Thanks Richard. I love writing these round up posts! They are a lot of fun for me and an easy way to catch up if someone wants to look back on my past travels.

Seriously! It’s great to be home and I’m actually quite sad to leave just when the weather is so gorgeous. Le sigh.

Hi Again Alex,
I was thinking as I walked into town today, how much a person needs to earn, to live well in our ‘developed’ western world. It takes my breathe away – having gained a full understanding of the value of money in my life as a Parent and mother bringing up small children on one wage. it is a huge amount you need to bring in, to be self sufficient in countries such as yours and mine. Its a big responsibility for a person. You always impress me with your maturity which comes across. Although like you say in the above post – you look forward to those debaucherous weekends in Vegas! 🙂

Thanks Alex, I did get some closure from being able to attend. I missed my Grandfather’s funeral when I was living in London so I am so glad that I was able to make it this time.

In my experience, it is not pretty! I would definitely have a conversation right off the bat, which I think you could frame in a really non-threatening way. (“Wow, so much in our life has changed since we were last here! Nowadays, our work schedule looks a little something like XYZ. We’d love to talk about how we can pitch in around the house once we sign off for the night…” or something?) I also really recommend the library route! Coffee shops have nice atmosphere but if you are trying to save up, the cost of all those lattes does add up!

I have had the issue with significant others where I’m pulling 10-12 hour days and they are working a much more relaxed schedule, and when they come home and are cleaning up I’m still working on a project — and they are insulted that I don’t stop to help. It leads to a lot of hurt feelings on both parts! So I’d also definitely address chores/housework contribution right off the bat with any kind of roommate situation. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

Thank you Janice! Things are evening out a bit for me now income-wise, but this summer was a scary time! It generally is a bit of a slow period in the business (even web traffic slows down in the summer) but because of all the upheaval with the Google algorithm updates I mention, many feared it was a more permanent slump. And it doesn’t help that I’m in the US during the summers, which is always when I’m spending the most money! 🙂

My dad takes care of Tucker when I travel, and is always very bummed when I come collect him for the months I’m home! The nutritionist mostly reiterated information I already knew, but the most helpful part of it was bringing in labels of foods I eat regularly when I’m home and having her point out which ones were all clear and which ones weren’t so great. She gave me some good suggestions too, for example when I’m home I often eat Cafe Steamers for lunch (I am a horrible cook) and she said those were actually low in sodium and fine to eat, but suggested I add some fresh steamed vegetables to them to make them more filling. It was a great idea and I can’t eat them any other way now!

Thank you, Miquel! I enjoy looking back on them as well. It’s a nice reminder of where I’ve been, mentally and physically!