Well the move finally happened. I am sorry for the delay in updating, I must admit I have been totally overwhelmed that I haven't been in the right mindset to blog but here goes the beginning of many updates. Lots to share!
For our move from Washington, DC to Paris there were a lot of things we needed to coordinate, especially considering we were moving to a new country. While the bureaucratic process of the move seemed to move slowly - work permit and long stay visas - the actual move happened very quickly. I booked our movers on a Tuesday and they began packing our stuff the next Thursday. For this move we decided to hire people to pack our stuff, this is definitely the way to go. When Mark and I moved from Montgomery, AL to DC in 2010, we tried to do it ourselves which was a nightmare! I have to give a big shout out to the team at Suddath International and United Van Lines, they made a really tedious task much better!
Since we were moving overseas, we couldn't bring a lot of "stuff" with us. GE would only pay for Mark and I to airship a size D container of household goods. I never actually saw the container but I heard it was very small but somehow we managed to ship 475lbs of household goods. Some of the things that made the list were pictures, Cutco knives, tumblers, our favorite electric wine opener - you know the important stuff!
For the remainder of the things we wanted to bring to Paris, Mark and I had to figure out a way to pack it all in checked or carry-on luggage which was a HUGE challenge. Thanks to Mark's status on Delta, we were lucky enough to upgrade to business class which meant we could both check 3 bags at 70 lbs a piece. I actually had one bag that weighed in at 84 lbs, that was fun! Lilly also had a bag, an extra large duffle which brought our bag total to 9!
So Mark and I have been living with 9 bags and Lilly's huge sky kennel since we moved out of our apartment on March 29. Everywhere we stay has to be a suite or apartment just to fit all of our baggage. The bellhops want to run when they see us coming. What really cracks me up is that everyone thinks Mark and I are just on vacation. What kind of crazy people travel with 9 huge bags and a dog on vacation? They must think we are the most high maintenance travelers ever.
For all of the things we couldn't bring with us to Paris, we moved to a storage unit in Birmingham. When Mark and I moved from Montgomery we downsized from a 3 bedroom house to a 815 sq ft apartment. We moved over half of our belongings into a storage unit then, I never dreamed we would be downsizing again. So now here we are moving more stuff into a storage unit. One day I will be reunited with all of my stuff and it will feel like Christmas morning! The hardest thing for Mark to part with was "his chair," I think for me it was my cast iron skillet - I'm going to have to buy one in Paris.
As I have mentioned before, I was extremely nervous about Lilly flying. I am very happy to say that everything went well for my little boo. I did cry like a baby when I had to put her on the van that would take her to the airport but somehow we managed. The day we all arrived in Paris, I was on pins and needles waiting to see my Lilly again. When we were all 3 reunited Lilly was obviously confused about what had happened but she was so happy to see us and begin exploring her new city.
Lilly experienced jet lag which I totally did not expect. I assumed (because Mark kept telling me this to make me calm down) that Lilly would sleep during the flight. For the first 3-4 days in Paris, Lilly was on a very strange eating and sleeping schedule. She would wake up at 3:00 or 4:00 am wanting to eat food which is odd for her. It finally hit me, she's jet lagged just like me.
Things are going well in Paris. I am thrilled to announce that after viewing over 10 different apartments all over the city, Mark and I are in the process of signing the lease on a flat in the 5th arrondissement near Luxembourg Gardens. Its a 4th floor walk up with no lift in an ancient building which will be a huge adjustment, but it is absolutely adorable. And yes, it is a 2 bedroom! I'll post pictures once we get settled.
Lilly and I have managed to get over the jet lag and begin exploring during the day. Lilly especially loves our long walks by the Seine. She has actually taken to demanding walks which is a new thing. She will stare me down and jump on the door until I get the message. Silly girl!
My next post will be all about saying goodbye to DC.
C'est la vie, y'all! Thanks for reading and for all of your thoughts and prayers!
For our move from Washington, DC to Paris there were a lot of things we needed to coordinate, especially considering we were moving to a new country. While the bureaucratic process of the move seemed to move slowly - work permit and long stay visas - the actual move happened very quickly. I booked our movers on a Tuesday and they began packing our stuff the next Thursday. For this move we decided to hire people to pack our stuff, this is definitely the way to go. When Mark and I moved from Montgomery, AL to DC in 2010, we tried to do it ourselves which was a nightmare! I have to give a big shout out to the team at Suddath International and United Van Lines, they made a really tedious task much better!
Since we were moving overseas, we couldn't bring a lot of "stuff" with us. GE would only pay for Mark and I to airship a size D container of household goods. I never actually saw the container but I heard it was very small but somehow we managed to ship 475lbs of household goods. Some of the things that made the list were pictures, Cutco knives, tumblers, our favorite electric wine opener - you know the important stuff!
For the remainder of the things we wanted to bring to Paris, Mark and I had to figure out a way to pack it all in checked or carry-on luggage which was a HUGE challenge. Thanks to Mark's status on Delta, we were lucky enough to upgrade to business class which meant we could both check 3 bags at 70 lbs a piece. I actually had one bag that weighed in at 84 lbs, that was fun! Lilly also had a bag, an extra large duffle which brought our bag total to 9!
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| 8 of the 9 bags |
So Mark and I have been living with 9 bags and Lilly's huge sky kennel since we moved out of our apartment on March 29. Everywhere we stay has to be a suite or apartment just to fit all of our baggage. The bellhops want to run when they see us coming. What really cracks me up is that everyone thinks Mark and I are just on vacation. What kind of crazy people travel with 9 huge bags and a dog on vacation? They must think we are the most high maintenance travelers ever.
For all of the things we couldn't bring with us to Paris, we moved to a storage unit in Birmingham. When Mark and I moved from Montgomery we downsized from a 3 bedroom house to a 815 sq ft apartment. We moved over half of our belongings into a storage unit then, I never dreamed we would be downsizing again. So now here we are moving more stuff into a storage unit. One day I will be reunited with all of my stuff and it will feel like Christmas morning! The hardest thing for Mark to part with was "his chair," I think for me it was my cast iron skillet - I'm going to have to buy one in Paris.
As I have mentioned before, I was extremely nervous about Lilly flying. I am very happy to say that everything went well for my little boo. I did cry like a baby when I had to put her on the van that would take her to the airport but somehow we managed. The day we all arrived in Paris, I was on pins and needles waiting to see my Lilly again. When we were all 3 reunited Lilly was obviously confused about what had happened but she was so happy to see us and begin exploring her new city.
Lilly experienced jet lag which I totally did not expect. I assumed (because Mark kept telling me this to make me calm down) that Lilly would sleep during the flight. For the first 3-4 days in Paris, Lilly was on a very strange eating and sleeping schedule. She would wake up at 3:00 or 4:00 am wanting to eat food which is odd for her. It finally hit me, she's jet lagged just like me.
Things are going well in Paris. I am thrilled to announce that after viewing over 10 different apartments all over the city, Mark and I are in the process of signing the lease on a flat in the 5th arrondissement near Luxembourg Gardens. Its a 4th floor walk up with no lift in an ancient building which will be a huge adjustment, but it is absolutely adorable. And yes, it is a 2 bedroom! I'll post pictures once we get settled.
Lilly and I have managed to get over the jet lag and begin exploring during the day. Lilly especially loves our long walks by the Seine. She has actually taken to demanding walks which is a new thing. She will stare me down and jump on the door until I get the message. Silly girl!
My next post will be all about saying goodbye to DC.
C'est la vie, y'all! Thanks for reading and for all of your thoughts and prayers!
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