It begins.

Gosh, jeglag. At 2am this morning we are all staring at the ceiling. The little (well not so little anymore) one says: "I'm bored, what can I do?". What the hell do you do in a hotel at 2am?

At 5am we gave up and got up. There was a nice thunderstorm outside. Its still raining now. We haven't done much since then except jump tv channels and eat chocolate. I guess now we can all shower, go have breakfast, and get ready for the day. First thing will be going to collect our rental car. Gosh this is really happening!

We were collected from the airport by 2 friends in 2 separate cars. It was such a beautiful spring morning in Atlanta driving out of the airport - quite chilly, foggy, and blooms everywhere. I felt at peace for the first time in a while.

phew

It was a crazy hectic trip, but we finally made it. We're all in one piece, even if only barely sane. I can't believe how many things can go wrong on such a trip! That seems to be our theme lately anyway. A delayed flight which causes a little concern, then another delay which would mean missing the connecting international flight, then having to try and organize another flight earlier so we can make the connection, being on standby for like forever and then not getting it, and having to throw a tantrum to get on another flight. Arriving only just in time for the connection flight, but having to run from the domestic to international terminal...with loads for luggage and 3 kids. And in between trying to exchange our local money to usd, but not being able because we do not have an utility bill with us as proof of residence. What the hell!? Who carries a utility bill with them? And that's not even the half of it.

Now the rollercoaster ride begins! But first a shower!!!

The dogs went into kenneling today. They'll stay at the kennels until we find a house on the other side. It was quite an emotional moment for me when they were collected and closed up in their travel cages...and they were both so confused and upset. They annoy me often (Max chewing sticks and making a mess on the carpet, or Emily pulling something from the trash), but feels like something is missing without them around. Hope they'll be OK.

It will be a miracle if I'm still sane by the time we get on that plane!

Can't believe its almost time......

The final level

We're reaching the advanced stages of the game....and we're playing it hard. The shipping container is packed and waiting at the harbour for paperwork to be finalized and then it'll be shipped. I am exhausted. I can honestly say this has been the worst packing up experience I've had....ever (and I have quite a lot of experience in this game).


I'm really striving towards a simpler life....less "stuff". We got rid of a lot, but we still filled a container. *sigh* Its really annoying though to find things that was left behind, but worse than that is realizing how many things slipped in that I planned on leaving behind! Grr...

30 is too far...

So we had our little mini reunion this past weekend. And what a blast! Our 10 year reunion was definitely not this much fun, at all. I guess back then we were still too young and holding on to issues. This time round was just plain awesome.


Way too much wine, and lots of laughter and reminiscing sent me home lightheaded. Can't wait for next time..... The 30 year mark is just way too far!

20 years

What is it about old school friends that make them so special? Even after life has changed for us all, we've all got new friends, and we have little in common anymore. Maybe its just me, but there is just something about these people. I guess its because those friendships formed when we were still young and ...innocent? ...stupid?

I finished school 20 years ago this year. Not sure how it happened, but I got the job of arranging a reunion...and its happening tomorrow! Everybody can't attend (as they're spread out all over the place), but we are a good sized group getting together. Its really exciting. Can't wait!

Gosh, what the hell am I going to wear?

Counting down...

Wow I can't believe how busy I am! I am so busy I can't slow down and can't get to bed at night....I don't even get tired anymore! And this really causes me to get frustrated with everyone else that is not as productive and on the go as I am at the moment...

Apart from the sorting and packing, I am still selling lots of stuff (and have lots left to still sell), I'm painting the house (OK not all on my own, but now my handyman is ill and I'm on my own for now), still arranging and finalizing the move arrangements, trying to keep the kids out of my hair, arranging an 11th birthday party.....and on top of that organizing a 20year school reunion (not even sure how I got that job)!! And then of course normal day-to-day life still goes on...there are still meals to prepare, dirty dishes that pile up, and laundry.

I hate being behind schedule. By now everything should have been done and ready so that we could have time to visit with friends and family. So many people I want to see before we leave....

I've now finally taken the last child out of school. So while I now have less driving around to do (which is good since we have one less vehicle) I now have one more under foot.

I can't believe how fast time has flown by though. Its almost time....mere weeks left. *phew*

End of an era....

Many things are coming to an end as our time here is rapidly running out.

Juané had to return her clarinet this week, and I got a few minutes to "play" a bit. Not sure why I hadn't thought of this before! Hopefully this isn't an end, and she'll be able to pick it up again where we end up.

Then last week's cricket match might have been the little one's last one.He's quite fond of the game, and we even got him a new bat for his bday yesterday. I sure hope this was not the end of that for him. Maybe he'll just have to be content to play baseball from now on, and casual cricket games with the family in the park (wonder how I always end up doing fieldwork!!).

Then I've also sold my beloved car, a whole lot of other favourite items (yes I have a lot of favourite things), and today a whole bunch of children's books that the children are too old for now, but have special memories. It truly feels like the end of an era.