I thought that I would have plenty of time over the past few days to write. Usually packing days are long and drawn out and don’t require much of me other than being there, but in this case it was like supervising a group of kindergarteners. The company arrived right on time with a crew of 8 and blew through my house like a tornado. Which would have been fine if they knew what they were doing, but I think half of them were first timers. And only 2 of them spoke any English. Which could have been fine, except when I’m trying to explain that the bulb of my Turkish lamp doesn’t need to be detached from the wiring . . . then it’s a problem. Thankfully I caught them before they did too much damage to it and Josh was able to fix it after spending an hour with pliers and a patient hand. Those were the kind of intervening actions I had to take all day. The first item they packed in my kitchen: A glass vase that I store cooking utensils in — I come in to find them wrapping paper around the vase with the items still standing up in the vase. When I had to show them how to take the items out and wrap them in a different sheet of paper than the glass, I knew that wasn’t a good sign.
Every item that was packed was wrapped thoroughly — loads of paper and bubble wrap, but they’d go through a closet and pack almost everything. Or pack a shelf and leave one book behind. I ended up following them around all day, tucking stray items into boxes or collecting the “spare parts” and putting them with the current job, hoping that the second time through they’d make the cut. It felt a bit like checking on my kids after they’ve “cleaned the kitchen” and thinking, did you not see this glass on the counter? Or the pot that’s still in the sink? How do you consider this job finished?
So yeah, I’m tired and the job still isn’t done. They showed up saying they could do it in 2 days, but they spent 12 hours there yesterday and they’re on hour 12 today and still not finished so I’m annoyed. They should have just done it in 3 like they originally planned. I finally escaped and am at the hotel, Camille asleep next to me, while Calvin holds down the fort at the house because Josh had to go to the airport to pick up his replacement. Calvin is entertaining himself by posting progress updates to FB. Poor kid.
Back when I thought they might be done before dark.
I say it every time: We have too much stuff
The end of the train. Calvin is patiently waiting for the truck to return so they can finally load the last of it. They load a few crates, take them away, wait forever (over an hour) for the truck to come back, load the next set of crates . . . repeat all day long and into the night.
It’s been a long day for all of us. Camille was at play practice in the morning (an event for the kids on base this week that ends with their performance tomorrow night), while Josh and I went to a friend’s Change of Command ceremony. Once again, Calvin was the hero and watched over the moving process while we checked items off our list of things to do. Ceremony, paperwork, bank, more paperwork . . .
We’ve downsized to this mess: clothes, guitars, books, toiletries and school supplies (since I don’t expect to get our shipment before the kids start classes in August). I’m not happy with the amount, but it’s either bring it with us or buy duplicates when we arrive in Abu Dhabi. Might as well save my dirham for something I really need.
Camille was crying about it being her last day with Josie so they took one last trip to the cold store to buy treats.
They came home with marshmallows
to eat while while coloring together (more essential items that have to fit in our limited suitcase space along with her stuffed animals).
It’s going to be an adventure on the other end when I open these boxes. Who knows what’s in there?
I do know what’s in here — yep, big size is the best size.
Yes, I know baby. You don’t want to go. I forget she has lived her her entire life (as much as she remembers of it). This has been really hard for her.
#goodbyeselfie
Along with the Change of Command ceremony today, we were invited to celebrate the occasion with dinner at the hotel where we were checking in that night. I’m so thankful that it worked out that way because I was so tired, but we got to sit and relax and eat amazing food all while the loading the truck was still happening at our house (at that point I didn’t care what happened to the rest of my stuff. I’d already seen my carpets loaded into earlier crates).
Camille was falling asleep in my lap during dinner so I brought her upstairs to get ready for bed. She was starting to feel sad and teary again when room service knocked on the door and brought in dessert. Camille hadn’t wanted to miss it (of course, my little sugar queen) so my friend had desert from dinner sent up to our room. She forgot her tears and feasted on green tea creme brûlée, coconut mint tapioca pudding, and sweet spring rolls. A perfect end to our day. Now if only Josh and Calvin could call an end to their day . . . hurry up and load that truck already!!
