Moving along

We had a garage sale yesterday and made enough to recoup the cost of our passports (which we all had to apply for new because I lost mine, Woody's expired, and was Griffin's first).  We had a blast at the garage sale and met people who had had positive experiences with Dubai.  We even learned from a Muslim Russian that we can go to a Mosque and get free excellent Arabic lessons.  Great to know.

Tonight we're watching Swamp People, a documentary TV show about alligator hunters in Louisiana.  I can't think of anything more appropriate to do in our last month of living in the U.S.  I don't want to even think about what I have to do in the next week or month to make this happen by August.  I figure as tasks need to be accomplished, I will be miraculously moved to complete them.

Overall, I'm feeling grateful, positive, and excited.  Now that everyone knows we're leaving, we can just focus on enjoying the people and things in our lives that we'll miss.  My cycle class regulars fall into that category.  Tomorrow night I'm teaching a class that I planned entirely around a CD that Dale (a likable regular) made me.  His songs are great, and I'm very excited about tomorrow night's class.  We also have barbecues and parties lined up with friends in the month of July.

I feel so grateful to Arlington.  This city has been good to us.  We've made many friends that have changed our lives.  I'm sad to leave, but I feel ready for our next phase, as well.

Beginning Stages

It's not even July, and we're not moving until August, but we have begun our transition.  This consists mostly of getting rid of stuff, which we have a disgusting amount of.  As I clean out containers of 15-year-old makeup and empty jewel cases, I realize how badly we need to do this.  We need to teach Griffin that we can let go of old things and ways and adapt to new environments.

Getting rid of almost all of our belongings is invigorating and cleansing.  It's a little hard for Griffin at times because his toys are such a big part of his world.  However, he's getting better at letting go.  (Or perhaps it's that he's getting better at imagining how much better his new toys will be once we get there.)

We're learning about Dubai, and it seems like a nice place.  I do anticipate culture shock, but I figure as long as I keep doing things out and about with Griffin and running, I'll find my own peace there.

Overall, we feel strong and positive about this move.  Woody and I both have moments where we feel overwhelmed by all there is to do, but we still have over a month to do it all in.  We're well on our way.