Sunday, July 29, 2012

Making a List and Checking it Twice

No this post isn't about Christmas. I'm talking about the list of things we have to do before we leave. All throughout this move, whenever I start to feel stressed, I tell myself to take it one step at a time. So I make mental lists, and actual paper lists, and one by one we are getting everything ready.

Today was a sad day, in that we placed our animals in new homes. Our cat has gone to live with my neighbor's sister, who lives in a rural area. I think our cat will be happy there. My dog has gone back to live with her previous owner, who is "dog-sitting" for me while we are out of the country. I am paying for the expenses, including paying my neighbor to walk my dog while I'm away. Without going in to too much detail, I had made arrangements for my dog to live with someone else, but at the last moment, I discovered that wasn't going to work. Luckily, her previous owners were happy to take her back in, and I was happy to not have to give her up permanently. I looked in to taking her with me, but found that it would be outrageously expensive. I just can't justify that when I have children still in college. In addition, the laws are so strict, that there was a possibility that I could get her over there, and then not meet their requirements and have to send her back, or risk them putting her down. I decided that was too much risk for me. My dog was very happy to see her old owners, and also happy to see her old dog pals. This home is on a 1/3 of an acre, so there is plenty of space to play. Cross your fingers that this works out!

We went and said our goodbyes at church today, and then to say goodbye to some family who live here. I also returned some things I had borrowed from friends, and said goodbye to them. I don't feel so bad leaving knowing that I am planning to come back.

Now we are down to last minute packing and boxing up. I have a few things in my kitchen still left to pack, as well as some food I am giving away. I have a few things in my bathroom to pack, and a few in my garage. Everything else is done. Whew!

We have been notifying different companies such as our insurance, bank, credit card companies, DMV, etc. We even went so far as to purchase a service that will preserve our phone number for us so that when we get back we can reclaim it. lol

We are selling one of our cars to a woman from church who needs a car. It's not in the best of condition, but we aren't asking much, so it's worth it to her. I hope it will work for her for a long while. The other car we are taking to a friend who will sell it for us. It's not in the best shape either, but it would be nice to get a little out of it. We have literally driven these cars gingerly for the past few months, just coaxing them to last until we didn't need them anymore. We have been blessed that they have continued to function!

We have a ride lined up for Tuesday morning, and are flying out at 1:30 in the afternoon. We will fly to Tokyo, and will have a four hour layover. Yuck. Then we will fly straight to our new home in Hubei, WuHan. It is referred to as one of the three "furnaces" of China. Double yuck. But it's a nice college town, and I think we will enjoy it there. (once the hot weather subsides)

Just a few things left to check off our list. With each check I feel a tiny bit of stress depart. Once I get on the plane I will finally be able to feel excitement. This is the beginning of our grand adventure. :)

6 comments:

Grannymar said...

Sounds like everything is going like clockwork!
May your journey be smooth, your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.

Stay safe and healthy.

Becky said...

Hope all the last minute stuff goes smoothly. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your new adventure!

Max Coutinho said...

Hi D,

I will cross my fingers: your dog will be fine (in my opinion, you made a great decision, under the circumstances).

D, I wish you a safe trip and I hope you won't be a stranger. Do let us know how you're doing :D. I wish you and your family all the best in this new phase of life and may God be with you!

Big hug and cheers

Inklings said...

I hope it will be a wonderful adventure, and I agree with all the great comments made above. I hope your trip goes smoothly and that you and your family love it in China.

Delirious said...

Thanks everyone!
Especially thank you to Grannymar because that is my first official Irish blessing. :)

Maxi said...

Hmm, farmin' out the animals, selling a car, packin' everything in the bathroom…

You must be going on a real important trip, D. May your days be cozy, comfy, and filled with fun.

Blessings - Maxi