Next up in the "series" of how to best acclimate to Delhi ... from my perspective ::
Showing posts with label checklist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label checklist. Show all posts
Taj Mahal & Red Fort ... Part Two
Part one of our trip to the Taj is HERE.
I had "see Taj Mahal" on my List of things to accomplish in the coming years.
It was damn hot the day we went. The car readout hovered between 46 and 47 all throughout our drive and stayed put once we arrived into the city of Agra.
Keep in mind, it was 10:15 in the morning when we arrived. Yep. Damn hot.
We chose a camel cart to get us from the parking lot to the booking office. It was hysterical to try and interact with the camel wallahs since we speak no Hindi and they spoke very little English.
It was crowded. There were people EVERYWHERE ... and I think I'm fairly accurate to say that we encountered maybe 6 other non-Indians? It was neat to see.
(and how cool is this display of drinks?)
Even though I was hot, crowded and frustrated because of the admission prices not being easily explained AND r.e.a.l.l.y crabby since I didn't have my backpack with me (containing the water that I'd so carefully frozen the night before) ....
It was still beautiful.
It was really amazing to see Terran ... who was working on his final photography project for 9th grade ... composing images in his mind.
He would tilt his head to the right ... squint his eyes, and bring the old Minolta up to his face and click away.
He's developing all of his own film, so photography isn't quite as forgiving as it is when you carry a digital camera.
As we walked past the mirror pool, I had a brief thought. I stopped, looked up and wondered what the Taj would look like at sunrise or sunset. As quickly as the question was pondered, sweat rolled into my eye, I got pushed from behind, nudged from the left, shoved from the right and both of my feet stepped on at the same time.
Sigh.
I looked at Terran (who had the look of complete frustration on his face) and we pressed ahead to go inside the main building, take some pictures and get the heck outta dodge.
I will say though that there is little better than seeing the stark white of the building compared to the colorful women coming to see the Taj! Gorgeous!
I said it in my first post about the Taj, and will say it again. Take advantage of the free "shoe covers" they offer with your admission ticket. If you go when it's hot and you forget the shoe covers, you'll be hootin' and hollerin' while you run across the marble floors in your bare feet!
I do want to read the stories again .... refresh my memory on the history of the structure. Fall in love again with the reason it was built.
Would I go again? Nope.
I had a superbly amazing day with Terran ... (especially these moments as I tried (in vain) to explain to non-English speaking guys how to operate my camera as I asked them to make sure we got the Taj in the background instead of just our faces ....)
and wouldn't trade that for the world
(secretly, I'm glad that one more item on my To Do List is crossed off!)
I know that this post title inferred that there would be mention of the Red Fort of Agra, but frankly, I was too hot. We walked in, took photos of monkeys ... and turned around to head home. I will explore the Red Fort of Delhi in the months to come ... and will post about that in detail ... promise.
I had "see Taj Mahal" on my List of things to accomplish in the coming years.
It was damn hot the day we went. The car readout hovered between 46 and 47 all throughout our drive and stayed put once we arrived into the city of Agra.
Keep in mind, it was 10:15 in the morning when we arrived. Yep. Damn hot.
We chose a camel cart to get us from the parking lot to the booking office. It was hysterical to try and interact with the camel wallahs since we speak no Hindi and they spoke very little English.
It was crowded. There were people EVERYWHERE ... and I think I'm fairly accurate to say that we encountered maybe 6 other non-Indians? It was neat to see.
(and how cool is this display of drinks?)
Even though I was hot, crowded and frustrated because of the admission prices not being easily explained AND r.e.a.l.l.y crabby since I didn't have my backpack with me (containing the water that I'd so carefully frozen the night before) ....
It was still beautiful.
It was really amazing to see Terran ... who was working on his final photography project for 9th grade ... composing images in his mind.
He would tilt his head to the right ... squint his eyes, and bring the old Minolta up to his face and click away.
He's developing all of his own film, so photography isn't quite as forgiving as it is when you carry a digital camera.
As we walked past the mirror pool, I had a brief thought. I stopped, looked up and wondered what the Taj would look like at sunrise or sunset. As quickly as the question was pondered, sweat rolled into my eye, I got pushed from behind, nudged from the left, shoved from the right and both of my feet stepped on at the same time.
Sigh.
I looked at Terran (who had the look of complete frustration on his face) and we pressed ahead to go inside the main building, take some pictures and get the heck outta dodge.
I will say though that there is little better than seeing the stark white of the building compared to the colorful women coming to see the Taj! Gorgeous!
I said it in my first post about the Taj, and will say it again. Take advantage of the free "shoe covers" they offer with your admission ticket. If you go when it's hot and you forget the shoe covers, you'll be hootin' and hollerin' while you run across the marble floors in your bare feet!
I do want to read the stories again .... refresh my memory on the history of the structure. Fall in love again with the reason it was built.
Would I go again? Nope.
I had a superbly amazing day with Terran ... (especially these moments as I tried (in vain) to explain to non-English speaking guys how to operate my camera as I asked them to make sure we got the Taj in the background instead of just our faces ....)
and wouldn't trade that for the world
(secretly, I'm glad that one more item on my To Do List is crossed off!)
I know that this post title inferred that there would be mention of the Red Fort of Agra, but frankly, I was too hot. We walked in, took photos of monkeys ... and turned around to head home. I will explore the Red Fort of Delhi in the months to come ... and will post about that in detail ... promise.
101 Things
There was a time when was I was motivated to make a personal change, and one for our family.
I created a 101 in 1001 list.
The point of this exercise was to identify 101 things that would be accomplished in the next 1,001 days. My list was thought about, edited, pored over, added to, deleted from and finally I posted it on my personal blog, with a due date of September 10, 2010.
Now that we've made our move to Delhi, I'm not sure if it still applies. There are some things that are universal to being a parent and a wife and will always be a goal of mine. There are some things that aren't quite as easy to accomplish since we've left the snowglobe. There are some things that I really have moved on from.
