And packing and cleaning the house for a friend to move in while we're gone so the house isn't vacant is stressful as shit. (Going to the ILs in Australia)
I thought (& know) we made huge huge progress and are closer after these last 2 days but then I sat down and realized we have tons more to do. I know I can just cram stuff at the end if needed, but I'd like to be able to find belongings when we return & not have random boxes of crap. I'm using this as a time to pitch & clean stuff out. I'm beat. And still have so much left to do. Dh has a ton of work to get done too Btwn our 2 businesses as well. And I think we just got the go ahead on buying an actual building this wk (we have someone lined up to gut it & renovate it).
I'm trying so hard to get it all done and packed so I can relax a little, but crap, I know I'll have massive lists going right up to the day we leave, won't i?
(Yes, I know, we are so lucky to go, & it will be great, etc. Sometimes ppl get too geeked about the oz part to remember that moving across the world has a lot involved.).
I'm not looking forward to the flights w 2 little ones but hopefully they sleep and play well. Please don't let us have the screaming baby. I'm scared he'll get his 1st tooth on plane (still doesn't have teeth a yr!) c has been a great flyer in the past. Fingers crossed
Post by DotAndBuzz on Oct 29, 2014 22:43:10 GMT -5
deep breaths.
It will get done.
Remind me again, is this J's first trip to Oz? He'll do great. He'll watch C and just follow her lead. And you're so low key and supremely organized/efficient, it will be fine!
Post by MixedBerryJam on Oct 30, 2014 0:23:11 GMT -5
The flights wont be that that bad with little ones. I did a similar move with my kids, both under 2 at the time. The trick is keeping some favorite toys to travel with while still being able to mail some favorite toys out there so the kids have the when they arrive. What part are you going to? Will you be able to do much travelling while you're there? When do you leave? Good luck!
Yep! You don't need as much stuff as you think. And purging is always fun, you'll be thankful when you get back. I'm a big procrastinator so I have no advice because I think I waited until 3 days before my international move to pack everything up. It will all get done!
And ILs have a crazy toy room, chockers with toys. We'll bring some little stuff for plane. I think I may buy a tablet, not sure. We can do it w/o but it might be nice
North coast nsw. We are also having a fun 6 days in Fiji on the way there w the ILs
I hate all my clothes. Or perhaps just the body going in them but I sure as hell don't want to spend $ on them there because it's pricey as shit. I have too many clothes pulled aside for the kids already but after I finish organizing, I'll pare theirs down.
We fly out 11/11. I think Halloween was my benchmark for slight panic feeling that this is happening very soon. And I "wasted" a lot of the days should be home to occupy the kiddos because I had us do tons of October fun stuff. I love autumn and Halloween and it's always up in the air as to whether or not we'll be in the US in oct.
We have ppl in place for business stuff but we'll still be in communication a lot. There's a chance we'll be back early if thugs change w work or things get hard to balance from there. We've done 4 months w one business but never w/ 2. One is very seasonal though.
We won't do a lot of traveling while there, probably. Some trips to re Goldie and Brisbane and maybe springbrook natl park. Lots of time in the beautiful area where ILs live, some time on their houseboat, etc. Dh and I lived in a kombi for a year decades ago and drove the whole way around oz. We have more to see and will take the kids o see more again someday, but this trip will be going for some semblance of normalcy.
The thing that makes me groan a little- it will be 5 months in the ILs house. It's not that big. We had another place lined up but everything fell through. It will be fine and they can maximize the grandkid time, and they'll be off traveling for part of it. They make it as humanly possible and fun to stay in someone else's house, but still... It's someone else's house. That does scare me a little, but we will all be fine. We've stayed there months before but Mac w a kid was 2 months and previous times, Dh and I were off traveling & camping and used the house as a home base. Flame away for that, but the trip really is about getting them grandkid time.
Thanks DotAndBuzz for the vote of confidence. . I know I'm overdoing the organizing before leaving but I feel like if it's a struggle to find things when we return, then I'll be less inclined to do this in the future
J's first trip. . C had 19 flights before she was 8 months old. Lol. She hasn't been on a plane since last sept before j was born. But we've been reading a lot of airplane and travel books again. And she's been packing a toy suitcase for Australia for about 4 months. I love hearing her say Australia. It's so funny. She is excited but I know she's really going to miss her little BFF. I've also been trying to pack without making things look empty or drastically different so as not to totally freak the kiddos. We are leaving the furniture and kitchen stuff for friend, so that helps.
