Sleepless in Penang

I haven't been sleeping properly lately. Can't manage to fall asleep before 3 or 4 (I assure you that there's no night out precursor to justify said insomnia). My mind is racing with thoughts of what's next for me and the meaning of life. And by the meaning of life, I mean the fact that I'll be spending this weekend surfing in Cherating. Am I excited? In a word, Heckya. One final bake-off of my skin before I head back to Thailand and wrap things up.

I'll be home this time in 2 weeks. I'm rather excited by that prospect. I have these moments of thought that I'm an ideal candidate to pack it all up and live like a nomad for a few years. And then I think of my bed. My luscious aww inspiring kitty cat super stretch bed. I miss it so. Plus all my family and friends and so on and so forth...;).

I've been shopping lately. Lots of shopping. Can't stop a woman from shoppin! Things are not particularily cheap here (not compared to Thailand anyhow), but the quality of clothes are great and very fashionable. The mall Pooja (it's not Puja as I previously wrote) works in is full of the same stores in Canada and a few local chains that are filled with gorgeous finds. I'm trying to behave myself, but it feels too good not to. A long standing personal philosophy that will prevent me from becoming a Buddhist anytime soon.

I've been trying to wrap my head around how I will describe this trip when I get back to Canada. On the surface it's been an incredible experience and a perfect blend of adventure, self-sufficiency and family time. I'm very fortunate to have all this family who've welcomed me with open arms. I'm also lucky to be able to have had such great experiences with Claire and the other friends I've made along the way. This trip to Cherating will kind of be the first time I'm actually on my own, and I welcome it...have a feeling I'll meet lots of people along the way though...surfing classes are good like that :) At a deeper level, it's opened my eyes to all the experiences and lifestyles and opportunities in the world and the fact that we're all the same. For instance: Crazy in Love will set a dancefloor on fire in any city. Parents just want their children to be happy. Children just want their parents to let them make their own decisions. And my age group adamantly refuses to live a mediocre life as the majority of us embrace the fact that this moment is very fleeting and the absolute best thing you can do is whatever you want to do. And this is why I surf.

I would have never imagined this is the life that I get to lead 5 years ago. But now it's mine. And I love every minute of it.