I am going to recreate the list ... keeping some of the old items and adding some new. I'm not going to fool myself and create another list of 101 things. That's a bit too ambitious for this chick. I'm sticking with Todd's old football number and going with 55.
I wasn't going to share my first list with you because quite frankly, it's boring for anyone but me. BUT in case you are inspired to create your own, I thought you might glean a suggestion or two. Feel free to skip the list and scroll down to the end of this post!
The original list (the items completed will remain personal) ::
I created a 101 in 1001 list.
The point of this exercise was to identify 101 things that would be accomplished in the next 1,001 days. My list was thought about, edited, pored over, added to, deleted from and finally I posted it on my personal blog, with a due date of September 10, 2010.
Now that we've made our move to Delhi, I'm not sure if it still applies. There are some things that are universal to being a parent and a wife and will always be a goal of mine. There are some things that aren't quite as easy to accomplish since we've left the snowglobe. There are some things that I really have moved on from.
I am going to recreate the list ... keeping some of the old items and adding some new. I'm not going to fool myself and create another list of 101 things. That's a bit too ambitious for this chick. I'm sticking with Todd's old football number and going with 55.
I wasn't going to share my first list with you because quite frankly, it's boring for anyone but me. BUT in case you are inspired to create your own, I thought you might glean a suggestion or two. Feel free to skip the list and scroll down to the end of this post!
The original list (the items completed will remain personal) ::
HEALTH/FITNESS
1. Yoga at least 1x a week
2. Drink at least 64 oz of water daily
3. Floss daily.
4. Go to the dentist
5. Stop smoking (I did quit, but it didn't last long)
6. See OB/GYN
7. Get 30 minutes of fresh air a day
8. Gym at least 2x per week (doesnt count yoga)
FAMILY/KIDLETS/PARENTING
9.. Start 529 Plans for each child
10. Do a photo shoot with entire family once a month, on the same day each month
11. Register Terran for Ohio State football camp
12. Send out mid-year "Christmas cards"
12. Send out mid-year "Christmas cards"
13. Redo kids' rooms
14. More reading books at night, less movies!
15. Transfer kids' journals to blog
16. find a church
SELF
17. Read one book per month
18. Pedicures at least once a month
19. Get new coffee pot
20. Add Mia's tattoo
21. Schedule facial hair removal
22. buy a whole new lot of pajamas
23. Girls only outing - once a month
24. Commit to remembering Papa daily, journal it
BUSINESS (from when I was involved with Rock-n-Tot)
25. Open checking account
26. Get some new outfits
27. Find accountant and attorney to provide counsel
28. Become more serious about using FC
29. Whiten teeth!
30. Create home office area
31. Order window cling
32. Send handwritten thank you notes
PROJECTS
33. Compile/condense Gpa's videos
34. Take tutorial on Excel, Publisher and PhotoShop
35. Take photo classes
36. Start purchasing ornaments to represent trips and other important things from our lives
37. Find locations for dad's photos
38. Finish basement curtains
39. Do monthly One True Media montages
40. Swap out kids' toys on a regular basis
GIVING BACK
41. Do monthly dropoff of items/clothes at WomenSafe
42. Be consistent with Mom's monthly payments
43. Find ONE thing for the family to do by way of volunteering together
FRIENDSHIPS
44. Host a family board game night
45. Organize a traveling potluck
46. Send ONE thinking of you card per week
47. Plan a pj/movie party with friends
48. Get together with neighbors
ENTERTAINMENT/GETTING OUT
49. Continue scheduling Meghann for at least two nights per month
50. Make a regular point to get the kids out on date night - individually with each parent
51. Go to some type of museum once a month with kids
52. Take the kids to the zoo once a month
53. See a movie once a month (IN the theatre)
54. Science center ONCE a month with kids
55. Get babysitter once a month for ME - either daytime or evening (use CoOP!)
56. Go see live music once a month
FINANCIAL
57. Collect all change for one year
58. Stick to allowance/budgets with Tony and Terran
59. Pay off all credit cards
60. Keep credit balances under 5% of credit limit
61. Put $1,000 into savings EACH month
62. Track ALL expenditures
63. Meet weekly with Todd to go over budget
64. Utilize Quicken
FOOD/COOKING
65. Plan meals out a month in advance
66. Cook freezer meals ONCE a month
67. Farmers Markets WEEKLY in season
68. Plant a garden
69. Condense and compile/create personalized recipe book
70. Organize and follow through with DItTO women's group
BE DONE WITH
71. CVECA board stuff
72. Todd buying paperback books! Use the library
HOUSEHOLD
73. Get rid of 100 things from the house every 90 days
74. Clean out car TOP TO BOTTOM once per week
75. Buy tubs for winter gear/summer gear
76. Buy more memory for desktop computer
77. Laundry COMPLETED every day
78. Continue recycling cardboard
79. Follow Fly Lady and UFO notebook
80. Make kids' organization process streamlined - make dressup box, go through clothes, etc.
RELATIONSHIP
81. Continue daily "3 things" emails with Todd
82. edited . . .
83. Encourage Todd to "fix" his tattoo
84. Get different dressers in bedroom and "create oasis"
85. Take dance lessons together
86. JUST LISTEN
87. Play the piano for Todd once a week
88. Snow angels in the winter, sand castles in the summer, pick flowers in spring and bake an apple pie in fall!
TRAVEL
89. Plan trip for just Todd and I - even it's only for an extended weekend
90. Plan family trip that Meghann comes along on
91. Finalize plans for houseboat trip with the Terrific Travel group
92. Work with Mimi to plan mid-year Hattaway gathering
93. Plan 3 camping trips!!
94. See the Northern Lights
95. Visit the Grand Canyon
RANDOM
96. Create lists (to be displayed) of the family's weekly goals - create them together on Sundays
97. Play dress up with the kids at least once a week - take pictures
98. Stop speeding
99. Pick a random "be kind" action on a weekly basis.
100. Turn on the music (already do this) daily and DANCE with the kids
101. Donate $5.00 to a local charity for each goal I do not complete in 1001 days.
I'll share the new list in an upcoming post ... but I want to know.
