I knew I was going to write this post one day so I took photos of the long unpacking process so I could share it with you today because now I have to pack it all away again. That is right. I technically have four little moves ahead of me during the next six months and everything is going into storage.
For those who missed the story of me leaving Vancouver to come back home to Toronto…
This is my new space thanks to my sister Jamie. She has given me sanctuary and a room of my own. I am so very grateful. I have spent months making it my sanctuary.
Breaking
In all moves, in particular ones across the country, things break. The mirror frame on my dresser finally snapped and I decided I did not need or want a mirror in my room. I had other plans for that surface. I had to make the most of what space I had. Remember, I downsized from a three-bedroom apartment to one room. Here is my article on downsizing.
The irony of this “sweet” framed foodie print I bought at the Vancouver Etsy market being broken was not lost on me. Bittersweet indeed. I just dumped the glass but I have not hung anything up on my walls. I knew there was a chance I would have to move again in the near future so why bother?
Toronto Welcomes Me Home
I put out a call on Facebook that I needed a storage unit and an amazing friend came through for me! Another friend drove me out there so we could break it apart together and get it to my new home. I also had another awesome friend donate summer clothes to me since all I had was winter clothes in a duffle bag. My friend Michelle gave me her polar fleece jacket because I was cold when we were out. Another friend bought me summer pants! I am totally blown away by the amazingness of everyone.
And all you who helped me financially, truly helped save my life. Gratitude is not an adequate enough word to express how I feel. In fact, I just feel so deeply loved, accepted and cared for. After the last year I had in Vancouver, you are healing my broken heart.
Unpacking
I did eventually move my mixer from my luggage into one of the totes but now it was time to start getting organized and find homes for the stuff that made the cut for the move.
Reg was kind enough to also send me several boxes of things I left behind that I decided I could not live without. Almost 95% of them were cookbooks.
Only my favourite tools made the trip. Believe it or not, I left all my wooden spoons behind. Too many memories. I wanted to start off fresh but some the stainless steel and pewter made it. Remember, they charge you by weight. I could not take everything. Only what I could not live without. But where to put all these little knick knack pieces and tools?
Getting Organized
I bought this one basket from Canadian Tire to see if it would fit on the top of my unit. I didn’t want to buy five only to find out that they would not work.
In it I put everything for measuring, checking temperature, my Mom’s meat mallet and my favourite skull and crossbones rolling pin.
It fit perfectly! Yes! The problem? The next time I showed up the rest of the baskets were all gone! Thankfully I held onto the barcode and looked it up and discovered there were a bunch in the back so I came home with four more.
So I divided things up as logically as my chaotic brain would let me. Cooking would go together.
Baskets for desserts like chocolate making…
And cake decorating would go into two other baskets. Baskets I had no place to put.
Canadian Tire carries the same rickety wooden shoe racks we used for years and I realized that one would fit on top of my dresser where the mirror had been perfectly!
Now I could put flat things on the shelves and put the baskets on top!
New Purchases
I actually have not made a lot of new purchases yet but I did get my own little containers from the dollar store. They are currently protecting my nuts and seeds collection!
I looked everywhere but could not find a replacement for my baking board. I wanted to take it with me so badly but it just would not fit, it is so huge. I used it every day for foodie photos in my kitchen. My friend Cordelia came through for me AGAIN and picked one up at IKEA for me! Can you believe it is only $25? Best foodie investment in the world. I felt much better once that was with me again.
The Final Results
So here it is! You can watch this super short video and see what I have done with my space. Yes, I am sick and I am glad I shot the video yesterday because today I have laryngitis. The good times keep rolling. I wanted to do a video of my space so I remember how to put it back together when I come home in the fall. How I am going to be able to pack and move now…
Escher, the most sensitive of Jamie’s rescue cats, appears to have accepted me into the family
Well, I did it in four days in January with a broken heart. It just makes me sad because I was starting to feel at home with my cookbooks and foodie tools keeping me company. But I do love a good adventure and will be staying in a brand-new space with fantastic people in the next couple of weeks. I knew this year was going to be challenging but wow, if I make it, I will be so proud of myself.
Life falls apart so you put it back together again. This apparently is my theme for 2018! Fine. Bring it! I am tough. I am NOT giving up.
You will be a foodie gypsy wanderer over the next six months but just think of the adventures you’ll have! Best wishes!
Damn! Hit that return button again instead of the tab!
Yes! I have always wondered what it would be like to live like that and see what the journey will be like so… now it is happening Debra! I just hope I survive it. 🙂
Suzie, I appreciate your transparency and your tenacity in the face of some super tough stuff. Thanks for being real, and sharing yourself with us. Vulnerability is strength; rock on with your badass warrior self. 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much Shelley, for the feedback and the support. Yes, always real and true, that’s my goal so thank you especially for that. Badass warrior self is not giving up!
hey sweetie — four moves? I will store your surprise until you are settled-settled in one place…. no point your moving them or storing them when I can.