The First Signs of a Move
So, by now you all know that we’re moving somewhere in Europe, probably England, but that all depends on my visa going through. A buyer has placed a deposit to hold the apartment until his loan goes through with the bank, but he’s already been pre-approved, so it’s most likely a done deal.
As we did last time, we’ve decided to pack up little by little. And we’ve started with DVDs, CDs, and books. They’re all getting boxed up and sent to A’s mother’s house.
And so now our bookshelf is mostly empty. We’ll probably finish cleaning it out tomorrow afternoon, and then move on to closets and other things, leaving clothes and kitchen materials for last. The move is set for mid- November, but again it all depends on my visa.
As I was packing books in the boxes this afternoon, I was disappointed to see that I hadn’t even read some of them. We’re only bringing a very small number of books (under ten) because we also have to bring about 25 or so of A’s vocal scores. We looked into how much it would cost to purchase them again in the UK, and even if we have to pay for extra baggage weight, it still makes more sense to just bring the ones we have. Those things are expensive.
And so my books get left behind once again. Books are my downfall. The one thing that I find it hardest to part with. Which is why I still have books in storage in California, Mexico (though I’ve already brought the most important ones and am willing to part with those that were left behind if I need to), and now here in Argentina.
I understand the importance of traveling light, both literally and figuratively, and I try so hard to let go of most things. Books, on the other hand, are just so hard to leave behind.
Which is why our empty bookshelf is such a stark declaration of our upcoming move.
Wow. Stark indeed. Books are an intimate thing. But at least if you go to England you will have ready access to English language books through libraries. At the moment I am deciding that I have a ridiculous amount of clothes, although I could trim that down considerably if I had to. I few things are hanging out (literally) for sentimental reasons only.
I know. It’s so clean and neat. We have SO many books, CDs, and DVDs. I’m excited about having access to both libraries and Amazon! It’s so expensive to get books sent down here.
Clothes aren’t as much of an issue for me. I have a rule that if I haven’t worn something in the past year, it gets donated. And I especially try to get rid of stuff that I have for sentimental reasons. When I was going through my clothes in Mexico earlier this year, I had so many “ohhhh…I remember when I used to wear this” moments. But they were mostly clothes that I knew I wouldn’t ever use again (they were almost all beach clothes, and I no longer live on a beach, nor do I go on beach vacations more often than once every two years), so they got donated to our head housekeeper. She always got my old clothes in Mexico, which was funny because I would later see her wearing old dresses of mine to work.
We still haven’t gone through our closet yet, but since I got rid of some of my things and a LOT of his old things when we moved to this apartment last December, I don’t think there’s too much to get rid of.
The hard thing is that we’re going straight to winter, so we will be bringing our bulkiest, heaviest clothes, so we won’t be able to bring much of anything.
Yes……….all your summer clothes will not be necessary here! We had only 5 summer days in August…..and now it´s chilly again….by the time you will be moving, you may need boots and heavy jackets!
Thanks for the confirmation, Mar! We were planning to bring just winter clothes. Though I’m afraid even my warmest clothes won’t be enough.
It is also weird to think of you speaking English on a day to day basis. I know that must seem rather novel to you right now, but I’m envious of you having been able to speak Spanish on a day to day basis for do long (really, since college it has been your daily language more than English). How long will it take before you go into withdrawals and have to take a trip to Spain?
It is weird to think of speaking English on a day to day basis. I have to say, I’m especially concerned about INTERVIEWING in English. I’ve told the story of my work experience a thousand times in Spanish, but in English it’s harder. I realized that when I was doing the talks with students this year.
I’m glad I had so many years of Spanish, and yes, it’s been my daily spoken language for YEARS now. I only write English these days.
So daily English is definitely a novel idea! Plus, I get a whole new accent to hear every day!
My BIL is from England. What a wonderful place to go (and expensive!) I wish I had their accent!
I have got to tell you something. You are one of the people that has inspired me to make a change. I am going to write about it soon, but I think we are going to move too.
I have always wanted to despite having my folks next door. I love them and it will be devastating, but if we don’t move now, we never will since Emily will enter Junior High soon.
I am SO excited. We just made the decision 2 days ago on our way back from that wedding. it was driving through all of the small towns that we love so much. Our city is 80000 people and EMily’s class size is 800, so we want to go to a smaller place with better schools and somewhere more serene.
Yes, don’t tell me about expensive. It’s not as expensive as either of us originally thought, but it’s definitely not South America!
I am all about change. I have my problems with letting go, like we all do, but I try to force myself to change. And my trip to Italy was really the spark that led to this move.
How exciting that you’ll be moving! I can’t believe Emily’s class size is so huge in such a small city!! Moving to a smaller town will be nice for the girls. Or maybe I should say, for you. I can’t imagine having kids in a large city. That would freak me out. I remember when I used to walk home alone from school in elementary school. I don’t think anyone lets their kids do that anymore!
The best of luck to you! I can’t wait to hear more. Hugs!!
Oh wow Holly. All the best to you with your move.
I suppose this move of yours makes a good case for a kindle.
We plan to move off island in the next year and I won’t be taking my books either.
Thanks! I do have a Sony Reader, but for me it only works for novels. Everything else (nonfiction) I like to underline, and it’s just not the same on an e-reader.
You’re moving off island? I’m sad to hear that because I loved your island photos. I wish you the best of luck with your move!