"Aren't you excited?" I'm asked, although it seems to be more statement than question. Truth? At this point it's a mixed bag. The letting go I talked about earlier is not easy; downright tough. Excitement is balanced with sadness and fear, as I anticipate leaving what is known for what is unknown. I don't mean to appear unappreciative of well wishers, or sound self pitying, after all, I put myself in this situation. Just wanted to let you know at this time, these mixed up feelings are all part of the journey! I'm in a swirl of activity with sorting, packing, and moving. So many details to take care of. This is what I wake up thinking about.
No one said adventures were easy. Adventures are full of surprises. When I signed up for this adventure, I didn't think it would be easy. I saw it as a personal challenge. I'm breaking my safety rules to find out who comes out at the other end. Why? I have to. I just couldn't go on doing the same-o same-o without knowing why / what for. So this is it. My adventure. No matter what happens, I turn 80 with some great stories to tell. And thinking about that makes me feel excited!
Why can't I just settle down and be content with my wonderful island teaching job? Great friends? My comfy rental in this marvelous island community? The people here are the best. So what's with this streak of restlessness that won't let me feel at peace with myself? With kids grown up and out of the house, and being single, I just can't sit still. So I decided not to sit still. Gonna fly while I can!
My piano moves to Maureen's house today where it will be played, and loved and cared for, expertly. Thank you Maureen! Just found the ad for my van on Drewslist. We bought this van in 1999, 3 growing children to fill it up. You know how it is. Cars are full of memories too. I hope to sell it, and say good bye. Not quite as hard as the Pepper good bye.
Change is coming fast now. Erik and Trevor moved Erik's bedroom furniture / belongings into the van for delivery to his dad's storage in Lynnwood. Another good-bye, but as islanders know, getting off The Rock can be exciting!
I'm beginning to dread good byes. Do we have to have them?
Today's TO DO list:
Pharmacy: Fill prescription; 90 day supply
Get 2 locks for the storage container.
U-Haul: Get mattress covers and more boxes.
Freeland: Repair ding in windshield.
Call Herb: Questions about IRA contributions while in Beirut.
Get bid for help packing the storage container.
Pack Linen and Den closets.
Call Friends: Need HELP!
10:00 Steve moves piano to Maureen's house
Noon: Meet with Melissa for French conversation lesson.
1-3:00 at NW Language Academy: Help with French Camp
5:30 pm: Meet with Erik and his dad to drop off Erik's furniture.
WOW. Full day. Let's get to it!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Shipping? Forget it.
I just got off phone with another shipper, and was informed that I'm not allowed to ship ANYTHING personal to Lebanon. If I were a business woman shipping goods for sale, that would be different. But for moving? Forget it; NOTHING. Everything has to go with me in the plane, overage costs and all.
I can't help wondering... If it's so hard to get things IN to Lebanon, how is it taking things OUT?
Mom, thank you for getting me into backpacking way back when.
What were those 10 essentials?
Map, sunscreen, water, change of clothes, matches, whistle, compass, flashlight/ batteries... Can anyone help me out there? I'm going to treat this as a backpack expedition: Take only what is absolutely needed, and then repack it into smaller sized containers, enough to get by. Goodbye hairdryer, Hello iPad!
THANK GOD HUMOR DOESN'T TAKE UP SPACE!
I'm ordering an extra large dose of that today.
I can't help wondering... If it's so hard to get things IN to Lebanon, how is it taking things OUT?
Mom, thank you for getting me into backpacking way back when.
What were those 10 essentials?
Map, sunscreen, water, change of clothes, matches, whistle, compass, flashlight/ batteries... Can anyone help me out there? I'm going to treat this as a backpack expedition: Take only what is absolutely needed, and then repack it into smaller sized containers, enough to get by. Goodbye hairdryer, Hello iPad!
THANK GOD HUMOR DOESN'T TAKE UP SPACE!
I'm ordering an extra large dose of that today.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Stockpiling the good stuff
As my last day on the island comes closer, I find that my senses are much more acute. I want to take it all in, as if this is all there is, one day at a time. I find myself more overwhelmed by the enormity of leaving. Not just the island, but the family, friends, and people I love. Maybe these stockpiled feelings and memories will carry me along in Beirut, when the tough times come calling?
I've read a lot about culture shock. The symptoms are feelings of isolation, of being out of synch with people and surroundings. Homesickness.
Well, I know this will happen. It did when I was living in France for a year during college. How will I ride it out? I'm feeling proactive this time, and have a plan. To begin with, my plan is to help myself out as much as possible.
1. Take care of myself first. This means sleeping when I am tired, shopping for good foods even if it means paying more, and buying a few things to make my flat and me feel more at home and happy.
2. Give myself time and space to adjust. I want to be patient with myself, flexible in the face of the "surprises" promised by my principal, and keep my sense of humor at hand.
3. Meet and make friends right away; no time to waste there. Internet and Skype will be essential; email and blogging.
4. Take walks and be ready to take advantage of opportunities that come along. I understand that nearby at AUB (American University of Beirut) there is a community choral group I might sing with. They also have a nice pool... The good news is I'll be within walking distance of the school and University. I think that will suit me well.