What things might be on YOUR list?
You're leaving when?
You keep asking ... "you're leaving when?" I figured it might be time to lay it all out.
Here is our schedule - - as I know it - - for the next 77 days, or so :
May 2nd - evening out with my wonderful friends that I met through football/lacrosse
May 4th - get together with our playgroup ... one last big hoorah
May 9th - Henna Party with another group of my wonderful friends
May 13th - International Afternoon ... "Playdate Gone Global" with the local mommas and their cool global-minded kiddos
May 17th - Cleveland 1/2 Marathon that I'm excited to run with a group from the Chagrin Valley Mom's Running Club!
June 2nd - the movers start the local storage packing
June 3rd - we "move in" to the hotel
June 5th - the movers finish the international sea shipment packing
June 6th - my friends and I start the massive job of DEEP cleaning this house (OH YES, if you live in my neck o' the woods, I'll be CALLING YOU TO HELP!! You bring the rubber gloves and I'll supply the pizza and the music!)
June 9th - the kids' last day of school and Terran's 8th grade End-of-Year Party
June 11th - we depart in the wee hours of the morning to start our drive to Nebraska.
June 29th - we depart in the wee hours of the morning to start our drive to Georgia
July 16th - we depart from ATL airport to Chicago, then to Frankfurt, then to Delhi
August 4th - The boys start school!!
Today has not been a day of excitement about our upcoming experiences. I'm pretty mopey, tired and not at all pleased with the amount of time between now and then. I'm still trying to balance my deep need to over-schedule us so that it "makes the time go by faster" but I know that it will only lead to cranky kidlets and an exhausted momma.
Let's see how I can do in the upcoming week to give ourselves a four-hour chunk every day that does not have any plans attached to it!
Here is our schedule - - as I know it - - for the next 77 days, or so :
May 2nd - evening out with my wonderful friends that I met through football/lacrosse
May 4th - get together with our playgroup ... one last big hoorah
May 9th - Henna Party with another group of my wonderful friends
May 13th - International Afternoon ... "Playdate Gone Global" with the local mommas and their cool global-minded kiddos
May 17th - Cleveland 1/2 Marathon that I'm excited to run with a group from the Chagrin Valley Mom's Running Club!
June 2nd - the movers start the local storage packing
June 3rd - we "move in" to the hotel
June 5th - the movers finish the international sea shipment packing
June 6th - my friends and I start the massive job of DEEP cleaning this house (OH YES, if you live in my neck o' the woods, I'll be CALLING YOU TO HELP!! You bring the rubber gloves and I'll supply the pizza and the music!)
June 9th - the kids' last day of school and Terran's 8th grade End-of-Year Party
June 11th - we depart in the wee hours of the morning to start our drive to Nebraska.
June 29th - we depart in the wee hours of the morning to start our drive to Georgia
July 16th - we depart from ATL airport to Chicago, then to Frankfurt, then to Delhi
August 4th - The boys start school!!
~ ~ ~
Today has not been a day of excitement about our upcoming experiences. I'm pretty mopey, tired and not at all pleased with the amount of time between now and then. I'm still trying to balance my deep need to over-schedule us so that it "makes the time go by faster" but I know that it will only lead to cranky kidlets and an exhausted momma.
Let's see how I can do in the upcoming week to give ourselves a four-hour chunk every day that does not have any plans attached to it!
Valuations ... Schm-aluations
I am SOOO tired of looking at the "Household - The List" document that I created.
I am sick of looking over the contents of it - the contents of our house ... our home ... relegated to line items.
Everyone seems to want valuations of our household goods. The insurance company, the storage unit, the moving company, the IRS (for donation purposes).
Just how do you determine a replacement value for the itty bitty teensy weensy clothes that your babies wore home from the hospital?
Explain to me what price you put on the hundreds of lego pieces, Little Pet Shop animals and Star Wars mini-guys?
What on earth do you say that the years of memorabilia is worth that your 8th grader has painstakingly hoarded?
How much is the frame worth that contains pictures from the only time you've had alone with your husband - complete with the cork from a bottle of wine, and really cool coral from the ocean off of the island of St. Croix?
I'm also - since I'm speaking frankly - tired of the ongoing debate between Todd and I about what to keep, what to store and what to ship. Don't get me wrong - it's not an argument ... but we just can't seem to make up our minds. One day, it appears that we've reached a decision. But ask us the next day, and half of the "donate" list has somehow miraculously made it over to the "store" side of the columns.
I used to think that Excel was a pretty cool program ... but here lately, am just so tired of looking at it. I open the spreadsheet in an attempt to work on it, and then close it seconds later in disgust.
I'm hoping to schedule the Salvation Army truck AND the movers this week, so that I have a deadline. A date certain by which to make up my mind - for once and for all.
Hey, while you're here ... does anyone want the snow shovels?
I am sick of looking over the contents of it - the contents of our house ... our home ... relegated to line items.
Everyone seems to want valuations of our household goods. The insurance company, the storage unit, the moving company, the IRS (for donation purposes).
Just how do you determine a replacement value for the itty bitty teensy weensy clothes that your babies wore home from the hospital?
Explain to me what price you put on the hundreds of lego pieces, Little Pet Shop animals and Star Wars mini-guys?
What on earth do you say that the years of memorabilia is worth that your 8th grader has painstakingly hoarded?
How much is the frame worth that contains pictures from the only time you've had alone with your husband - complete with the cork from a bottle of wine, and really cool coral from the ocean off of the island of St. Croix?
