And we're off!

338 pounds of checked luggage later (not counting the 50+ pound beast I sent with Brian in January) we are now waiting at the Tokyo airport for our final leg to Shanghai. After 21 hours in 3 planes, we'll then take a leisurely two hour taxi ride to Jiangyin, our home for the next 2+ years.

Neither of us can believe today is finally here. After making the decision to come to China last July, it seemed like we would have all the time in the world to get ready. I quit work thinking two weeks to coordinate everything for the move would be more than sufficient....WRONG.  From selling two cars (in about 6 hours, thank you autotrader.com!), listing the house for rent, to learning our homeowners insurance wouldn't cover our house if we were living abroad (even though they quoted us a price when we called to check!), having two weeks without a 9-5 job was anything but relaxing. The night before the movers were to arrive, we still found ourselves frantically sorting junk from goodwill donations, what to pack for China and what to have the movers pack for storage.  And is it normal to make the movers work around you, as you prime and paint your way out of the house? A few weeks ago I warned Brian that I reserved the right to have a meltdown, and happily we've survived without me having to cash in on that! Phew!

Brian doesn't plan on heading in to work until Monday, so we'll have a few days to get settled in to the apartment, attempt to grocery shop and explore the neighborhood a bit. I'll be sure to post pictures of the apartment and write more as time allows. Let the adventure begin!