Ok, so I know I'm not actually in a faraway land yet... so initially I'll be posting about my moving-overseas adventures!

So far I am being fairly proactive about packing and preparing. This is my main defense against the tendency to become overwhelmed. It definitely helps that I'm not actually moving most of my stuff. What AM I taking, you ask? Whatever can fit in 4 suitcases equal or less than 70 lbs! We figure that one or both of us will be back for a visit in the summer, and at that time we can bring more if we want/need.

I have no idea how much 4 x 70lbs is in real life. I did buy a scale a couple weeks ago, and when I was packing the boxes to take to Kim's, I did weigh one of the heavier ones to see where it rang up... 40 lbs! I am weakling! Riss pointed out to me last night that there is no way I'm going to be able to maneuver four 70 lb bags. Then again some of my suitcases are kinda small and I could probably pack my marble bookends without hitting 70 lbs. But regardless, I thank the Universe that my sidekick/coworker who's driving me up to JFK is a buff little cookie who can surely help me. ::holds up her arms, flexes biceps:: Tickets to the gun show are on sale as of now...

As for what I'm trying to stuff into those four bags, I have a nebulous idea thereof: clothes, shoes, the bike rack (those things are expensive!!!), my new pots and pans (which weigh up, lids and all, at a mere 22 lbs!), the silverware, the summer plates (which are some cheap artificial material that weighs nothing and won't break but are pretty so I want them), some of my more beloved yarns, needles, and other knitting accoutrement, some pictures, all of my Turkish books, some other books and teachery supplies, my purple blankie, some linens, the dish towels Oma gave me, and our pillows (they're nice; I wouldn't drag just any pillow across the pond!).

Is that too much? Not enough? What else will I discover in the final throes of packing that I simply must have?! Time will tell, and when it does, rest assured I will tell you, Dear Reader.