I'm also - since I'm speaking frankly - tired of the ongoing debate between Todd and I about what to keep, what to store and what to ship. Don't get me wrong - it's not an argument ... but we just can't seem to make up our minds. One day, it appears that we've reached a decision. But ask us the next day, and half of the "donate" list has somehow miraculously made it over to the "store" side of the columns.
I used to think that Excel was a pretty cool program ... but here lately, am just so tired of looking at it. I open the spreadsheet in an attempt to work on it, and then close it seconds later in disgust.
I'm hoping to schedule the Salvation Army truck AND the movers this week, so that I have a deadline. A date certain by which to make up my mind - for once and for all.
Hey, while you're here ... does anyone want the snow shovels?
911
So ... there is no 911 when you live overseas.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
This brings all sorts of shades of red flags a-waving in my head.
I'm thinking I need to add "get certified with the Red Cross" to my to-do list.
Which week should it go in, you think?
If you're currently living overseas, I'd love to have you weigh in on ambulance services and 911 - or the lack thereof.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
This brings all sorts of shades of red flags a-waving in my head.
I'm thinking I need to add "get certified with the Red Cross" to my to-do list.
Which week should it go in, you think?
If you're currently living overseas, I'd love to have you weigh in on ambulance services and 911 - or the lack thereof.
Checklist ... a week at a glance
I mentioned earlier that I would post my to-do list, simply for the intention of maybe helping someone else out through this process.
I do not intend you to actually read this post, as it is quite boring and not at all exciting. I have removed all of the specific line items that are personal to our family (specific utilities, specific memberships, etc.)
This list is also not inclusive of everything that might need to be on the list. It is simply a starting point to use as a springboard if you need to create your own!
I went through and labeled each action item with the corresponding week it needed to be completed, so that at a glance, I could reconcile whether I was falling behind with a task, or right on schedule.
When this process first started ... with Week One ... I had:
Without further ado, I present to you ... the India To-Do List:
WEEK ONE
Apply for Todd's Employment Visa
start HSBC bank account
begin process of gathering school records, recommendation letters and medical records for school application
if animals are concerned, schedule consultation with their vet to learn of required vaccinations, quarantine laws, flight options for them, etc.
WEEK TWO
close any dormant bank or credit accounts
Decide whether to continue life insurance policies
Meet with Realtors for interviews
Redraft Wills
Research Travel Clinic vaccinations requirements
schedule/find sea shipment company
Todd's Flight arrangements on front end
update/cancel TiVo
WEEK THREE
Advise insurance company of intent to move
family Visa Applications - obtain necessary letters and proof information
book Delhi flights
arrange any travel plans before leaving the country
schedule service appointments for any electronics making the trip (camera, video camera, game systems, etc.)
collect legal docs - marriage, birth, adoption certificates
copies of insurance docs, med records, optical, dental records,
Create Power of Attorney for unfinalized sale of house
remove photos/frames from wall, patch/repaint
Schedule tax/financial advice meeting
Supply of passport sized photos
Todd's initial packing, go through clothes
WEEK FOUR
investigate warranties for household appliances being sold with the house, renew if necessary
Inventory contents of home and begin making list of what ships, what stores and what is given away or sold
Schedule Travel Clinic vaccinations
sort file cabinets TAKE, STORE, DESTROY
voter registration change
investigate Cobra insurance, flex plan details
buy multiple "tool kits" for loaning out
create binder for new homeowners
WEEK FIVE
Decide on which credit cards to leave open, which to close
investigate cancellation policies for cell phones, gym memberships, cable, etc
detail, wash and wax vehicles
for sale ads for vehicles
AAA international driving permit
hepa air filters
any necessary household repairs need ... obtain estimates and quotes
WEEK SIX
Arrange for the yard care and property check on regular basis
Arrange off-site storage
Arrange with post office for change of address
Receive quotes for final house cleaning after personal property has been shipped
WEEK SEVEN
safe deposit box for docs and valuables
final dentist appointments
final doctor appointments
Arrange for temporary housing
WEEK EIGHT
research clubs, memberships, sporting events and investigate membership rqeuirements for new location
cancel magazine/newspaper subscriptions
Cancel water delivery, bulk store memberships, etc.
drain machines of gas
inventory off-site storage
notify family/friends of address change
Surface clean furniture
Wash all bedding
WEEK NINE
Utilities notification
purchase converters
schedule haircuts
WEEK TEN
pack sea shipment
WEEK ELEVEN
deplete alcohol
deplete cleaning supplies
deplete food storage
dispose of houseplants
WEEK TWELVE
defrost fridge/freezer
pack carryons (passport, visa, tickets, $, jewelry, valuables, vacc records, drivers license, meds, address book, change of clothes)
pack kids' carryons
Pack the suitcases we are taking as luggage
WEEK THIRTEEN
Final house cleaning
Final walkthrough with realtors
I do not intend you to actually read this post, as it is quite boring and not at all exciting. I have removed all of the specific line items that are personal to our family (specific utilities, specific memberships, etc.)
This list is also not inclusive of everything that might need to be on the list. It is simply a starting point to use as a springboard if you need to create your own!
I went through and labeled each action item with the corresponding week it needed to be completed, so that at a glance, I could reconcile whether I was falling behind with a task, or right on schedule.
When this process first started ... with Week One ... I had:
- 6 weeks before Todd left for India
- 13 weeks before the kids and I left Ohio
- 18 weeks before the kids and I left the United States
Without further ado, I present to you ... the India To-Do List:
WEEK ONE
Apply for Todd's Employment Visa
start HSBC bank account
begin process of gathering school records, recommendation letters and medical records for school application
if animals are concerned, schedule consultation with their vet to learn of required vaccinations, quarantine laws, flight options for them, etc.
