{i'm in EGYPT}
Well, we're here.... finally! This has been the hardest move I have EVER made. I keep finding myself wondering how I can make the next one easier. I'll find a way 'cause I'm not going through that chaos again!!!
Things were in such a rush at the very end that we forgot two bags in Michigan. There are currently at our house there. If we have them mailed here there is a good chance some of the stuff will be stolen. We're not willing to take that chance. We're trying to figure out how to get them over here. There may be a chance one of John's colleagues will be coming so we may send it with them. You know the thing of it is... much of the stuff in those bags is mine! grrrrrrrrrrr..... isn't that the way? :0)
In the weeks before the move I would look at my calendar and the week would be loaded with stuff to do... calls to make... I was getting three to five hours of sleep a night. I wonder sometimes how I even stayed awake during the day.
We got here December 23 and celebrated Christmas here. The kids were worried Santa wouldn't find them here, but he did! They seemed to enjoy Christmas even with the chaos.
We decorated a palm tree and both kids said they would like to have one again next year because it's easier to see the gifts under it! We were very pleasantly surprised to see they sell live, cut Christmas trees here. They were in excellent condition too so next year we will most likely have a palm and a fir tree for Christmas.
They have the most wonderful lights here called "rice lights". They are this teeny little bulb... I can't really explain them, I've never seen anything like them in the US. I'm going to put white ones in my studio.
We will have to wait until at least mid February before we will have our furniture and other stuff. The air shipment will come hopefully next week, but that only has the desktop computer, some linens, and some toys. I know the kids will be happy to have some more of their toys. We don't really have anywhere to put the computer so it may stay packed up until our other things arrive.
We do have furniture though. The company owns some things that we will use while we are here... at least for the time being. I don't want to hog it if another expat needs it. We have a table and chairs, a bed, a sofa and two chairs, a pair of shelves and a tv. We bought some lamps and kitchen appliances from John's predecessor so we're actually in good shape there. The kids are sleeping on air mattresses.
I must admit that while I'm quite satisfied with our living conditions, I'm ready to have my stuff. I'm anxious to make this place home. The things we've collected over the years will help that along. We did go buy carpets today for some of the rooms and that has made a huge difference. It's funny how a carpet can make a place feel more like home.
We're still waiting on DSL so I've been using dial-up... can I just say YUCK! I'm trying not to be ungrateful, but I had really forgotten how dreadfully slow dial-up can be. It's not so bad for sending emails, but I so often deal with image heavy web pages and loading photos and stuff... well, you know. The things I've been doing for family I've had to resize for the web. Anyway, I'm just whining so I'll stop and just be thankful I have internet at all! I am... REALLY!!!
I've been very tired so I suppose I should get to bed and get some rest.
I've miss you all!
I'm afraid I haven't been checking LJ so much because of the dial-up. Hopefully we have DSL soon and I can see what everyone is up to and leave some comments.
Happy New Year!!!!!