Umemployed for 2 weeks now.

This is the first time in over 3 years that I have not had a job of some sort.  I guess that doesn't seem like that long of time, but when you are stuck in a job that sucks the life out of you, it feels like an eternity!

The one thing that I think bothered me the most about my job is that it was just that, a job.  One definition of job is: to penalize or deprive unfairly.  Now that may sound a little exaggerated, but sheesh, that's how it has felt for the last three years.

You see, I started working for Weyerhaeuser for the third time in 2006 because I needed money to get back on my feet.  While getting back on my feet I started to get use to the money in my pockets and the lifestyle I was able to live.  But that lifestyle required me to work in a setting that was damaging my soul.  I felt stuck and unproductive.  Tired and useless most days.  I didn't have the time to create and let out the gems that were being produced inside of me.  And in that way I felt I was being penalized and deprived unfairly.

It didn't really sink in until about a year and a half of being in Charlotte.  I started to feel really unsettled and didn't know what to do with myself.  I was overwhelmed with emotions of all kinds and realized I needed something different in my life, but I just didn't know what.

I started to feel the need for things a lot less.  I quit buying things that seemed unnecessary.  I had towels, sheets, dishes, furniture and socks and underwear that were all in good shape...why buy more, just because its cute or would liven up my place a little more.  I began to get rid of things I didn't use or need.  Downsize was a key word in my mind.  I felt the need to live simpler and be ready to move at a moments notice.  I didn't know where that would be to, but I just wanted to be ready.

So after a year of grumbling and hating life at work, I finally made a decision that I needed to do something to get me out of here (this job that sucked the life out of me).  So in December of 2008 I made the decision to move to Australia.  I just needed time to save up money and get rid of more STUFF and let it sink in that I am about to make a crazy, life changing decision.

So the time has finally come!  One year later, I have sold all of my furniture, saved a lot of money, quit my job and am about a month away from moving to The Land Down Under!  2009 has been a wild year full of crazy emotions and experiences.

I'm leaving the U.S. soil on January 29th to live in Australia for about a year...as of now.  Who knows what this trip may bring for the future.  I am trying to not even think about it.  Just living one day at a time.

I am hoping to have a lot of time in Australia to develop my writing abilities and picture snapping skills as well.  If for nothing but to refresh and renew my own soul, but I hope it leads to something more.  But that is all in God's hands.  I'm just making the time to let it happen.

I will be working odd jobs and trying to travel as much as possible.  I want to see as much as I can while I am over there.  I hope to share with you all as much as I can about my travels through writing and pictures.  But if any of you feel the need to come and see it for yourselves, please do!  I would love to have a familiar face and voice around!

Thanks in advance for sharing this adventure with me.  Drop me an email, facebook message or skype me anytime :)

Lots of love,
Dana Dee