As we approach the "thankful" holiday this year, I couldn't be more thankful for my life and the way things have been going. I hope things are going well for every reading this too, if not keep your head up and things will turn around.
As many of you know a couple weeks ago, (I can't believe it's only been a couple of weeks) we found out my husband got a new job on the island of Curacao and that his wife and dog could move there with him. Basically our dream come true, to finally be together and not in a long distance relationship somewhere tropical where Greg could pursue his scuba diving and I could pursue my art. Well as you can imagine ever since then life has been CRAZY trying to prepare. A house to sell, car to sell, husband and belongings to move, dog to fly, paperwork to do, so much stuff! I literally think I've gone a bit mad...and pretty sure my husband will vouch for that.
Greg had to finish his contract on the island he was working on then (Roi-Namur,) ship all his stuff on a barge to his new island, and fly 6,300 miles Iowa for 2 days to get his physical and see his (amazing) wife! Two days isn't long at all but still exciting for us because we hadn't really been together much since we got married since he had to go right back overseas for work practically right after the wedding. So we took full advantage of the little bit of time we had together and did what any normal couple would do....BOW CHICA BOW WOW. Ha ha and by that I of course mean we went to our favorite restaurant Ohana Steakhouse, a Japanese steakhouse where they cook it all in front of you. And sure enough, per usual, before I knew it I was dropping Greg off at the airport for another teary eyed goodbye. I hated those. I could hardly wait for them to be over, as the last time it was 7 months before I saw him again. Wait a minute...they are over! Next time I see him, he will be in a coconut bra drinking a pina colata, wait, or will that be me? lol Either way it will be in our new home on the island where we will start our new life as husband and wife, and not have to do those awful goodbyes anymore!
Ever since I found out the good news I was on the internet all day trying to find us a place to live on the island. Unlike the job Greg previously had, living was not provided at his new job. So I found some Caribbean real estate sites that also showed rental homes/apartments available and started sending out emails galore. So many I couldn't even keep track of the responses and remember which ones were which. Not only that but the language barrier didn't help, a lot of responses were in broken English. Also with a new culture the homes were very different than the home I live in. For instance central air wasn't really a thing, you mainly had air in your bedroom and that was it. There isn't hot water except for in the shower and that was only from a tiny water heater that would last enough for one person to take a quick shower. No oven's in the kitchen and lucky if there was a stove top. Seriously how do you bake cookies or bake anything without an oven. I know they are a dutch island, and I have definitely heard of the term "Dutch Oven" before but the only thing I ever knew that to be was when you farted under the covers and trapped some poor soul under them to suffer. LoL I guess I had some research to do that wouldn't involve any flatulence. None of the homes had dryers, and I was having a hard time finding one that had a washer. It was also difficult since I had no idea about any of the areas/neighborhoods and there is a bit of a high crime rate there so I didn't want us to choose a place that would be in a bad part, considering I'd be home alone alot. At last though, I came across an email from an agent that had a link to a rental that was in a nicer gated community. It was a big home that the owner rebuilt into 4 different apartments. The pictures were terrible and really did no justice, it was very tiny. The only things that really caught my eye on this place was the HUGE patio and view of the Spanish Waters, and the safety of the location. Oh AND they let me have my dog, that was difficult finding a place that would allow a small dog. I looked at the photos for hours thinking of how I could make the place work, and finally decided it would be perfect. It's weird and different just like us. We would call this place our home. It doesn't have a washer, but it DOES have a butt washer in the bathroom! LoL
Alexander our real estate agent was so awesome and helpful, he didn't even make us wire money over to hold it like all the other place required. So we took this stranger's word that he would hold this place and he took ours that once Greg flew in Alexander would pick him up take him to the new house, sign the lease, pay the deposit/rent, and get the keys! I was really nervous that it was all too good to be true. Lucky for us he was an honest man and picked up Greg, got him in the house and even offered to take us out boating/wake boarding once we got all settled in. It was nice to get a little insight from a local, he showed Greg the areas and places to go around our house too. We now had a tiny little home and i can't wait to make it OURS and decorate.
