I made a quick document entitled “101 Ways to Kill Stress”
(right-click on link to Save)

Hope this helps you as much in your time in need (all the time) as it does me.

Now, of course, having a list of “101 Ways to Kill Stress” can be easier than actually putting just 2 or 3 of them into practice. Let me try to help you with that, too…

How to Relieve Stress Under Pressure

Straight from the document: “22. Smile”
Sure, that’s simple, but how do you do it, while stressed?
Here’s how I do it: I just rattle off a favourite movie line. Yup, that’s it. And it works so well.
Here’s the scenario: It’s 7am, one kid is yelling, while another is crying and I haven’t managed to make coffee yet. Stressful.
But then I look one of them in the eye and say “>I’ve sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn’t want to do it. I felt I owed it to them.”
In case you don’t catch it, that quote is from Caddyshack, an all-time great movie. Note, also, that my quote is severely relevant to the issue at hand. Bonus points to you if you can do that. I can, but then again, I’m a movie quoting god. A lot of practice.

Sidenote: I don’t believe my example would cause permanent psychological damage, but it may raise more questions.

Whoa – this is my second post today? Have I gone mad?

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Life is still not normal, but it’s getting so close and I’m getting excited about that!

Today, I’m still living in rural village, 2 hours’ drive from wife’s work.
Still squatting in borrowed family home, across the street from in-laws.
My parents’ are now visiting here for a couple weeks.
My kids only seeing mom on weekends has me feeling like a single parent.

How We Feeling?

All this: the very close in-laws, borrowed home, visiting parents, single-parent lifestyle – all help to peg the needle on my stress meter. Am I handling it okay? Of course not. (It’s called stress for a reason, dammit!)
As a result, both kids and I are long for & miss our Prague friends and lifestyle in a huge way. Prague’s big parks & awesome playgrounds, daily meet-ups with friends, frequent communal programs & adventures to new places. I digress…

I can’t say I’m not trying here. Yesterday, I and the kids took my parents to a blueberry festival. I take my daughter to a storytelling hour at the library offered every 3rd week. We go swimming often. Still…replacing old normalcy with new normalcy takes time.

So, Why’s Today Special?

Today is a special day for the kids and me. Today, we drive down to Dartmouth, to see our new place. Mind you, our new home is nothing grand: a 3-bedroom apartment, converted former military housing. (love describing it that way to people – really sets their impression) But it will be Our Home.
Today will be my kids’ first time seeing their new place, their new bedroom — AND all their stuff from our former home in Prague. Talk about exciting for them!!!
So, Today is the end of our transition period from Prague to Dartmouth.
After my parents leave next week, we will actually move into our new place.
Why are we visiting it today? Tomorrow is when we can register my daughter at her new school. School start next week.

Wife’s work will be close by, so we’ll all live together. One kid in school. One kid will start a bit of daycare. Routine will a part of our vocabulary. Normalcy will begin. (whoa, did I just use “routine” as a positive thing?)

So, you see, the way I see it, normalcy isn’t here, but it’s right around the corner. I can taste it, smell it, almost touch it. Oh, I can’t wait!

Making New Expat Friends

**Total sideline here**
Last week, I met up with Andrew and Alison, a married expat couple living in Belgium. They happened to be visiting family in Pugwash (total small world).
Before last week, I only knew Andrew through his comments on this site like here & here & here. So, it was a cool experience to meet them face to face.
Great meeting you both!

Alison manages a cool website for expats in Belgium. By the way, Alison is obviously also a talented photographer. Check it out for yourself at ACM Photography page.

We shared lunch in a sweet corner cafe in the village downtown. Alison and Andrew also got to meet my wife, kids and my parents, which is pretty cool for me.
They are a super nice couple and obviously in a happy place in their lives. And for me, it was therapeutic to talk to fellow expats.

Again – really cool meeting you Andrew & Alison!

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Holy comatose Batman, I’ve been asleep at the wheel here with Expat Yourself. My apologies if you’ve been wondering “Where the f- is Jeff at these days?”

We arrived in Canada 6 freakin’ weeks ago already. Again, sorry for waiting. So much to say… finally I’m writing…

yeah, I finished the Vacation video

First things first, a reminder that we motorhomed around southern Europe. I posted a vacation video Well, it was the first half.
Well, I just posted the second half. Don’t worry, this one’s not as long, because, really, how much can you enjoy somebody else’s vacation videos?? But I do hope it inspires you to do something similar. You so could, and you know it.

