Moving Day

The movers came on Monday and it was a very long day of sitting and watching them do the things I normally do. We spent the day before separating everything from what's going, to what is staying, to what is being donated, to items that have been bought by friends. I had signs all over the place. I know those guys thought I was nuts. I had big ones that said things like "Bed frame and table only in this room" to little yellow sticky's that said "NO". The one pictured has two "no's"...it was to protect the liquor in the cabinet. The two guys got here just before 9am and left roughly around 8pm. They did a great job.





We got the very bad news today that they container weighed approximately 1,000 lbs more than we expected. We added quite a few items after the estimate, but I think it more had to do with the 50 sheets of paper they wrapped around every item. SERIOUSLY, I stood there and watched them wrap a pot lid with three huge pieces of brown wrapping paper. They wrapped the couches, the bikes....they wrapped everything. I guess if it's going to be on the container for a while it's best that everything is over wrapped, but dang. So, sadly we had to greatly reduce the insurance. Now just Mike's precious larger than life TV and his computers are covered. Everyone please take a second to pray for my pot lids, Marty's guitars, Kelsey's cows, and the 360. "Oh Lord, please be kind to the seas the days my family's 360 is on the water. Oh what would they do if they couldn't play Bioshock, Guitar Hero, or World at War?"

Tuesday and Wednesday we spent time with a few more friends saying goodbye. It was nice to catch up to those last few people.

Tomorrow will be a day of cleaning, dropping off Verizon "stuff", crying as I transfer way too much money to the movers, and a last dinner with the first people we met in our little neighborhood. Then on Friday, we are GONE, GONE, GONE!!!! Assuming all goes well at the airport. (If Marty doesn't start talking about guns or the full suitcase of diabetic supplies isn't mistaken for something other than what it is....)

My next post should be from Auckland, New Zealand. Thank you everyone for reading my blog so far.

Stay Tuned: Pictures of our temporary housing and surrounding area upon our arrival in New Zealand.

A Round of Goodbyes

It was a fun weekend at the Porter's. We had a great time with those of you who could come by and say goodbye. We realize that we made the decision to have a party at the last minute. Those of you who couldn't join us, we missed you.

There was plenty of laughter and story telling. Funny how so many of us have crossed paths many times through the years....whether we knew it or not. The game industry is a small one and can be a harsh one to boot, but we have made some of the best friends anyone could ask for.

There were lots of kids and dogs. Jenny's dogs made me laugh all night. Those basset hounds are the coolest. The kids were fun too until I found the amazing amounts of empty soda cans and dirty food plates all over the basement. Side Note: The next morning, last minute packing day before the movers came, Mike about blew a vein in his forehead when he found his computers covered in arterial soda spillage spray from a dropped can.

We ended the evening with a lot of Rock Band. It was a trip seeing everyone crowd onto the couches so they could get their turn to sing or drum. I wish I had taken a picture of Matoko crumpin on the papasan chair....those of you who were there, you know what I mean. Also, see the picture of Arnold standing on my couch? He was threatening to do a stage dive. Sadly, only his daughter stood to catch him (she's also in the picture).

Mike, the kids and I had a wondeful time. Thank all of you so much for celebrating with us. If we had known all it took was for us to leave the country to get all of these great people together, we would have done it sooner. Wink Wink.

And to those of you who we have lunch plans with this week...we can't wait.

Coming Up Next: Moving Day (DUHN, DUHN, DUHN...if I could embed audio I would)

Porters are Packing

We received a phone call two days ago that we met the requirements to move to New Zealand. Due to the fact that Mike's new employer is in dire need of him to arrive soon and GET TO WORK, we are moving quickly. The movers are coming on Monday July 20th and we are on a plane to Auckland July 24th.



It's been a long and tiresome process. From getting passports, complete medical physicals (having to lose weight QUICKLY because I didn't meet the weight minimums), having criminal background checks done and filling out what seems like endless reams of paperwork. Over all, I wouldn't say the process was difficult just...long....and daunting when you have little guidance on if you are doing everything correctly. The Consulate office in LA was very helpful though when I got over my fear of "am I asking too many silly questions?" or "they must think I am nuts".



We have sold almost everything in the house that isn't going with us. We had a couple of garage sales and plenty of friends in need of household items. I have spent yesterday and today going through old files, pictures, ornaments, and random items (do I REALLY need this....thing??) Having to purge and let go of so much has been kind of wonderful. Don't think the kids or Mike agree....but I love it. I am ready to let go of the old and make room for items that represent the new. Maybe a snorkel, pictures of my kids at the beach, or my kids new school uniforms.....