5. Travel. I'm giving myself permission to spend money. I must see Greece, Turkey, swim in the Seas, visit Italy, and Cyprus. I must see all I can of Lebanon, travel to Jordon, and wherever the road may lead. This is my chance to see a new corner of the world, and I must take it!
As school begins, it will be very busy. Must allow time to adjust before I commit to much else. Step 5 will have its day!
In the meantime, Keep stockpiling the good stuff!
I've read a lot about culture shock. The symptoms are feelings of isolation, of being out of synch with people and surroundings. Homesickness.
Well, I know this will happen. It did when I was living in France for a year during college. How will I ride it out? I'm feeling proactive this time, and have a plan. To begin with, my plan is to help myself out as much as possible.
1. Take care of myself first. This means sleeping when I am tired, shopping for good foods even if it means paying more, and buying a few things to make my flat and me feel more at home and happy.
2. Give myself time and space to adjust. I want to be patient with myself, flexible in the face of the "surprises" promised by my principal, and keep my sense of humor at hand.
3. Meet and make friends right away; no time to waste there. Internet and Skype will be essential; email and blogging.
4. Take walks and be ready to take advantage of opportunities that come along. I understand that nearby at AUB (American University of Beirut) there is a community choral group I might sing with. They also have a nice pool... The good news is I'll be within walking distance of the school and University. I think that will suit me well.
5. Travel. I'm giving myself permission to spend money. I must see Greece, Turkey, swim in the Seas, visit Italy, and Cyprus. I must see all I can of Lebanon, travel to Jordon, and wherever the road may lead. This is my chance to see a new corner of the world, and I must take it!
As school begins, it will be very busy. Must allow time to adjust before I commit to much else. Step 5 will have its day!
In the meantime, Keep stockpiling the good stuff!
Friday, July 6, 2012
A Beautiful Whidbey Island Day!
What a day on Whidbey Island!
My swim this morning was fantastic. Coach Kristi puts a lot of creativity into the work-outs she plans for the Master's classes. We stumble into the locker room at 5:10 a.m., then drop into the pool by 5:20 to start the warm up. Each lane is like a mini a team, supporting and even teasing one another. We swim hard and make it fun, but All of us agree that we feel best afterwards, in the hot tub!
By 9 a.m., I was at Useless Bay Coffee Co. to meet up with my singing buddy, Ann from Albuquerque, who happens to be in Langley this weekend. We sang together for two years, until they sold their Langley home and moved to New Mexico a year ago. You just never know who you'll run into at the Maxwelton Parade! That's how I found Ann, after she'd sent several emails about their planned island visit. It's like the Clyde Theater. Everyone runs into everyone else there. You've never heard so much talk talk talk, back and forth and across the aisle before a movie begins. When you move here you become part of a small town. No one is a stranger, whether you're at the theatre, standing in line at the grocery store, or at Maxwelton Beach for the annual 4th of July parade. If you've lived in a small town, you know exactly what I mean.
Next, I drove up to Zylstra Road (almost to Oak Harbor) to see my daughter ride her horse in a dressage event. Kate was marvelous. Albert got a bit skitterish during his debut, but Kate kept calm and pulled him back in for the finish. I am so proud of Kate! I arrived early enough to watch her preparation of the horse, then herself, and her attention to every detail. It was something to see. Mark, her partner, was there to support and encourage her. He will be there for her all weekend during his busiest work time of the year. I'm so happy for Kate. She has built up a good life. To top it off, at every turn in the road heading home tonight, I was struck by the beauty of mountains and water. Sheer joy!
My swim this morning was fantastic. Coach Kristi puts a lot of creativity into the work-outs she plans for the Master's classes. We stumble into the locker room at 5:10 a.m., then drop into the pool by 5:20 to start the warm up. Each lane is like a mini a team, supporting and even teasing one another. We swim hard and make it fun, but All of us agree that we feel best afterwards, in the hot tub!
By 9 a.m., I was at Useless Bay Coffee Co. to meet up with my singing buddy, Ann from Albuquerque, who happens to be in Langley this weekend. We sang together for two years, until they sold their Langley home and moved to New Mexico a year ago. You just never know who you'll run into at the Maxwelton Parade! That's how I found Ann, after she'd sent several emails about their planned island visit. It's like the Clyde Theater. Everyone runs into everyone else there. You've never heard so much talk talk talk, back and forth and across the aisle before a movie begins. When you move here you become part of a small town. No one is a stranger, whether you're at the theatre, standing in line at the grocery store, or at Maxwelton Beach for the annual 4th of July parade. If you've lived in a small town, you know exactly what I mean.
Next, I drove up to Zylstra Road (almost to Oak Harbor) to see my daughter ride her horse in a dressage event. Kate was marvelous. Albert got a bit skitterish during his debut, but Kate kept calm and pulled him back in for the finish. I am so proud of Kate! I arrived early enough to watch her preparation of the horse, then herself, and her attention to every detail. It was something to see. Mark, her partner, was there to support and encourage her. He will be there for her all weekend during his busiest work time of the year. I'm so happy for Kate. She has built up a good life. To top it off, at every turn in the road heading home tonight, I was struck by the beauty of mountains and water. Sheer joy!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Monday moods
First thing I let go of this morning was my 12 year membership to Island Athletic Club. Carolyn, Breathe! You've still got til the end of the month to use it.
