Ma'i in the land of aloha

Back in time a bit to the actual move...

So, it turns out packing and shipping a four bedroom house and two cars to an island in the Pacific is a lot of hard physical work. Who knew? The mental and emotional work is pretty cumbersome as well I must say.

But, we did it. We arrived in our new town four days ago! I really don't want to diminish the amount of work we have put in (though I think with any "distance move" it would be an insane amount of work) but it's really not that interesting so we'll move on 😉

The week before the move we were happily inundated with people realizing how soon the move was coming and stopping by for a hug and a goodbye, to help pack, to bring food and to generally be the amazing friends we know and love.

The night before the official 'house packed into the truck day' we had one last driveway take out get together with our cherished neighbors and friends. This, however, was not enough for these lovely people and it was decided a mimosa bar and breakfast was in order the next morning, and lo and behold it was set up on our lawn at 8am waiting for the movers to show up. That table and chairs stayed there until we drove away at 6 (maybe 7?)pm. So as the truck was filling and we were popping in and out instructing and helping the movers, the day was filled with more people stopping for a mimosa, a chat or a parting hug and tears. It was the best send off anyone could ever ask for and those of you who know us and our life in San Mateo know how truly incredible our friends and neighbors are and how incredibly important they are to us.

My health,sadly as mentioned before, did not hold up through the weeks of packing, the loads of boxes and the all day front yard sun party and as we drove away from our beloved neighborhood it finally seemed to have permission to give out. And give out it did. In spectacular fashion. We stayed with my brother that night and I arrived sunburned, sweaty, shaking, struggling to breathe and on the verge of physical collapse. So sadly our last night in California was not spent sitting on my brothers patio laughing and talking one last time as I had (somewhat foolishly) envisioned, but with me passed out in bed with my 12 yr old niece rubbing aloe on my sunburned arms and shoulders because I was unable to move enough to do it. It sucked, but that same wonderful niece made me a gluten free, dairy free pineapple upside down cake also so it wasn't all bad.

It is what it is and is a normal part of our existence so not really a surprise to anyone. Especially the fact that I was in that position because I am not so bright and physically way way overdid it…. 😜