The Night Before the Flight

I couldn't sleep last night and I likely won't be able to sleep tonight either. When I stop to think about it, I feel sad leaving behind my friends and family to immigrate to another country. I keep reminding myself that we're making the right decision, we have the opportunity of a lifetime. Just gotta push through. 

We underestimated the amount of luggage my boyfriend and I would need so now his parents will be giving us one of theirs. I want to say I'm thankful and express my gratitude for their help and hospitality, but there's no real way for me to convey the magnitude of my appreciation. 

So, this post is for everyone. For my family, my friends, my teachers, everyone who helped me get to this point. I'm a little freaked out, wondering if we'll make it and stick it through the employment contract, if everything will be OK, if we'll be happy there. Whatever happens, even if we come back earlier than expected, it'll be alright. The support of my loved ones is the initial fuel to get me going. Thank you all for bringing me here. 

It won't be easy. But we'll enjoy ourselves, learn a lot, and hopefully return bettered by the experience. Plus now I'll know what it feels like to be, in my mother's words, "a fucking immigrant" ;)

Moving out

My boyfriend's an asshole. A couple nights ago, he had the bright idea of dumping our bed out while the movers were still here so we wouldn't have to do it later (good idea) but forgot that we still needed it to sleep on that night (bad idea). Cue us lifting, shoving & carrying a mattress 2 blocks away and up 2 flights of stairs at 9:30pm after a full day of cleaning, donating, trashing, and packing our belongings. I love him. 

We officially cleared out last night around 1am. It felt strange walking into a dark, empty apartment which had been full of life only hours before. I stopped at the kitchen counter for the last time and deposited the house keys atop it. Hearing the click of the locked door when I walked out was when it clicked: this is really happening. 

Now all that's left is a number of loose ends to tie up (medical records, former employment, re-packing, etc). We're staying with my boyfriend's parents for the next couple days until we fly out of Los Angeles International airport (LAX) on Friday afternoon. 

Moving out is stressful but I'm trying to shift my attention to what I've learned from the experience: create a strategy, plan accordingly, pack early, and give yourself enough time to do all of the above. Focus on the positives, smile, and give yourself a break. Moving isn't always easy but hopefully our travels will make it worth it.