Next to go were the keys to my school and classroom, left in the office drawer, as instructed... 21 years worth of keys, again, just stuff. "Breathe Carolyn, Inhale...! Remember that this is only walls and paint and carpet. It'll be here when you come back." ....Slow exhale.
On a happier note, I'm almost invincible. Got diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis in the right arm, Hep A and B in the left, and typhoid, thank God, is pills to swallow! Insurance doesn't cover the unusual ones; so the heps ($160) and typhoid ($53) are on me.
On an even happier note, not hard to do, I've discovered my latest craze; scanning! It's amazing that I figured out how to do this!!! With the help of email and scanner, I plan to take only clothes, guitar, and my classroom in a thumb drive. Can you believe it? Gotta be happy about that!
Best of all was assisting with swim lessons for the tiniest polliwogs! Kristi called for help, and I showed up at the pool. My first charge was in tears within minutes of putting her chin in the water. Later she forgot to be afraid as we zoomed through the water "as fast as a shark!" Second session, second charge was in tears after she stepped into deeper water like her taller sister had done. We splashed through a few rounds of London Bridge, and the next thing you know, she was teaching me a song; So Sweet! Kids = the worst and best of times!
Next to go were the keys to my school and classroom, left in the office drawer, as instructed... 21 years worth of keys, again, just stuff. "Breathe Carolyn, Inhale...! Remember that this is only walls and paint and carpet. It'll be here when you come back." ....Slow exhale.
On a happier note, I'm almost invincible. Got diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis in the right arm, Hep A and B in the left, and typhoid, thank God, is pills to swallow! Insurance doesn't cover the unusual ones; so the heps ($160) and typhoid ($53) are on me.
On an even happier note, not hard to do, I've discovered my latest craze; scanning! It's amazing that I figured out how to do this!!! With the help of email and scanner, I plan to take only clothes, guitar, and my classroom in a thumb drive. Can you believe it? Gotta be happy about that!
Best of all was assisting with swim lessons for the tiniest polliwogs! Kristi called for help, and I showed up at the pool. My first charge was in tears within minutes of putting her chin in the water. Later she forgot to be afraid as we zoomed through the water "as fast as a shark!" Second session, second charge was in tears after she stepped into deeper water like her taller sister had done. We splashed through a few rounds of London Bridge, and the next thing you know, she was teaching me a song; So Sweet! Kids = the worst and best of times!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Pepper update
Embarrassed to admit I've been waiting by the phone like a mother hen, wanting to know if Pepper is okay in her new home, and imagining the worst possible scenarios in the absence of sensible news! Relieved to report that I've just "heard" from Pepper's new family (email)! She slept in the deep sink in the towel I'd sent, but by the end of the first night, was venturing onto the bed. Twyla comments that she's: "very talkative and loves to give her opinion she is always by your side in the house". Sounds familiar! Pepper got outside by mistake: "We were quite worried and we tried to coax her down and Wayne spent some time waiting for her outside. But she wouldn't budge. This morning she was happily waiting outside to come in and get some food." I forgot to mention that Pepper is a climber; knows her emergency escape drills. Anyway their son is also an Eric, and although he wants to share, she's not interested in crackers.
Ah, I feel as if a balm of calm has settled on my shoulders. Thank you for the email, Twyla.
As for the school boxes? paring down to the essential stuff today. From 20 boxes down to 12. Much better! I'll pack one or two for Lebanon. Shipping costs are very high. Hoping to eliminate paper by scanning and saving to my laptop.
My high school friend, Karen, just emailed with some uplifting news. Her husband used to travel: "to Beruit many times and loved it, said it was one of his favorite places in the world. Very cosmopolitan city.. Isn't that great news? I've been wondering if this adventure will prove itself worth the emotional cost. But you know what I think? I think it will be worth the emotional cost and a whole lot more. Stick around for the coming year and we'll find out!
I've got the whole month of July for packing. Heading to family reunion in California on August 2nd, then back to Seattle on the 12th for a quick overnight / departure for Beirut on Monday, August 13th.
Ah, I feel as if a balm of calm has settled on my shoulders. Thank you for the email, Twyla.
As for the school boxes? paring down to the essential stuff today. From 20 boxes down to 12. Much better! I'll pack one or two for Lebanon. Shipping costs are very high. Hoping to eliminate paper by scanning and saving to my laptop.
My high school friend, Karen, just emailed with some uplifting news. Her husband used to travel: "to Beruit many times and loved it, said it was one of his favorite places in the world. Very cosmopolitan city.. Isn't that great news? I've been wondering if this adventure will prove itself worth the emotional cost. But you know what I think? I think it will be worth the emotional cost and a whole lot more. Stick around for the coming year and we'll find out!
I've got the whole month of July for packing. Heading to family reunion in California on August 2nd, then back to Seattle on the 12th for a quick overnight / departure for Beirut on Monday, August 13th.
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