Ahhh rambling. Lots to do and we've been planning and prepping for months but still I have butterflies of nerves and excitement. And nerves. I am decently laid back but in our couple, I come across as the high strung one because nothing seems to ruffle Dh. And he'd travel with nothing, haha. Oh except his damn golf clubs/bag- which. Is one of our luggage pieces. . He's going to leave them there because he barely golfs here and I found him a really nice set for cheap last yr
Oh and we finally got the Aussie citizenship forms done for the kids... But then got an email from the govt that they'd be done processing in time but we wouldn't get their Aussie passports in time as they would have to enter and leave on those, so we and the govt mutually decided to cancel those applications and do new ones over there. It's fine but I was like goddammit! One task I finally completed and took time on was cancelled. I have been tackling my residency docs but I haven't finished those either which means now I need to do a diff app w/in the country. Nbd but I wanted those off my list.
We may need to take a side trip during our stay for visa purposes lol.
I know it wouldn't be easier, but part of me thinks it could be easier to do the full move than this temporarily suspending a house thing. thank goodness we have someone moving in or it would be more stressful.
Oh and we finally got the Aussie citizenship forms done for the kids... But then got an email from the govt that they'd be done processing in time but we wouldn't get their Aussie passports in time as they would have to enter and leave on those, so we and the govt mutually decided to cancel those applications and do new ones over there. It's fine but I was like goddammit! One task I finally completed and took time on was cancelled. I have been tackling my residency docs but I haven't finished those either which means now I need to do a diff app w/in the country. Nbd but I wanted those off my list.
We may need to take a side trip during our stay for visa purposes lol.
Are you applying for PR? The FBI is taking ages getting me my police check, so get on that immediately because there's a wait. My friend lodged her PR application 2 months ago with no response yet. I wouldn't expect it to take that long so I'm nervous wait times are increasing (but it's likely some fuckery on her police check irrelevant to me).
You should check out Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. I really want to visit but it's juuuust far enough away that I can't be arsed by car.
Oh and we finally got the Aussie citizenship forms done for the kids... But then got an email from the govt that they'd be done processing in time but we wouldn't get their Aussie passports in time as they would have to enter and leave on those, so we and the govt mutually decided to cancel those applications and do new ones over there. It's fine but I was like goddammit! One task I finally completed and took time on was cancelled. I have been tackling my residency docs but I haven't finished those either which means now I need to do a diff app w/in the country. Nbd but I wanted those off my list.
We may need to take a side trip during our stay for visa purposes lol.
Are you applying for PR? The FBI is taking ages getting me my police check, so get on that immediately because there's a wait. My friend lodged her PR application 2 months ago with no response yet. I wouldn't expect it to take that long so I'm nervous wait times are increasing (but it's likely some fuckery on her police check irrelevant to me).
You should check out Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. I really want to visit but it's juuuust far enough away that I can't be arsed by car.
Kids are up so more later but yes, PR. I've got a lot nearly done, documents, most of the essays. If I get the suitcases packed, I'll sit down and work on it more. My computer crapped out a few weeks so and the kids are never napping at the same time, so things have been a little challenging to get done. (And Dh working tons to get businesses ready to have us gone) Oh and wait, I'm actually doing the temporary residency I think (I can't remember) but basically the consulate says I need to do that and then they usually bump it immediately to PR since we've been married 12.5 yrs and been together since the late 90s.
We'll go to coff's. Definitely to Wooli. We'll be at Sandon a lot (small gorgeous park) We has relatives in coff's and enjoy it. We're about an hour N of coff's on the coast, so basically even more stunning beaches . Not sure if we'll make it to port Macquarie. I go whenever we're driving past, esp because I love the koala hospital. I'm taking the kids to currumbin this time and I'm so excited for that. C will get to see a cassowary up close they sing a song in preschool that talks about cassowaries. I know it's a tourist trap, but I love seeing all the native animals up close. I've seen 90% of them in the wild as well.
Are you applying for PR? The FBI is taking ages getting me my police check, so get on that immediately because there's a wait. My friend lodged her PR application 2 months ago with no response yet. I wouldn't expect it to take that long so I'm nervous wait times are increasing (but it's likely some fuckery on her police check irrelevant to me).
You should check out Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. I really want to visit but it's juuuust far enough away that I can't be arsed by car.