Near the video’s end, I give “stats” including our total cost.
Disclaimer: the stats don’t include what we paid for some damage. If you want to know more about that, write me or comment.

Anyway – here’s the second half:

How did our vacation go? Great.
How did our arrival go? Fairly smooth, but only after lengthy explanations to Canadian Customs and Immigration about our intentions.
How’s the transition going here? So so. Some culture shock going on, plus we’re missing Prague friends big-time, plus our role reversal has taken an unexpected twist.

Some Culture Shock

You know what culture shock is, right? In a nutshell, it’s getting used to new surroundings and differences.
What differences you ask? Well, in Prague we had incredible mass transit, breathtaking architecture and a wide range of friends.
Where are we now? Rural Nova Scotia, along the north shore. When I say rural, I mean our road is gravel and the village consists of ~700 people. We live here because we’re essentially squatting in an empty family house near my wife’s parents. Yeah, there’s loads of culture shock going on here. Let me jump to the role reversal thing.

Role Reversal

About a year ago, my wife and I decided, at our next chance, we would reverse our roles of bread-winner & stay-at-home parent.
Leaving Prague for Canada gave us that chance.
The role reversal thing has been great so far, and I’m not just saying that because my wife reads this blog.
But there’s an added twist. My wife’s job is in the (much bigger) city of Halifax. Halifax is two hours’ drive away, not doable for daily commuting.

Yes, that means, I’m a stay-at-home dad all week, while my wife/kids’ mom comes home for the weekends. Culture shock amplified.
Naturally, we’re searching for a place near my wife’s work, but these things take time.

Well, I’m not sure how to end this post. No zingy conclusions or valuable life lessons – hope that’s cool with you today. But at least I’m posting you today and not waiting another 6 weeks.

Cheers mates,
-Jeff

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July 1st is Canada Day. Happy Canada Day!!

This is my first time in the country for the holiday ever. My wife’s first time in many years. We’re spending the day with my wife’s family and many more in a small rural village in northern Nova Scotia. Local events include dancing, concerts of local talent, mini-highland games, helicopter rides, and a parade. A little something for everyone hopefully.

Vacation is over as of this week. Reality is replacing the holiday feeling, bigtime. Culture shock is working its magic. To be more correct, this is reverse culture shock, since, at least for my wife, she’s returning “home.”

Hope all is well with you, wherever you are.

-Jeff

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hey all,

Above all, I’m sorry to be away for a couple weeks. I and the family are on our RV vacation since June 1st. Another week or so to go before we return the motorhome and we fly to Halifax, Canada.

I’m in a hotel in Zermatt, Switzerland, borrowing some wireless. The barmaid knows I’m not a guest, but she’s cool with it so long as I keep ordering beers. My wife is putting the kids to bed in our nearby campground.

How’s vacation treating us? In a word: (f’ing) fantastic.

Checking the list of e-mails (all too quickly), I’m smiling at a couple nice notes. Thanks Jen, Joanna, Darrin – I miss you guys, too.

Over a couple beers, I made a video with our vacation pictures so far. I’m a huge movie fan, so I stuck in a couple choice snippets, too, that sort of match the scene. Hope you enjoy it as much as I liked making it.

Hope you all are doing well. Do let me know where you are with your ideas and planning. Above all – the most important thing to do is ACT. Dream all you want, but when it comes time for the rubber to hit the road- ACT.

Take care – CIAO, -jeff

By the way, to SoulTravelers3, I thank you for the advice to visit Cinque Terre. We left that gorgeous area this morning. Stunning!!

-Jeff

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Today is a banner day. I just got word that our mortgage refinance application was approved. Oh, man, that rocks!

…so, now we only owe two and a half million. Thankfully, that’s not dollars, but in Czech crowns. In fact, I’m real thankful that’s not in dollars, since I’d be jumping out of a window if I owed anybody a million dollars, let alone two mill.

(Of course, a couple million crowns ain’t exactly peanuts either, which is why I have a mortgage.)

You may be asking “Why do you have a mortgage? Why refinance when you should just sell it? Aren’t you moving in like…10 days?”

Why do you have a mortgage?
You’re joking right? Or else you’re extremely rich? In either case, I’m not.
We have a mortgage because we’re not wealthy enough to own our place. Downtown Prague is not cheap. Well, it’s cheaper than say, New York, London, Moscow or Rome, but hey…I can’t buy on 5th avenue either.

Why refinance when you should just sell it?
We bought our flat 3 years ago and I don’t believe flipping our property is the smartest thing for us now.

