One More Week

Holy cow people. Our flight is next Tuesday. We fly from SFO to LAX to Auckland where they will decide where we will spend the following two weeks in quarantine. It would be amazing if we were part of the small percentage that actually gets to MIQ in Christchurch since that’s our final destination but after that long flight over the Pacific, honestly we’ll probably be ready to just relax a little. In two days the container arrives at our house for the home goods. I just realized they’ll be parking out front so I should probably give our neighbors a heads up. Today we’re taking hub’s car to the place they box it up for transport. That man is NERVOUS. I think if he could travel in it he would. We also really need to get started on the packing. Since all our furniture will be in a container starting Thursday we’re staying in a hotel from then until we leave so we have to pack our suitcases over the next day or so. Everything we might need until our goods arrive. Clothes, shoes, electronics and a few critical stuffed animals. And pictures. I’m going to tuck a few of those in my suitcase too.

We are sleeping horribly. And by we I mean hubs and I. Kids are fine, they sleep like… kids with no responsibilities. Sleeping in while their peers are in school. Our local schools started last week but I couldn’t rationalize them being there for just 2 weeks and then yanking them out. Our days for the last week or so are filled with squeezing in as much time with family and friends as we can. Also sorting out the communication tech. Yes, Facetime is great but texting is a thing that my 12yo son has not mastered. He’s not even at novice level; what is below that? It’s not that he doesn’t want to stay in touch with his friends, he just doesn’t know what to say or ask so I’m giving him little prompts. Tell them something and then ask a question. 11yo daughter on the other hand is showing me how link all the things and is a master texter. Not surprised. I also got an Amazon Show for us and my parents. It’s a bigger screen than an iPhone and it lets devices talk to each other, plus plays music like the Echo and displays pictures. So far so good with that.

As I sit here I’m looking at cans and boxes of dry goods we certainly aren’t going to eat by tomorrow. Our local food banks aren’t taking donations so I’m thinking I will just box them up and give them to my parents. Also, why do I have 4 jars of oregano and 5 (5!) half filled with tarragon? When was the last time I used cream of tartar? It seems wasteful to throw out/ recycle all the seasonings but I do not know what else to do with them. I tried really hard to use everything up over the last month. If I was really creative I’d do something with all the glass bottles. Alas, I am not.

What I’m actually doing right now is procrastinating. I have a small but important list of things that have got to get done but I’m feeling really emotional today. We are moving. Around the world. Today it feels heavy. I am going to miss my parents and sister so much. I have a few close friends that I know will have a virtual drink with me anytime but right now, I realize again how much time with them means. Everyone has said they will come visit. I love that. And we are coming back to visit as often as we can too. The thing is, I know it’s expensive and a long flight to get to NZ from the US. So while I love the idea of them coming to visit some day when the pandemic is no longer a thing, I know the reality is that it likely won’t happen. How cool would that be though? I’d love it. The kids would love it.

I’m rambling now. I’m going to get started on this list before I start sobbing here in front of my computer. Must go pack. Still not getting rid of my shoes.