WEEK TWO
close any dormant bank or credit accounts
Decide whether to continue life insurance policies
Meet with Realtors for interviews
Redraft Wills
Research Travel Clinic vaccinations requirements
schedule/find sea shipment company
Todd's Flight arrangements on front end
update/cancel TiVo
WEEK THREE
Advise insurance company of intent to move
family Visa Applications - obtain necessary letters and proof information
book Delhi flights
arrange any travel plans before leaving the country
schedule service appointments for any electronics making the trip (camera, video camera, game systems, etc.)
collect legal docs - marriage, birth, adoption certificates
copies of insurance docs, med records, optical, dental records,
Create Power of Attorney for unfinalized sale of house
remove photos/frames from wall, patch/repaint
Schedule tax/financial advice meeting
Supply of passport sized photos
Todd's initial packing, go through clothes
WEEK FOUR
investigate warranties for household appliances being sold with the house, renew if necessary
Inventory contents of home and begin making list of what ships, what stores and what is given away or sold
Schedule Travel Clinic vaccinations
sort file cabinets TAKE, STORE, DESTROY
voter registration change
investigate Cobra insurance, flex plan details
buy multiple "tool kits" for loaning out
create binder for new homeowners
WEEK FIVE
Decide on which credit cards to leave open, which to close
investigate cancellation policies for cell phones, gym memberships, cable, etc
detail, wash and wax vehicles
for sale ads for vehicles
AAA international driving permit
hepa air filters
any necessary household repairs need ... obtain estimates and quotes
WEEK SIX
Arrange for the yard care and property check on regular basis
Arrange off-site storage
Arrange with post office for change of address
Receive quotes for final house cleaning after personal property has been shipped
WEEK SEVEN
safe deposit box for docs and valuables
final dentist appointments
final doctor appointments
Arrange for temporary housing
WEEK EIGHT
research clubs, memberships, sporting events and investigate membership rqeuirements for new location
cancel magazine/newspaper subscriptions
Cancel water delivery, bulk store memberships, etc.
drain machines of gas
inventory off-site storage
notify family/friends of address change
Surface clean furniture
Wash all bedding
WEEK NINE
Utilities notification
purchase converters
schedule haircuts
WEEK TEN
pack sea shipment
WEEK ELEVEN
deplete alcohol
deplete cleaning supplies
deplete food storage
dispose of houseplants
WEEK TWELVE
defrost fridge/freezer
pack carryons (passport, visa, tickets, $, jewelry, valuables, vacc records, drivers license, meds, address book, change of clothes)
pack kids' carryons
Pack the suitcases we are taking as luggage
WEEK THIRTEEN
Final house cleaning
Final walkthrough with realtors
Visas
I think I mentioned that I've divided the to-do list into sections and have assigned each task a week. Some items easily fit in the WEEK 1 category and others obviously can fall into later categories, like WEEK 9.
One of the list items that I had previously assigned to Week 8 was the Visa Applications for the kids and I. I just assumed that since they were only valid for ONE YEAR from the date they were approved, that the longer we waited, the longer they would be valid once we arrived in India.
Todd kept after me to get the Applications started and I'm so glad he did. Not until I caved and moved "Complete Visa Applications" from Week 8 to Week 4, did I realize that the kids' Applications MUST be signed by both parents, in order to be issued.
We gathered all of the required documentation, including Todd's needed signature (would have been kind of difficult to have acquired once he left on the 16th!) and I headed to the Post Office to ship them off.
If we learn nothing else through this process, we will have mastered the concept of "there is a first time for everything." I am consistently met with the question "You're moving WHERE?", followed soon after by "Well, I'm not really sure HOW to do that."
After 27 minutes in the Post Office, attempting to figure out how to send four Visa Applications, with delivery confirmation, as quickly as possible, BY registered mail AND with some kind of insurance in place for our passports (that must accompany the Visa Application), the Applications are on their way to the consulate in New York.
We will soon have our passports stamped with a pretty visa to India! Have Passport and Visa, will travel!
One of the list items that I had previously assigned to Week 8 was the Visa Applications for the kids and I. I just assumed that since they were only valid for ONE YEAR from the date they were approved, that the longer we waited, the longer they would be valid once we arrived in India.
Todd kept after me to get the Applications started and I'm so glad he did. Not until I caved and moved "Complete Visa Applications" from Week 8 to Week 4, did I realize that the kids' Applications MUST be signed by both parents, in order to be issued.
We gathered all of the required documentation, including Todd's needed signature (would have been kind of difficult to have acquired once he left on the 16th!) and I headed to the Post Office to ship them off.
If we learn nothing else through this process, we will have mastered the concept of "there is a first time for everything." I am consistently met with the question "You're moving WHERE?", followed soon after by "Well, I'm not really sure HOW to do that."
After 27 minutes in the Post Office, attempting to figure out how to send four Visa Applications, with delivery confirmation, as quickly as possible, BY registered mail AND with some kind of insurance in place for our passports (that must accompany the Visa Application), the Applications are on their way to the consulate in New York.
We will soon have our passports stamped with a pretty visa to India! Have Passport and Visa, will travel!
Travel Clinic
We have one of the most painful (literally) items on our to-do list CHECKED OFF!
I lucked out and was referred to a VERY nearby Travel Clinic and got all of the information I needed over the phone for the initial consultation.
I was told to visit the clinic, with immunization records in hand (preferably without children, to expedite the consultation). They would then have me fill out "some paperwork" and then the doctor would visit with me about what vaccinations were needed and which were recommended.
Yesterday morning, Mia and I visited the Travel Clinic, immunization records in hand with the intention of getting the consultation 'out of the way.'
First off, know that if you ever need the services of a Travel Clinic, they will charge you for this consultation. You will be required to fill out about an hour's worth of paperwork (or maybe 15 minutes for each person, since I had four people to accomodate?).
After paying $180.00 for the privilege of filling out paperwork, I realized that we no longer had any time to visit with the doctor for the vaccination recommendation since Tony would soon be off of the bus.
