It wasn't always like this.
I used to live like a normal 20-something in several normal-to-subpar accommodations that were congruent to my budget and whatever mood I happened to be in at the time of lease signing.
That was until I packed up everything I owned in my Chevrolet Cobalt and moved from Lethbridge, Alberta to Montreal, Quebec.
My car packed and ready for the start of my big adventure.
In the background is the house of a great musician, and a dear friend who let me live with her in exchange for tending her garden and caring for her cats. At this point I've been living rent free for 2 months.
"The Scenic Route" my drive from Lethbridge to Montréal.
Why? Why? Why? WHY?
I knew no one. I barely spoke French. I had no idea where my next pay check would come from.
I had my BFA and my debt. I had my car, my bike, my $30.00 tent and about 2 and a half months left of summer in case I didn't find anyplace to live. You're never homeless with a car and a tent... but only in summer.
Luckily, for the month of July 2015 I also had Auberge Alternative. A little arrangement I had made prior to leaving Lethbridge through Workaway where I would work part time in exchange for my lodging.
It was only supposed to last for one month. The plan was to (within that time): 1) Find a job. 2) Find an apartment 3) Become bilingual.
As the month went on it appeared that none of this was happening. Two weeks in and I had not found a job, therefore looking for an apartment was out of the question, and as it turns out: French is hard. You don't learn it in a month. You just don't.
So I got scared.
And I almost gave up. I called up my eternally lovely grandparents in Winnipeg asking if there was a chance I could stay with them (...again) and my old job to see if they would take me back.
Two things happened next:
1) I decided that I was in too deep and leaving now would be giving up. I gained the skill; courage!
2) Turns out the workaway person who was supposed to come for August, wasn't going to come after all. And I had made friends with the owner and all the staff, I had put in my best effort all month, so they let me stay.
And for that I am eternally grateful.
Now it is almost 4 months later, and I'm still here.
I keep in mind that this is not a permanent situation.
But I am grateful for every day that: I come home and meet people from all over the world; I go for a walk in Old Montreal, which is just outside my doorstep; I moved to a city where I knew nobody, and yet I have not been lonely for a single day here. Not one single day.
And this to me, is exactly where I need to be.
So I decided to write a blog about it!
And that's why you're here.
If you're still here.
Hi Mom :)
This has been a quick summary of the past few months. Now you know my situation. Obviously lots has happened that did not fit into this blog entry, as I am sure you have many more interesting things to do with your time and yet I am grateful you took irreplaceable time from your life to devote to me.
In return I hope to make you smile (or laugh, if I can), and show you how I am making it by living the "alternative" lifestyle and that you can do it too! If that is what would float your boat in particular.
If you have any questions that you think I can answer, or suggestions for topics that I can write about please leave me a comment!
Thanks for reading! Bisous!
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