I have been so busy that I actually lost my to-do list. I don't normally make to-do lists, but there are so many details to straighten out that it seemed like a good idea. Clearly, not. It was very long and I am convinced there were things on it that I have just outright forgotten.
Yesterday was my 28th birthday. The birthday came and went without fanfare and that is just the way I like it. When I look back on where I was last birthday versus where I am today, I am just amazed at how much a year can do. I am positively drained or I would delve more into that, unfortunately my brain is having a hard time even creating cohesive sentences at the moment.
Anyway, I spent most of my birthday day packing and chilling with Mateo, and in the evening, a few girlfriends came over and we had a wonderful dinner. It was low-key but entertaining, and I was so happy to have spent the night just talking and giggling with them. I went to bed a happy 28-year-old.
I am, for the most part, packed. I have managed to squeeze everything down to four suitcases, two of which were taken back by the LongIslander after her wonderful week-long visit and two of which I am taking with me on Sunday. I am also shipping back three boxes. I am pretty impressed with how ruthless I have been in the packing department. I am maybe not a true minimalist, but I have definetly learned to part with a lot of things in recent days. It's probably really liberating, but I am too fried to even think about it right now. I feel I have been non-stop, and I can tell it is not going to get any calmer in the coming days.
My long lost to-do list includes the remaining:
- bring up stuff from cellar
- make appointment to throw away big objects (people come around to pick up things like dead computers and old mattresses)
- make wireless headset work
- go back to post office FOR THE THIRD TIME in hopes of finally retrieving my package
- go to bank to pick up checkbook and transfer money
- go to embassy for official copy of Teo's birth certificate
- send off clothes sold on Ebay
- pack all but final clothes for last few days
- double check bassinet reservation
- empty fridge
- clean entire house for Saturday's inspection
- take down 5 (and possibly more) bags of garbage
- go to work to reroute mail and explain software stuff to coworker
- scan The Boy's baby photos
- pick up some copies of French books
- social security mail and reimbursements
Every day, I have a few social visits as well, which I think is necessary to my sanity. Still, it is sort of hard to see how everything will fit in somewhere, but it will. I finally feel that I am starting to get a grip on things, and I can see that I am going to make it out of here in a reasonably orderly manner.
So for now, bed time. These next three days are going to be action packed.
New pics on flickr, by the way.
Oh Lee Ann, happy belated birthday! If I had kept closer track of things, I would have known ahead of time -- I remember your birthday now from last year... I'm sorry I missed it! And I'm also sorry that I won't get a chance to officially meet you in person before you leave. I will imagine our meeting, in spirit -- you have a beautiful heart and spirit, and I know you have wonderful things ahead of you, such a bright future.
Sounds to me like you have been super efficient in wrapping things up before leaving too! I don't know how you did it all... Take good care of yourself! I look forward to reading you if and when you start blogging back over in the U.S.
Bises,
Alice
Lunch was great today. Keep us posted on your progress. I've uploaded some fun photos from today.
Gosh! I can't believe its almost time for you to go. And i'm totally impressed with the packing job you have done.
Good luck with everything; hopefully you will have time to take a deep breath and relax once you get the the States. I'm so excited for you!
Mateo is adorable!
Not sure if you're done packing but don't forget that most airlines will let you ship a carseat or pack n play for free in addition to your luggage. You can stuff a lot of extra stuff into a pack n play box (wink wink) And of course the stroller can be wheeled right up to the gate in most airports and it won't count. Even if they won't let you wheel it to the gate you can check it too for free.
Good luck on your to do list!
Bon voyage!
Happy Belated Birthday! Good luck with the move too. It is so liberating to get your life down to the basics. Been thinking of you and wish you all the best.
bisous,
Riana