Home to get Tony off of the bus after feeling very defeated for not getting much of anything accomplished.
Then, after an afternoon of VERY crabby children, I decided .... why keep the crabiness to myself? Why not share their griping and whining with the Travel Clinic? At worst, they would expedite the process of recommending vaccinations, and then administering shots because they wanted the crabbiness out of their office! Brilliant plan, I thought!
So we loaded up and headed - all three kiddos and I - to the Travel Clinic.
20 minutes later, we started the process of obtaining weights, temperatures, blood pressure stats, and I gave a review of allergies, any medical problems to note and normal eating habits.
Then the doctor came in, who spoke with a Russian accent (very hard to understand) and started going over the options - Japanese Encypha-something-or-other-that-I-can't-spell .... Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, Cholera, Meningitis, etc.
I think that at this point, I was realizing that this MIGHT not have been the most brilliant plan. The crabbies and I had now been in the office for about an hour and still no vaccination recommendation had begun.
I'll spare you the details. It was ALOT of shots, alot of crying, wailing and thrashing about. The kids each got 2 shots and I got 4. Let me tell you, these are no flu shots.
Typhoid feels like hot lava coursing through your veins, and in the other arm, Hepatitis A reminded me of ice shooting up into my shoulder. Poor babies ... if I was hurting during the process, I know THEY were!
Lessons learned?
I lucked out and was referred to a VERY nearby Travel Clinic and got all of the information I needed over the phone for the initial consultation.
I was told to visit the clinic, with immunization records in hand (preferably without children, to expedite the consultation). They would then have me fill out "some paperwork" and then the doctor would visit with me about what vaccinations were needed and which were recommended.
Yesterday morning, Mia and I visited the Travel Clinic, immunization records in hand with the intention of getting the consultation 'out of the way.'
First off, know that if you ever need the services of a Travel Clinic, they will charge you for this consultation. You will be required to fill out about an hour's worth of paperwork (or maybe 15 minutes for each person, since I had four people to accomodate?).
After paying $180.00 for the privilege of filling out paperwork, I realized that we no longer had any time to visit with the doctor for the vaccination recommendation since Tony would soon be off of the bus.
Home to get Tony off of the bus after feeling very defeated for not getting much of anything accomplished.
Then, after an afternoon of VERY crabby children, I decided .... why keep the crabiness to myself? Why not share their griping and whining with the Travel Clinic? At worst, they would expedite the process of recommending vaccinations, and then administering shots because they wanted the crabbiness out of their office! Brilliant plan, I thought!
So we loaded up and headed - all three kiddos and I - to the Travel Clinic.
20 minutes later, we started the process of obtaining weights, temperatures, blood pressure stats, and I gave a review of allergies, any medical problems to note and normal eating habits.
Then the doctor came in, who spoke with a Russian accent (very hard to understand) and started going over the options - Japanese Encypha-something-or-other-that-I-can't-spell .... Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, Cholera, Meningitis, etc.
I think that at this point, I was realizing that this MIGHT not have been the most brilliant plan. The crabbies and I had now been in the office for about an hour and still no vaccination recommendation had begun.
I'll spare you the details. It was ALOT of shots, alot of crying, wailing and thrashing about. The kids each got 2 shots and I got 4. Let me tell you, these are no flu shots.
Typhoid feels like hot lava coursing through your veins, and in the other arm, Hepatitis A reminded me of ice shooting up into my shoulder. Poor babies ... if I was hurting during the process, I know THEY were!
Lessons learned?
- Take someone with you to the Travel Clinic to help keep little ones occupied during the wait
- Promise McDonalds after their experience. If you're lucky, you'll get away with a simple Happy Meal for the young ones and an extra large order of fries for the teenager.
- Be meticulous in obtaining your immunization records BEFORE ever stepping foot in the Travel Clinic
- Try to find a Travel Clinic associated with a pediatric office or urgent care. MUCH nicer than our previous experience (prior to Africa) at the Health Department!
- Take your OWN bandaids ... nothing says "feel better lovey" than bandaids with colors, cartoon characters and barbie dolls!
- Be aware that you'll have to pay out the nose for these vaccinations! Our bill was over $800 (for the four of us, which actually wasn't TOO bad) and will not be covered by any insurance. This amount doesn't include the prescriptions for anti-malaria medication (oral).
- Pre-dose everyone with Motrin/Aspirin to take a bit of the edge off of the soreness factor. It's nearing 24 hours later and I still am unable to lift my arms above shoulder level, let alone pick anything up.
- Finally? Be grateful that even though the shots hurt like hades, that you are able to receive vaccinations in the first place!
Balancing Act.
I keep getting asked "aren't you scared?" or "aren't you just so excited?"
My immediate answer is "No, I'm not scared at all, but I'm apprehensive about the unknown. And YES, I'm so excited ... this is going to be a great adventure!"
If I sit quietly with myself, I realize that I am feeling a myriad of emotions. Nervous, anxious, impatient, frustrated, not in control, excited, thrilled, anticipatory, amazed. I am all of those things, in part.
More so though, I find that these days I am simply feeling unbalanced.
I long to find balance - and sooner than later.
* *
The balance of being a support system to my husband through the transition between companies and responsibilities.
The balance of being available to my friends to listen, spend time with and just be normal.
The balance between still needing to help Terran with his 8th grade homework.
The balance of still getting dinner on the table and the laundry completed.
The balance between still making time to read books to Mia.
The balance between keeping muddy paws off of freshly cleaned carpets.
The balance between coordinating schedules for moving quotes/estimates, the realtor's needs, and the timeline of my to-do list.
The balance between still playing transformers on the floor with Tony.
The balance between desperately needing to take time to run or exercise.
The balance between playing outside with my kids when the sun is shining vs. working on visa applications.
The balance of my need to purge this house of all of the "stuff".
* *
This isn't meant to be a "woe is me" post, but I wanted to be able to share the frustration AND the exhilaration of this process.
