Nearly There

We have three weeks before our move from the UK back home to New Jersey! 

I am so sorry it’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a catch-up, but as you can imagine, an international move takes a lot of planning and some Monday’s were full of stressful planning.  I just didn’t think you needed to read about all of that so I waited until things were more certain.  Here’s an update on all that’s happening…

Alfie Cat’s Trip to the US

I won’t lie, besides worrying about how my son will cope with the move, flying my 15-year-old cat has been my biggest source of stress (OK so the Green Card application was no picnic either).  I honestly don’t think I’ll breathe normally until he arrives safely.

As I explained in my last post, the pet travel company I was dealing with told me his journey was going to take 3 days and he would have to be kenneled two nights.  I was beside myself thinking of my little cat terrified in a kennel surrounded by other terrified animals for days before even taking the flight.  

There were some crazy plans hatched to spare our cat of three days of hell.  One was my husband taking him to Paris to fly where they allow animals to fly with you in the cabin.  That would have taken my husband about 20 hours door to door.  Luckily, I found a pet travel company that can do the cat’s trip in about 12 hours door to door. It’s booked!

The House Hunt

We found a house close to where I grew up that’s in the same school district of where I went to Jr High.  I don’t know why, but having my son go to the same school where I did,  just gives me a little comfort as I send him into a great big world he’s not used to.

It’s a little house, but the rent is reasonable for New Jersey.  We don’t want to throw a bunch of money into a house that isn’t ours as we build my husband’s brand new credit report so we can buy a house of our own.  We’re hoping it won’t take over a year.  Fingers crossed.

My Mom has donated a bunch of furniture to help fill the house and my sister has been a huge help with the planning.  The house is around the corner from her so she’ll be able to get things ready for when we arrive.  I bought some beds (which took an entire day to research and choose without actually laying on them) and I’ve arranged for the utilities, phone, and the internet to be connected before we arrive.  Besides a coffee maker (an essential after a long trip overseas), everything else will have to wait until we get there.

The Budget

This move is costing a fortune.  We’ve already invested $20k (flights, international movers, pet shipping, deposits for the house to name just a few expenses) and as we still have to buy everything from an iron to cars once we get there, it’s going to cost so much more. I’m trying not to stress too much, but so far, I have been unsuccessful.  Eye on the prize is my new Mantra. 

My Low Carb Diet and Weight Loss Journey

The weight is coming off slower than the inches, but it’s going well.  I wish it was a little faster, but I’ve been drinking a lot of sugar-free wine to get me through the move so I can’t complain too much! 😜 

The low carb diet is a real struggle lately.  The lack of variety (not to mention crunch) in my food is starting to get to me, but as I said before – eye on the prize.