Aren’t you moving in like…10 days?
Well, yes, we are moving in …10 days. But we did buy our apartment. —It hurts me to say that. No, it doesn’t hurt to say we bought, it hurts to call it an “apartment” after getting used to calling it a flat for the last couple years.

Got any questions? Throw your wonders in the comments – I’ll answer. No, I’m not shy about revealing our finances. Well, to a point, but give me a try.

Don't Ask Me What This Says...

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You asked me about my being “location independent?”
Maybe you’re there or almost there, or …wanting to be almost there?

Tomorrow – Tuesday May 18th you have an opportunity: Build your own empire. That’s key to location independence in one year.

Being location independent means freedom. Freedom to earn as you want and then have the time to do what’s most important to you…maybe spend more time with your kids, take long vacations or travel. Or all the above.

I have one source of great information I have to share: Chris Guillebeau. I’ve followed him for a few years now.

It’s Chris who is launching the Empire Building Kit tomorrow.

A bit about Chris (longer story here): he made a name for himself by announcing he intends to visit every country of the world and blogs about it. For that, Chris is well on target. I believe he’s hit over 120 so far. He doesn’t stay long per country, which would be more my style, but if your goal is quantity over time – Chris sets the bar darn high!

But he’s not just a super, uber-traveler. He’s a real guy like you & me.
And he has a great knack at being happily successful & describing how, easily for people like you and me.

Chris shares plenty of know-how. For example “279 days to Overnight Success” and “Brief Guide to World Domination”
Both are free. Grab them to see what he’s capable of delivering.

Last month, Chris revealed the Empire Building Kit.
The EBK is a paid-for product. Three tiers, price balanced with what’s provided. Even at the lowest tier, it’s a huge collection of case studies of successful entrepreneurs, with video interviews, transcripts and actionable info.
Plus, the 365 messages (daily for a year) from Chris to walk through it all bit by bit.

Forty days ago, Empire Building Kit was first released (also for one day only).
I scooped it up (the middle tier).
Normally, I don’t shell out cash for products, “sight-unseen.” But I have bought from Chris, a few times. And every time, I never get buyer’s remorse.
Again, as with everything Chris offers, I’m very satisfied with this EBK. Chris’ daily newsletter has a nice ‘babysitter’ for me, reminding me to act & stay focused, even during these busy times.

Tomorrow, Tuesday the 18th, Chris is opening the Empire Building Kit again for people.
I hope you see it as worthwhile as I do. It’s your key to becoming location independent.

For full disclosure, I partnered with Chris and his site. So while I brag about Chris’ stuff as a satisfied customer, I will also get a commission, too. I do sincerely believe in Chris and his work so I don’t feel ‘dirty’ doing so.

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Answer: Move.

Nothing helps you say “it’s not that important” like moving across the ocean.

We’ve lived in Prague for four years. That’s just four years; it’s not a lifetime. (Unless you’re 4 or younger, right?)

It’s amazing how much crap we’ve accumulated in just these four years.

Now we’re moving to Canada. And so, the sorting, cleaning and digging begins. The packers are scheduled to come on May 30th.
We’re asking each other a dozen times a hour “Do we really need this? Is it important we keep it?”
With everything we touch, dig out, we end with one question: “Keep or Lose?” (and Lose can mean sell, give away or trash)

Our Guidelines for “Keep or Lose”
I figure I’m not alone here, so here are our guidelines how we decide what stays and what doesn’t.

First, is it something we use once a week or more? If yes, keep. Otherwise…see the next questions:

Books
Did I already read it? — “Lose it.”
If no, will I read before 2011? No? — “Lose it.”

Clothing
Does it fit? No? — “Lose it.”
Would I wear it tomorrow (given right weather)? No? — “Lose it.”

Computer stuff * (Guilty, so guilty)
Do we use it today? — “Keep it.”
Do I have more than 2 of them? — “Lose it” (like 7 extra USB cables)
* We switched to Mac 2 years ago, so A LOT was “Lose it.”

Tools
Electrical? (Or “European plug?”) Yes? — “Lose it.”
Use it less than once a year? Yes? — “Lose it.”
Under $10 to replace? Yes? — “Lose it.”
So …the screwdriver set stays. (sorry, duct tape)

Knick-Knacks
Tougher calls here, but…
Did we buy it while vacationing? No? — “Lose it.”