At a moment where everything in my heart is leaping for joy because of this opportunity and the excitement of getting to experience such a wonderful place, my head is also screaming because of all that needs to be done.
Each day that goes by, I am able to sit -- at the end of that day -- with either a glass of wine or a hot bath and focus on what DID get accomplished.
I truly hope that as the sun sets each night, I am able to say that I crossed off some of the to-do list AND was still a good enough mother to my kids.
My immediate answer is "No, I'm not scared at all, but I'm apprehensive about the unknown. And YES, I'm so excited ... this is going to be a great adventure!"
If I sit quietly with myself, I realize that I am feeling a myriad of emotions. Nervous, anxious, impatient, frustrated, not in control, excited, thrilled, anticipatory, amazed. I am all of those things, in part.
More so though, I find that these days I am simply feeling unbalanced.
I long to find balance - and sooner than later.
* *
The balance of being a support system to my husband through the transition between companies and responsibilities.
The balance of being available to my friends to listen, spend time with and just be normal.
The balance between still needing to help Terran with his 8th grade homework.
The balance of still getting dinner on the table and the laundry completed.
The balance between still making time to read books to Mia.
The balance between keeping muddy paws off of freshly cleaned carpets.
The balance between coordinating schedules for moving quotes/estimates, the realtor's needs, and the timeline of my to-do list.
The balance between still playing transformers on the floor with Tony.
The balance between desperately needing to take time to run or exercise.
The balance between playing outside with my kids when the sun is shining vs. working on visa applications.
The balance of my need to purge this house of all of the "stuff".
* *
This isn't meant to be a "woe is me" post, but I wanted to be able to share the frustration AND the exhilaration of this process.
At a moment where everything in my heart is leaping for joy because of this opportunity and the excitement of getting to experience such a wonderful place, my head is also screaming because of all that needs to be done.
Each day that goes by, I am able to sit -- at the end of that day -- with either a glass of wine or a hot bath and focus on what DID get accomplished.
I truly hope that as the sun sets each night, I am able to say that I crossed off some of the to-do list AND was still a good enough mother to my kids.
The days of the week
Oh boy.
I found this list on a website for expats. Because I'm such a list-maker, I decided to split the work according to the week.
There are 18 weeks between now and the anticipated arrival in Delhi. 13 weeks between now and the end of school.
Oh boy.
For some reason, when you say "we'll be leaving sometime in June" it seems SO much farther away than when you say "we'll be leaving in 13 weeks"
So here is the list they suggest you follow in order to get prepared.
INITIAL ACTIONS
Coordinate agreements concerning your overseas assignment with the Human Resources department of your company.
If appropriate, provide HR with information required for:
__ Passports
__ Visa/work permit requirements
__ Flight arrangements for orientation visit and car hire requirements
__ Arrangements for the transportation of your unaccompanied personal effects and pets
__ Housing/schooling requirements in your host location
cartoon #11
Expect the renters to put some wear and tear on your house while you're away
DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR HOME
If you rent, check the lease and give the appropriate notice
If you intend to leave your home empty:
__ Check your buildings and insurance coverage
__ Prepare your house for inactivity (drain down water, disconnect gas,
central heating, etc.)
__ Advise your mortgage lender
__ Make security arrangements for your home
__ Arrange cleaner, gardener, as necessary
__ Arrange for someone to check the property on a regular basis
If you intend to rent your home:
__ Choose a reputable rental agent to market the property for you
__ Employ an attorney to study the tenancy agreement
__ Nominate managing agents
__ Get consents from mortgage company, insurers
If you intend to sell your home:
__ Choose a reputable real estate agent to market the property for you
__ Employ an attorney
__ Organize a Power of Attorney in case the sale is not finalized before
your departure
6-12 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Be sure legal paperwork for traveling is done:
__ Check that passports are up to date; make application if necessary
__ Get a supply of passport-size photos to take with you
__ Apply for any necessary visas/work permits
To protect your health while overseas:
__ Arrange medical and dental check-ups
__ Go over vaccination records with the doctor and arrange extra shots
if required
__ Arrange for an AIDS test if your host country requires it
__ If you take prescription medication, make arrangements with your
doctor for obtaining a supply of these medications; ask the doctor to
write a letter documenting your need for these medications
__ If you or a member of your family has any special medical conditions,
ask your doctor for a copy of the pertinent medical records for use by
your doctor abroad
__ Consult with your doctor whether you will need any preventative
medications such as quinine where you will be living. Make arrangements
to acquire any if needed
Notify your children's school of their departure
Notify your banks
If you receive government benefits (for example, Social Security or
Veterans' benefits) make arrangement to have your money sent to your new
location
Look over your will and be sure it still reflects your wishes; arrange
to meet with your attorney to make any desired changes or to make a will
if you don't have one yet
Arrange a power of attorney, if required
Advise any insurance companies with whom you have policies that you are
moving to live overseas (Companies have been known to refuse to pay out
when they have not been so advised)
Decide what to do with your pet(s)
Decide what to do with your car(s)
Arrange for moving companies to carry out pre-move survey
If at all possible, make a "reconnaissance trip" to your new location;
while there, you might choose your house, a bank, and/or school(s) for
your children
4-6 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Consider the need for independent tax/financial advice on your status as
an expatriate
Arrange with the post office for your mail to be forwarded
Send out change-of-address cards; make arrangements for staying in touch
with friends and relatives
Cancel subscriptions to book clubs, magazines
Notify credit card companies
Arrange flight tickets, hotels, car hire
Make a detailed inventory of the contents of your home including value
and age (You may want to take photos for insurance purposes)
Consider opening a safe deposit box in which to store important
documents and valuables while you are away
Plan what things to take with you overseas and what things to leave
behind. Consider whether you want to put some things in storage and make
any necessary arrangements
Make final arrangements with moving company for moving day
Collect copies of legal documents such as marriage, birth, adoption,
divorce certificates to take with you
Collect copies of important documents you may need with you (insurance
certificates, medical records, optical and/or medicinal prescriptions,
school records)
Deplete food in your kitchen cupboards and freezer
Deplete stocks of alcohol
Contact your local voter registration office if necessary to register as
an overseas elector
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Sort out those items you will need to keep with you when you travel:
passport, visa, work permit, tickets, money, travelers checks, currency,
credit cards, driver's license, essential medication, vaccination
certificates, valuables, jewelry, address book, things for children to
do on the flight, at least one change of clothes (your suitcases may not
arrive with you)q Drain fuel from lawn mower
Cancel milk/newspaper deliveries
Advise utility companies: gas, electricity, water, telephone
Dispose of houseplants
Defrost refrigerator/freezer
Pack the possessions you are taking with you
For the sake of anyone reading this blog who is going through a similar situation, I'll post again soon with my version of a readiness checklist, broken down into weeks. It most likely will be quite boring for those of you reading who fall into the friends/family category, so I apologize in advance!
