days ‘til the last day of work and the excitement is beginning to bubble up.

Note to Self:  Travel insurance!!!!!

Toothless Wonder

I've had a litany of teething problems over the past few years.  2 wisdom teeth extracted, 2 root canals, 2 crowns. One of these crowned teeth was also the happy recipient of the two root canals.  Scott (my dentist) and I gave up hope on it earlier this year and I reluctantly accepted the fact that it had to come out.

                                       

So we had a tooth extraction ceremony, yahhyyy (not!!!) ...and I got used to chewing hard stuff on one side of my mouth only.

6 months later to current day ... I'm chowing down on something (I forget what now) and I feel a sharp nasty pain shoot through another tooth.  I immediately made an appointment with Scott, as I do not want to have any dental issues on the road.

The diagnosis? Another molar (the second crowned beauty) is sporting a hairline fracture :(

I swear I was cursed by the Toothless Crone Witch when all the other kids got the Good Tooth Fairy knocking on their doors!!!

So, the fractured molar needs to come out ... excavation is scheduled for Friday 5th of August.  I will no longer be able to enjoy steaks like I used to and Argentina just lost some of its appeal.

I see implants in my future ... and, no Blair, they will not be gold, diamond or anything else your ghetto-fabulous mind can think of lol