“Oh, But We Can’t Get Rid Of That”
There is one, teensy-weensy exception to this rule. My four-year old daughter’s prized possession, a coconut lady.
See picture “exhibit A” in hideous picture at the bottom of this post.

The coconut lady must stay for two reasons:
1. It’s from a friend who loves giving us the corniest, ugliest gifts on the planet. (And he’s rather good at it)
2. My wife hates it. In fact, she delights in hating it. And, I get some enjoyment out of hearing from her just how much she hates it.

So, in the end, coconut lady stays. For all else, enjoy our guidelines above.

-Jeff

Click for a full-size revolting pic of Francis

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What with all my “free time,” I am working more on this website.

I put free time in quotes, because actually I feel busier this past week than ever before. I haven’t figured out why exactly, but my to-do list seems never ending. *shrug*

UPDATE
Yes, it’s started…{cough, cough}. Feel free to comment if you something broken, etc…

In the meantime, if after your next visit this website looks very different, it’s okay. It’s still ExpatYourself, but with some rearranged furniture, new paintings, knocked down walls, etc.. I’m making room for future additions.

“Can I Help?”
Can you help? Absolutely!
Tell me what you would most like added to this site. What do you want o hear about? How-to’s? Squiggly statistics & graphs? Any application ideas?

Send me a message or put a quick comment to this post…. & Thanks!

See you soon -

-Jeff

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I am now officially retired from the corporate rat race.
Two months ago, I wrote how I was laid off. As of just Friday, April 30th, I am officially out of work.
How cool is that?

Big Life Changes Explained
A couple days ago, I mentioned big life changes. I even wrote it borderline mysterious: “Even bigger life changes…stay tuned”
Well, time to fess up. Yes, I’m out of work. But the bigger life change is: I’m not looking for work.

I (with my wife’s support) will no longer work for anyone else. I’m freelance. I’m working for myself, on my own terms, according to my own demand. I’m an expat from corporate life.

Did I Make the Right Choice?
You bet your ass.
Last Friday, April 30th, after surrendering the laptop, blackberry and all other stuff that pseudo-defined me as a corporate manager, I walked up to the receptionist. “Take care,” I said as I handed her my access badge.
She said: “Okay, well have a good weekend and a good rest of the life!”
Thanks, I will.
I never want to be in that environment again. And if I did end up doing the cubicle thing again, I know I would be completely miserable. What kept me somewhat content in this past job was working with people whom today I can call friends. Good guys, miserable lifestyle. (And I’m quite certain those guys would agree with me)

My Last Day
I left corporate life around lunch time. That left me several hours of the day to fully absorb the start of a new me, a new life.
I got home, stripped off my shirt, tie and slacks, got into much more comfortable clothes. I figured that wasn’t “transition” enough, so I decided to ceremoniously ditch my black dress shoes for good.
My 4 year old daughter and I walked to our park, across the street from us. On our way to the park, we left my dress shoes near the recyclables containers on the street. That’s where people leave behind old clothes for other folks with more need to pick them up. My dress shoes will no doubt be more enjoyed by anybody other than me.

At the park, my daughter and I had a long talk about how, from now on, I will be more available.
I’ll be more available for playing, more available for helping her, more available to pick her up for school, and so on.
We’re both pretty happy about this.

No Work DOES NOT Mean No Income
I hope no one believes I’m retired, as in never working again. While that would be nice, it’s just not doable. Daddy and family need income. It’s just not going to come from a place where I need an access badge.

How will I help contribute to the family income? I have already been doing piecemeal work for a publisher for …wow, has it been 10 years already? For 10 years now, I accept editing and authoring work on demand. How is this different from regular work? Well, for starters, I’ve never actually met my publisher face to face. It’s great, rewarding work and I do it when it feels right.

Breadwinner/Homemaker Role Reversal
My wife, on the other hand, has chosen the opposite direction – she’s going from full-time homemaker to full-time employee. After four+ years at home, raising now 2 kids, this makes her happy. I’m guessing a lot of stay-at-home moms can understand.

Between some online work and my wife’s future income, we believe we can maintain our standard of living, but both enjoy a much happier living, too.

Location Independent
Becoming location independent is an up and coming lifestyle and one that I think will catch on more. Hell, technology nowadays practically allows you to work wherever and whenever you want.
If you’re guessing I’ll be writing more about this as time goes on, you’re right.

If you’ve ever wanted to become location independent, let me know. I’d like to know what stirs you. I look forward to helping you in any way I can.

What are my next steps? Well, I should update my LinkedIn page and this site’s “About Me” page for starters.

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