How does one prepare to move to the Arctic?!!

Have you ever tried to buy a parka in July?  It may come as a surprise to you, but apparently most stores don't sell such items at this time of year.  I have come to learn that July is not the best season to prepare yourself for -50C weather! 

These are some of the things I have bought this month:
Snow pants
Snow boots
Parka
Mittens
Base Layers
More base layers
Fleece jackets
Toques
Balaclava
Scarfs
Wool
More wool
Heating pads
Heated blankets

Thank god for online shopping!  My orders are slowly arriving and I am confident that I have enough clothing to keep me toasty warm! Which, consequently means that Crystal's prediction of me freezing to death within 2 hours will not become a reality. 

Have I mentioned the Rubbermaid bins?  So many Rubbermaid bins.  It seems that this is the best way to ship a years worth of everything to the middle of nowhere. 

I am currently buying everything I use in life in bulk.  I am stocking up for a year of no access to shopping (apart from an extremely expensive little Co-op. $10 for a loaf of wonder bread!  No thank you!).  Life is a constant shopping spree, which is a bizarre feeling after a few years of being a poor student and feeling like I can't spend at all.   It is rather freeing actually.

Planning for various sicknesses.  Cold medication, tummy medication, flu medication, vitamins... everything I can think of. 

Now, lets talk about FOOOD.  How much food can two girls eat? 3 shopping carts at Costco should be a good start.  Lots of soup and chili is in my future.

Life is funny these days, but I wouldn't want it any other way! I am looking ahead at this coming year with fear, anxiety, anticipation, excitement, enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure!