it's happening!

Tomorrow. TOMORROW is the day Jason and I fly to Ireland without knowing when we'll be coming back.  It's overwhelming and my stomach does some strange acrobatics every time I think about it. In a good way, though. My counselor once told me that nervousness and excitement physically feel the same; the difference is in how you think about it. I'm not a very emotional person so it's hard for me to gauge exactly what I am feeling, but the only specific thing I'm worried about is traveling with our cat. I don't know how people handle children; I'm already a worried mother, lol.

Jason and I are SO lucky that his company is providing so much assistance with our move. Among other things, they've arranged temporary housing, hired a relocation assistant to help us with finding permanent lodgings, provided transportation from the airport, assistance in opening a bank account, etc. So many things that would be stressful are no longer major concerns, which is such a blessing.

Speaking of which, I cannot thank my parents and in-laws enough for helping us move out of our apartment last week! We are so lucky that they were all able to assist - and are ALL stronger than I am, haha. I really wasn't much help at all during the entire process. Also, we have a lot of stuff, even after giving away and selling a good portion of it.

So... we've packed our suitcases, and after hours of rearranging, have gotten all of them under the weight limit. We have our paperwork, and Pippin's, in order. I sold my car (and got enough money for my first tuition payment...! This whole "paying tuition" thing feels so wrong...). We made a list of errands to take care of after we arrive. Besides a few last minute errands to run today, we're ready to leave. It's a bit ironic that something we've been planning for and looking forward to for years can feel this stressful. In a determined effort that Jason and I not forget to have fun amidst everything we need to do in the next week, I found a nice open air market within walking distance of our temporary apartment where we can have lunch on Thursday: the Mespil Road Lunchtime Market, located on the banks of the canal. Every vendor I've read about sounds great, but I'm particularly excited about one called Wilde Irish Chocolates. One guess why. ;)

Mespil Road Lunchtime Market

I'm not sure what our internet situation will be after we arrive, but be on the lookout for more frequent updates in the upcoming weeks!