And we’re off! Well, baby steps – just to California. But we’re out of Colorado! The past weeks have been ramping up to craziness. We sold two cars, delivered two pets to loving homes, squared away a record store with new managers, packed up a big house, rearranged furniture for renters, canceled memberships, organized roadschool supplies, and somehow got out the door.
I didn’t realize how stressed I was to put all three kids unaccompanied on one plane five days ago, until they landed safely into grandparents’ care in San Francisco. I could finally exhale. And with all that nervous energy, we had already packed up Lucy and Kai’s rooms before we got the text that they landed.
We packed up a life in about five days. We had said goodbyes over and over since school was out in June. We had lots of small goodbyes but no parties. This is a trip, not a move. But it’s a long trip. And we have lots of deep roots here. George Clements came with a furniture dolly and two young boys to help with furniture. Elizabeth and Tenzin took us to the airport and helped with the final moments of just throwing stuff into a box. Jean, our favorite neighbor, is our backup for everything and our local grandmother. Sophie and Jason loaned us a car while they were on vacation. Kim took our 13 year-old pug with loving arms and Kate and Brian welcomed Hopper, the tortilla chip-loving bunny, into her home. Lots of close friends came by for a hug and helped us empty the cupboards. We are so lucky to call North Boulder home!
Today, I wore my fitbit and walked 3.9 miles and climbed countless flights of stairs finishing things up within my own house! May my garage be this clutter-free again one day. Packing is a workout. I know there are some things I forgot and luckily there are friends who have offered over and over to do anything to help. And aside from a passport, size nine women’s shoes and a credit card, there’s not much that cannot be purchased in Asia.
The grind of the last two weeks is somehow overshadowing the fact that we are really doing this!!!! Maybe tomorrow it will all sink in.