I found this list on a website for expats. Because I'm such a list-maker, I decided to split the work according to the week.
There are 18 weeks between now and the anticipated arrival in Delhi. 13 weeks between now and the end of school.
Oh boy.
For some reason, when you say "we'll be leaving sometime in June" it seems SO much farther away than when you say "we'll be leaving in 13 weeks"
So here is the list they suggest you follow in order to get prepared.
INITIAL ACTIONS
Coordinate agreements concerning your overseas assignment with the Human Resources department of your company.
If appropriate, provide HR with information required for:
__ Passports
__ Visa/work permit requirements
__ Flight arrangements for orientation visit and car hire requirements
__ Arrangements for the transportation of your unaccompanied personal effects and pets
__ Housing/schooling requirements in your host location
cartoon #11
Expect the renters to put some wear and tear on your house while you're away
DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR HOME
If you rent, check the lease and give the appropriate notice
If you intend to leave your home empty:
__ Check your buildings and insurance coverage
__ Prepare your house for inactivity (drain down water, disconnect gas,
central heating, etc.)
__ Advise your mortgage lender
__ Make security arrangements for your home
__ Arrange cleaner, gardener, as necessary
__ Arrange for someone to check the property on a regular basis
If you intend to rent your home:
__ Choose a reputable rental agent to market the property for you
__ Employ an attorney to study the tenancy agreement
__ Nominate managing agents
__ Get consents from mortgage company, insurers
If you intend to sell your home:
__ Choose a reputable real estate agent to market the property for you
__ Employ an attorney
__ Organize a Power of Attorney in case the sale is not finalized before
your departure
6-12 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Be sure legal paperwork for traveling is done:
__ Check that passports are up to date; make application if necessary
__ Get a supply of passport-size photos to take with you
__ Apply for any necessary visas/work permits
To protect your health while overseas:
__ Arrange medical and dental check-ups
__ Go over vaccination records with the doctor and arrange extra shots
if required
__ Arrange for an AIDS test if your host country requires it
__ If you take prescription medication, make arrangements with your
doctor for obtaining a supply of these medications; ask the doctor to
write a letter documenting your need for these medications
__ If you or a member of your family has any special medical conditions,
ask your doctor for a copy of the pertinent medical records for use by
your doctor abroad
__ Consult with your doctor whether you will need any preventative
medications such as quinine where you will be living. Make arrangements
to acquire any if needed
Notify your children's school of their departure
Notify your banks
If you receive government benefits (for example, Social Security or
Veterans' benefits) make arrangement to have your money sent to your new
location
Look over your will and be sure it still reflects your wishes; arrange
to meet with your attorney to make any desired changes or to make a will
if you don't have one yet
Arrange a power of attorney, if required
Advise any insurance companies with whom you have policies that you are
moving to live overseas (Companies have been known to refuse to pay out
when they have not been so advised)
Decide what to do with your pet(s)
Decide what to do with your car(s)
Arrange for moving companies to carry out pre-move survey
If at all possible, make a "reconnaissance trip" to your new location;
while there, you might choose your house, a bank, and/or school(s) for
your children
4-6 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Consider the need for independent tax/financial advice on your status as
an expatriate
Arrange with the post office for your mail to be forwarded
Send out change-of-address cards; make arrangements for staying in touch
with friends and relatives
Cancel subscriptions to book clubs, magazines
Notify credit card companies
Arrange flight tickets, hotels, car hire
Make a detailed inventory of the contents of your home including value
and age (You may want to take photos for insurance purposes)
Consider opening a safe deposit box in which to store important
documents and valuables while you are away
Plan what things to take with you overseas and what things to leave
behind. Consider whether you want to put some things in storage and make
any necessary arrangements
Make final arrangements with moving company for moving day
Collect copies of legal documents such as marriage, birth, adoption,
divorce certificates to take with you
Collect copies of important documents you may need with you (insurance
certificates, medical records, optical and/or medicinal prescriptions,
school records)
Deplete food in your kitchen cupboards and freezer
Deplete stocks of alcohol
Contact your local voter registration office if necessary to register as
an overseas elector
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Sort out those items you will need to keep with you when you travel:
passport, visa, work permit, tickets, money, travelers checks, currency,
credit cards, driver's license, essential medication, vaccination
certificates, valuables, jewelry, address book, things for children to
do on the flight, at least one change of clothes (your suitcases may not
arrive with you)q Drain fuel from lawn mower
Cancel milk/newspaper deliveries
Advise utility companies: gas, electricity, water, telephone
Dispose of houseplants
Defrost refrigerator/freezer
Pack the possessions you are taking with you
For the sake of anyone reading this blog who is going through a similar situation, I'll post again soon with my version of a readiness checklist, broken down into weeks. It most likely will be quite boring for those of you reading who fall into the friends/family category, so I apologize in advance!
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