Are We There Yet?

Moving halfway around the world is somewhat exhausting, in case you're considering it. And I haven't even gotten there yet!

There are the arrangements to be made... packing up enough of our stuff to make the house rentable (in progress and neverending)... finding someone to rent said house (TBD), figuring out what to do with our two beloved cats (they are going to my mom's).

There are endless negotiations... with work over what they will and will not pay for (ongoing, but getting better)... with P over whether or not he will be coming as planned (ongoing, not getting better)... and how many stuffed animals each child is permitted to bring with him or her (ongoing and neverending).

I want to be excited. I really do. I mean, this is pretty much the most exciting thing to happen in my life since I rode in an elevator with JFK, Jr. And I'm trying. I bought new luggage -- huge rolling bags that Lulu and Boo can actually fit into -- and a new computer (way nicer than I could afford thanks to my company, which is reimbursing me for it). But it's hard, because with P likely not going, I am frequently hit with panic attacks about getting myself, two children, and at least 7 bags to Australia, as well as actually being so far away all alone.

And what does that mean for me and P? He says it doesn't mean we're breaking up, that he will visit, maybe even for a long time. It sounds good in theory, but a year is a long time to be apart. I don't know what to think. I can't make him do something he doesn't want to do, and I don't want him to be miserable. But I don't want to go alone either. If I think about it too much it makes me cry.

The only way out is through

Fortunately, there's plenty to do to keep busy. Thanksgiving is next week and I have 7 people coming, plus me, Lulu, and Boo. I realized last night that I don't have enough plates, silverware, or cloth napkins -- the most I've ever had for dinner at one time was 8! Thanksgiving Day is also P's birthday, so I need to add a cake to my cooking plans. Then two weeks later is Boo's birthday. He and Lulu are having a joint bowling party since she won't be here to celebrate her January birthday with her friends. Then Christmas. Then Lulu & Boo's big Christmas gift, a trip to Harry Potter World the day after Christmas (while the timing isn't ideal right before we move, I really am happy about this trip. The kids will be thrilled. In addition to HP World, we're also swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove and visiting one or two Disney parks, which are gorgeous during the holidays.) Then we're home for a week before heading to Australia. It's a lot. I need a nap just reading over it all. But there's nothing to do except keep moving forward.

Stay tuned

Given the infrequency with which I seem to be able to keep this blog updated, I'm guessing we'll be Down Under next time you hear from me. Wish me luck!