Kids are up so more later but yes, PR. I've got a lot nearly done, documents, most of the essays. If I get the suitcases packed, I'll sit down and work on it more. My computer crapped out a few weeks so and the kids are never napping at the same time, so things have been a little challenging to get done. (And Dh working tons to get businesses ready to have us gone) Oh and wait, I'm actually doing the temporary residency I think (I can't remember) but basically the consulate says I need to do that and then they usually bump it immediately to PR since we've been married 12.5 yrs and been together since the late 90s.
We'll go to coff's. Definitely to Wooli. We'll be at Sandon a lot (small gorgeous park) We has relatives in coff's and enjoy it. We're about an hour N of coff's on the coast, so basically even more stunning beaches . Not sure if we'll make it to port Macquarie. I go whenever we're driving past, esp because I love the koala hospital. I'm taking the kids to currumbin this time and I'm so excited for that. C will get to see a cassowary up close they sing a song in preschool that talks about cassowaries. I know it's a tourist trap, but I love seeing all the native animals up close. I've seen 90% of them in the wild as well.
Groupon (Brisbane) has deals for Currumbin fairly regularly, so check it out.
It's sleepy time down under but I'll come back to this tomorrow.
Kids are up so more later but yes, PR. I've got a lot nearly done, documents, most of the essays. If I get the suitcases packed, I'll sit down and work on it more. My computer crapped out a few weeks so and the kids are never napping at the same time, so things have been a little challenging to get done. (And Dh working tons to get businesses ready to have us gone) Oh and wait, I'm actually doing the temporary residency I think (I can't remember) but basically the consulate says I need to do that and then they usually bump it immediately to PR since we've been married 12.5 yrs and been together since the late 90s.
We'll go to coff's. Definitely to Wooli. We'll be at Sandon a lot (small gorgeous park) We has relatives in coff's and enjoy it. We're about an hour N of coff's on the coast, so basically even more stunning beaches . Not sure if we'll make it to port Macquarie. I go whenever we're driving past, esp because I love the koala hospital. I'm taking the kids to currumbin this time and I'm so excited for that. C will get to see a cassowary up close they sing a song in preschool that talks about cassowaries. I know it's a tourist trap, but I love seeing all the native animals up close. I've seen 90% of them in the wild as well.
Groupon (Brisbane) has deals for Currumbin fairly regularly, so check it out.
It's sleepy time down under but I'll come back to this tomorrow.
Cool. I'll check. . Sometimes BIL gets free passes but I have a feeling we'll have all 6 of the cousins and 14 adults or so, so a groupon will be great esp if he can't get that many. It gets pricey.
Where are you living? I can't remember.
What's the most active site like Craigslist there? Gumtree? Craigslist didn't seem to have a lot on it. I think we're covered on most kid gear but in case I need something, it'd be nice to know.
STOP with the "wasted time doing crazy fun fall stuff."
You know what makes an impression on kids? Doing fun stuff. You know what they don't care about at all? organizing and packing. not that that means you don't have to do it, but I find you can always find more work to do, no matter how much time you have to do it. 4 months or 4 days, there's always more to do. But they're only little and like to jump in leaf piles for so long.
You're like Mary Poppins with your magic bag of kid activities and events. Go with it.
Not to add to the list, but I'd put anything valuable, either sentimental or otherwise, in a safe deposit box.
Good point. I don't have much of value, but I'm putting together a box that's going to my brother's house . Basically wedding album & the laptop I'm not taking, a hard drive, some random important papers. I don't have jewelry. We're not fancy.
Lol, my kitchen aid is going into a storage room, as that's about the only thing I'd be upset about breaking.
STOP with the "wasted time doing crazy fun fall stuff."
You know what makes an impression on kids? Doing fun stuff. You know what they don't care about at all? organizing and packing. not that that means you don't have to do it, but I find you can always find more work to do, no matter how much time you have to do it. 4 months or 4 days, there's always more to do. But they're only little and like to jump in leaf piles for so long.
You're like Mary Poppins with your magic bag of kid activities and events. Go with it.
Thanks. I keep saying that but as I get a little more frantic feeling, then I feel a little more like I should have spent more time here. I do feel like there will ALWAYS be one more thing I should have done first, but oh well.
