L.A. Living

Day 1 turned out to be very nice. Susan's cousin Brian drove us to the airport at about 5:30 am. We had an uneventful flight to L.A. and landed about 11 am. After a few minutes of waiting for a Best Western shuttle that didn't come, we called the hotel, got picked up and checked in shortly thereafter. We enjoyed a great Mexican lunch two doors down and then took a taxi down to Venice Beach for the afternoon. It was one of those beautiful, sunny warm SoCal days. We had a good time walking along the beach and looked at all the shops. Afterward, we went back to the hotel had a nap and then a swim. Nice day. L.A. is an interesting town. Beautiful climate but way, way too many cars and incredible urban sprawl. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here without a lot of money. Couple of pictures on Picasa. Tomorrow we fly to Houston and then on to San Jose.

Last Day in Canada...

Well our bags are packed and we are ready to go (8:00 a.m. flight Tuesday morning). The day before departing (and also our 13th wedding anniversary) proved to be very relaxing and we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather in Edmonton - it really did feel like summer. We took a last look at the river valley and the fall colours were a nice way to see Edmonton on our last day. I keep saying that we have spent the last few days running errands and finalizing details and today was really no different. We finished our emergency contact information for family (a listing of our critical information such as banking, insurance, health numbers, driver's license numbers, passport numbers, our lawyer, etc.). We dropped off some books for friends and attempted to pick up our drycleaning (it wasn't ready and we actually forgot to go back and get it - oops). The rest of the day was spent packing the bags one more time, sending a few emails and saying goodbye to family and friends. So, off we go......

Calm Amid the Chaos

I had a wonderfully calm and relaxing day considering the chaotic nature of things. My cousin and his family officially settled in today. It was nice to see the fridge magically get refilled. Despite their stress (sick kids, packing and moving), I was really happy to get a couch back in the family room to sit on and watch television again. Aidan spent a wonderful day at the zoo with his aunt and cousins. This allowed Michael and I to do a full pack. I am very happy to report that everything fits into the three backpacks and two carry-ons - no problem. As the malaria drugs are consumed and as Aidan works his way through his school materials, room will be created that will allow me to purchase silk clothing and various other necessary trinkets. I did have this all planned. That's all to report for now. I am sure that Michael will have more to say in the next post.

Last Minute Tasks

We're down to the final few days and the small but numerous tasks that remain. Susan is finalizing Aidan's education material; we're packing away the last bits and pieces of furniture and clothing; the banking is just about done; our watches and wedding rings are replaced; the trailer is stored (thanks again Rob!); and we're starting to pull together the documents that needs to go to family for emergencies. Tomorrow we'll try packing. This weekend also marked the start of our goodbyes - goodbye to my parents; goodbye our friends at Taekwondo; and goodbye to many others both near and far. We'll miss you!

Getting Sick

Susan and I have been down and out with a nasty virus these past few days. It has not been fun putting in 10+ hour days at work while being sick, but at least the symptoms are relatively mild in my case. Poor Susan has been out of commission for the better part of 3 days. Despite this, our trip preparations are moving ahead. We're now moved out of the upstairs of the house completely. The main floor is not far behind. Brian, Wendy and the boys move in tomorrow and we're in the basement. My parents are out visiting and getting a kick out of the situation. Its nice to have family around before we go. My last day of work is tomorrow. Yay!

More Medicine

We weren't kidding about the medicine. At the rate we're going its going to take up half our luggage. We don't even have Susan's insulin in with this. Whats in the Pile? Malaria pills (3 types), altitude sickness pills, diarrhea pills, constipation pills, oral rehydration pills, broad-spectrum antibiotics, daily contact lenses, needle tips, glucometer test strips, glucagon (for low blood sugars), first aid kit, sterile injection kit, polysporin, sun-screen, bug-screen and I think some asprin.

What have I done...and other emotions.

Yes the final countdown is on, as indicated in the previous post. Over the last week I have had the good fortune of spending time with family and friends. The main questions being asked are "Are you excited?" and "Are you ready to go?" I will admit that my initial response was to say "Aghhh, what have I done!" This was quickly followed by a listing of all the things that I still had to do and all the things that could possibly go wrong. Sorry Mom, but I really do take after your side of the family sometimes. Wow, five years of saving and planning has gone by quickly. When I initially proposed that we should save for an extended trip, I didn't anticipate that the time would go by so quickly. The trip always seemed so far in the future and over the last few weeks I have continued to move along thinking that the trip is still far far away. It has only been recently that I have really realized that we are leaving for six months, thus resulting in the tide of anxiety ridden emotions and panic. Panic over things such as, teaching my son for six months (will I doom him to repeat grade 1?), will we fit all of the medication in the luggage (I will post a picture soon), how will I survive for six months with only one pair of pants and three shirts (seriously). Not to worry, this set of emotions was temporary and I have my perspective back. I can happily report that my answer to the above questions would be "I can hardly wait to get going!" As for my other concerns - yes, everything will fit into the backpacks; thanks to my good friend for providing me with resources and assuring me that Aidan will receive an excellent education on this trip; and thanks to our wonderful family for helping with moving and packing and all the other last minute arrangements. Over the next week I plan to finalize all of the educational materials and monthly plans, stop a few payments, finish packing, move the tent trailer, and clean the house. I suppose I should also confirm the flights...