November 1 to November 7, 2015

Sunday, I hate time-change week-ends, it will take me a week to get my body back into sync. Even though we could have had an extra hour in bed I was wide awake early. We spent the day shopping for appliances. The new condo doesn’t come with appliances other than a dishwasher. I think this is the first house that we have bought where we buy all new appliances to suit what we want. A fridge with water/ice dispenser, a new oven and front-loading washing machine and dryer, it will be nice to have all new appliances that match.

I was ready for bed at 9:00 pm, stupid time-change!

Monday, a relaxing day today, I finally posted Thoughts on Canada and looked back over our ride, we had a really good time and I miss riding every day.

We went back into the condo to do some measurements for the appliances. I think we can get some nice appliances that will fit. Although we cannot get a gas stove, because of where the gas pipeline is located. That’s o.k. I have got used to working with an electric stove over the past month and a half at Melinda’s and we can get a nice modern range.

Tuesday, what a wonderful day. Ralf was taking another course and I had some running around to do today – library, bank etc and I did it all on my bike, the weather was great. I thought I had a follow-up meeting at the employment office but that isn’t until tomorrow.

As I was about to leave on my bicycle the little girl across the street asked me where I was going. I told her I was going to the library. “Why are you riding your bicycle?”, “Because I don’t have a car”. “We have a car, we don’t ride our bicycle to the library”. Five years old and already pre-programmed to drive everywhere.

It was a great ride, the sun was out, the wind was in my face (at my back on the way home) and I loved being out on my bike on November 3, 2015. Long may it last.

I popped into the BikeZone and had a sort of interview with Ben (Aynsley’s friend). He is going to talk to the owner and see if there is a position for me. Yeah I might be able to work in a bike shop.

Wednesday, another lovely day for riding a bike. I cycled to the employment office and had an interesting chat with the “counseller”. While we were on the road I had an idea for starting my own company. I figured that there maybe companies who might need secretarial help for only one day a week, but really do not want the expense of hiring a person for one day a week. That is where I would come in, I would work at 3 or 4 different companies for one day a week and invoice them as a “consultant”. I would enjoy the variety of work and working for different companies. The counselor thought it was a great idea and told me about the City of Barrie offering seminars on how to start your own business. I have signed up for the first seminar on Monday morning.

Ralf went for a long bike ride on his own. He came back and was complaining about almost bonking. Did he have electrolytes – no, did he take granola bars – no, did he take trail mix – yes, did he cycle 100 kms without electrolytes or granola bars or stop for something to eat anywhere – yes! I tell you it is a good job I was with him on this world trip – I did look after him.

Thursday, Researching appliances is a real pain in the @r$3. I have checked Consumer Reports, website reviews and chatted to sales associates. We still don’t know what to buy!

Friday, we decided not to buy a sofa bed, they are generally much firmer than regular sofas and not as comfortable as other sofas. We can set up the spare room in the spring, once we have got rid of some more “stuff”.

We discussed what we would like in the living room and more to the point what room we have available. We went back to the furniture stores with measurements and a room plan. After we purchased a very nice loveseat recliner I asked Ralf if we had sold our black leather recliner that we had in the old house. He couldn’t remember and neither could I, maybe we will have two leather recliners in our new condo! Fortunately, I still have the file that the moving company sent us with what was going into storage – no leather recliner, just my favorite chair and a half, which should fit in the living room with the new recliner.

Saturday, more comparison shopping for appliances. We have finally decided on the appliances and the store where we are going to buy them. We have to wait for the confirmation from the lawyer that the condo is ours then we can place the order for new appliances. We also decided that we would redo the kitchen sooner rather than later. We saw some great ideas for kitchens and additional storage ideas, which will optimize the space of the small kitchen and the tiny condo.

I am getting really excited about moving into our tiny condo, although we are both still a little concerned about how much “stuff” we have to get rid of to really make our tiny condo comfortable.