I also feel like odds are pretty damn good that j will cut his first tooth on he plane, and I'll prob get my first period since jan 2013 since he's weaning a bit. That's Murphy's law, isn't it? Lol, I'm prepping for that ; )
I also feel like odds are pretty damn good that j will cut his first tooth on he plane, and I'll prob get my first period since jan 2013 since he's weaning a bit. That's Murphy's law, isn't it? Lol, I'm prepping for that ; )
OMG you're reminding me of the time I got my period (not first one pp, thank goodness) at 4am at Hickam AFB waiting for the plane to take off. I wore my kid's diaper from hono to LA. Which works, btw! keep that in mind for an emergency!
Groupon (Brisbane) has deals for Currumbin fairly regularly, so check it out.
It's sleepy time down under but I'll come back to this tomorrow.
Cool. I'll check. . Sometimes BIL gets free passes but I have a feeling we'll have all 6 of the cousins and 14 adults or so, so a groupon will be great esp if he can't get that many. It gets pricey.
Where are you living? I can't remember.
What's the most active site like Craigslist there? Gumtree? Craigslist didn't seem to have a lot on it. I think we're covered on most kid gear but in case I need something, it'd be nice to know.
I'm in Brizzy.
Gumtree is the site. I didn't even realize they have Craigslist here.
What are these essays you speak of? I haven't gotten far in the application process yet, but haven't heard about that.
STOP with the "wasted time doing crazy fun fall stuff."
You know what makes an impression on kids? Doing fun stuff. You know what they don't care about at all? organizing and packing. not that that means you don't have to do it, but I find you can always find more work to do, no matter how much time you have to do it. 4 months or 4 days, there's always more to do. But they're only little and like to jump in leaf piles for so long.
You're like Mary Poppins with your magic bag of kid activities and events. Go with it.
Lol I just registered the Mary pop pins thing. Haha. Hopefully my bag is magic for the trip. Dh has vetoed me taking a muscle relaxer or something & sleeping the whole way hah. Let him entertain kids
What's the time difference? Will you still be able to send me pictures via text? I haven't seen pictures of the kiddos in a while.....
From Central timezone it's 15 hours. But Queensland doesn't participate in Daylight Savings, and NSW where she'll be does, so that'll be off by an hour.
If C. comes back using Ozzie lingo, I'll flop over and die at the cuteness.
You are going to have an amazing time there!
What's the time difference? Will you still be able to send me pictures via text? I haven't seen pictures of the kiddos in a while.....
.
I prob won't be texting because I didn't upgrade my phone. I haven't checked what I can do beyond wifi. Do you have an iPhone?
Dh's phone may be more functional there.
Generally you can guess the time by adding 4 hours, change the am to pm (though it's a bit diff when we have daylight savings). Ex. Noon here. Add 4 (4pm) and change the am to pm =4am.
If C. comes back using Ozzie lingo, I'll flop over and die at the cuteness.
You are going to have an amazing time there!
What's the time difference? Will you still be able to send me pictures via text? I haven't seen pictures of the kiddos in a while.....
Oh and she calls heart shapes "lovehearts" (which is Australian) and sometimes calls the living room the lounge room.
Dh was just wondering yesterday what this would do for j's language development as we'll be there when he starts talking more and is really working on language
If C. comes back using Ozzie lingo, I'll flop over and die at the cuteness.
You are going to have an amazing time there!
What's the time difference? Will you still be able to send me pictures via text? I haven't seen pictures of the kiddos in a while.....
Oh and she calls heart shapes "lovehearts" (which is Australian) and sometimes calls the living room the lounge room.
Dh was just wondering yesterday what this would do for j's language development as we'll be there when he starts talking more and is really working on language
Fingers crossed for toddler Aussie accent videos!!!
What's the time difference? Will you still be able to send me pictures via text? I haven't seen pictures of the kiddos in a while.....
From Central timezone it's 15 hours. But Queensland doesn't participate in Daylight Savings, and NSW where she'll be does, so that'll be off by an hour.
Thanks! Damn great pricing. Dh wants me to hold off because he's fairly certain BIL gets free passes via his business. I hope so because admission is steep. But it's a neat experience!
Oh and she calls heart shapes "lovehearts" (which is Australian) and sometimes calls the living room the lounge room.
Dh was just wondering yesterday what this would do for j's language development as we'll be there when he starts talking more and is really working on language
Fingers crossed for toddler Aussie accent videos!!!
Lol. You certainly might. I think I'm buying a cheaper but ok tablet tomorrow so I can update a blog w the kiddos (& for other uses). C is going to write to her preschool. .