Once I got Greg off to the airport I realized how much shit I had to do yet, selling my house was number one on the list as that would really determine when I would get to move to island and join my husband. If the house didn't sell I didn't move. I certainly didn't want to rent it, and it was a little hard for me to list it to because I absolutely adore my home. Plus I just finished redecorating the whole place. But it was so worth it to make our dreams come true, so I contacted my realtor and we got that baby listed. One day on the market and we had an offer! Seriously...could it be that easy and done? Of course we did some counter offering and finally I accepted an offer. Literally that took two days! Obviously there is a long process of closing after that, and thankfully for me my realtor advised me I can sign the paperwork from the island on the final closing documents. Greg was going to have to sign off the papers from over there anyway so this meant I would get to join him very soon! I now have my flight date scheduled for December 9th.
I've been working my ass off every night and all day on the weekends getting stuff ready, sorting, selling, packing. I was literally selling everything I've worked hard for the last 26 years. I worked hard to get where I am, buy the nice things and home I had and now I was selling it all, for pretty practically nothing (aside from the house.) A lot of people have been asking me if it's hard and honestly it hasn't been yet but I think its just because I've been so busy I hadn't realized that fact yet.. I did get a little emotional when I looked around my home the other day and there wasn't anything hanging on the walls, nothing in cupboards, closets nearly empty, and it was really kind of sad and lonely. But so totally worth it all in the end.
Then there is the issue of getting my dog to the island with me. If you know me you know my dog is my BABY, and Greg just had to accept us as a package. Believe it or not it's actually pretty hard to get pets into other countries, so I had to do some research on what all was required to get Reesie to her new island home. I am SO thankful that she does not have to be quarantined for months like a lot of places make you do with your pets. That would seriously kill me. Basically she had to be microchipped, Rabies shot 30 days to a year prior, vet check/health certificate 2 weeks prior to entrance, and 48 hours prior has to be treated with a pesticide. I also ordered her a travel bag that she will have to be inside underneath the seat in front of me on the airplane, of which she hates. I have been trying to practice putting her in it and leaving her for a little bit. (I can only last like 5 minutes.) It's going to be a traumatic day for her and Mommy flying and a 13 hour travel day, but we will make it. I even got some tranquilizer pills from my vet he said I could give her the day of, but I can't do it...I just don't want to make her feel loopy and see her all half alive. I'd rather her be scared shitless and feel normal than scared shitless and feel all funny. Speaking of shit I just KNOW she is gunna poop in the airport or something. I can't imagine the chaos of this day that is ahead of us. LOL I just hope we make it okay and have no problem with customs and getting her or myself in.
The final thing I really had to take care of was my car, which was recently paid off. I needed to sell my G6. I looked up the value on KBB and decided on an asking price, assuming people would try to counter offer me down. I had posted a few ads here and there, on Craigslist and on Facebook, got a few messages but nobody was really jumping on it. I then got a call from a couple wanting to test drive it last Saturday, I wasn't sure how the whole selling your car privately thing worked but I let them come over to see the car, swapped them keys, and let them take it for a spin. Once they got back they were saying they liked it and it drove well, kept standing there looking at it and then told me they wanted it! Just like that, for my full asking price and everything! Seriously, could things be going ANY smoother?! I couldn't believe it.
I think some things in life are really meant to be. This being one of them. All signs from day one have been pointing straight to Curacao. I truly believe this is where we belong for the time being. For me it's quite the adventure, I am a little nervous but it really helps having a husband who has no fear. He has traveled the world visiting and living in many countries, he knows how to get things done and how to adapt. I know he will make sure his little family is able to do the same.
I hope sharing some of my positive vibes will send good vibes your way as well. Happy Thanksgiving everybody! <3
Some Photos For The Way Out
Mean Mommy testing our new bag....
I think she's ready for the island?!
Our new home from the outside...
And our gorgeous patio view......
