Twice As Nice & Double the Fun: an offsite October PTR where “2” is the magic number

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I'm glad you're feeling better and Ms. Violet is also perking up. I'm sure she will be pulling down your curtains and knocking down more plants in no time.

I am not sure who might be putting an ice cream cone in their pocket. I am going to take a guess at drunk fraternity guys. Not that I have ever in my past had any interaction or knowledge of what a drunk fraternity guy may or may not do.

I don't know how you manage a job, the responsibilities of farming, and your husband's absence all while being a mom to a young daughter . There has to be a special place in heaven for women like you!

I am far from superwoman. I have a lot of help..... family, friends, and neighbors.

I hope your Violet is feeling better soon and I am so happy to hear your trip is a go!

I am happy to report that Miss Violet is back to her happy, energetic and mischievous self ... scaling my leather furniture , wrestling with her brother, and getting into trouble faster than I can get her out of it. It's a relief to my heart to have her back to "normal".

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

For anyone who might be left reading (I wouldn't blame ya'll a bit if you'd long since left.....this PTR has turned into a real sleeper lately!! ) I thought I'd drop in with my few free moments of the day and give you a little update.

We are officially sitting at 13 days until we leave for this next trip, and 77 days until our Christmas adventures. While time was crawling by several months ago (or so it seemed), its flying faster than I can catch it now. Well, for the most part anyway....the weeks seem long when I think of how much I miss my Steve. It's like I'm suspended in two different measurements of time.

I called today to follow up with Fixed Fur Life regarding Violet and Dash's care for our October trip. I left a message for them to call me, and hope to get the confirmation call from them either later today or over the weekend. Beyond making sure the babies are in good hands, about all I have to do is pack for us beginning early next week. I suspect I will spend Thanksgiving Day filling suitcases, since Steve won't be home as its not a statutory holiday in the USA (it will be a good way to occupy my mind and time once he returns to Michigan after the weekend).

Speaking of Michigan, its not 100% official just yet (still waiting on the receipt of the work Visas.....the company expects to receive Steve's around the end of October at the latest), but for all intents and purposes, we will be relocating on a permanent basis at the end of the year. Steve's been ensuring the paperwork is all satisfied on his end, while I met with our real estate agent this week and the house will be on the market very soon. We are in the process of finding a replacement for me at my office (Help Wanted: Full Time Office Administrator), so I'll be training someone by the time I return from Orlando ... if not before. We've commenced the initial search for communities in Michigan in which we might like to live, and I will be heading to the Plymouth area in early November to tour some properties and tour some of the available units.

It's been a crazy, emotional, busy, chaotic couple of weeks. I, in particular, am suffering from a very strong mix of excitement and fear. Steve's much more chill: which is good, otherwise we'd both be falling apart every night .

In the midst of Violet's health issues, Steve's absence from home, preparing the house to be sold, and getting ready for our October trip, our December vacation also continues to come together in some pretty incredible ways. My amazing co-conspirator has arranged for us to enjoy both a Wishes Cruise following our Hoop Dee Doo reservation and an Illuminations Cruise on a separate night from the Yacht Club (after we enjoy dinner at Beaches and Cream). Let me tell you, I have never been more grateful to have a co-planner for that trip: I'm sure the whole thing may have fallen apart otherwise, and we would have been spending the entire time by the pool at the Grande Vista . Thanks to Kerry's wonderful ideas and inspiration, we've got an epic week all neatly planned out which has us enjoying the best of the holiday season in Orlando. I owe that beautiful soul a hug and SO much more.

Just to keep things interesting, I have also been called as a juror for a local court case beginning on November 7th . While I have no problem fulfilling my civic duty at any other time, I have to say.....the timing stinks. I am literally only back one week from our October vacation, the kittens have their spaying and neutering the following week, and I should be working to train my replacement. I am crossing my fingers that the individual being tried agrees to a plea bargain before the case commences and makes the whole thing moot. Otherwise, perhaps they will just exclude me because I look weary . One can hope, right?

So, that's my life in a nutshell right now. Steve hopes to roll in around midnight tonight, and I'll have him for a whole 36 hours before he heads back for another work week. I am taking comfort in the fact that we now have a date to work toward: even having our relocation still 3 months away, at least its better than the huge question mark which has been hanging above my head until now.

I hope you all are well! I know @Lynne G is heading out on her trip already, so maybe she will indulge us in a photo or two to keep things interesting. And of course, we're still waiting for pictures of @Monykalyn half-naked, semi-molting pet chicken. Whatever you have planned, I hope you enjoy your weekend!

 

[pattyw]

Gina- A few days after we adopted our kitten, Milo, he acted very quiet. He wouldn't run around just slept a lot. He was eating, though. DH figured it out- he must have jumped and hurt himself as he wouldn't jump up on anything. Two days later, he was his old crazy kitten self. Maybe Violet overdid it as well. Even now, he runs into chairs, falls off of furniture, etc. and them he seems a little stunned for a while. Kids!

 

[BonnieP]

Hello Gina,
I've been reading along on all your recent trip plans. Now you have the huge decision on moving to Michigan and the short period of time you two have to make that decision. Seems like a great opportunity.

I know there would be no way I could have our house (workshop, barn) ready to sell that quickly-we've been in our house for 43 years. We have so many memories here and "stuff"-but it's just "stuff". I always say to my husband, "why do you need 11 hammers?" (but his tools are very organized

). You are one special person to be able to get ALL that done.....

By the way, your kittens are adorable! Pets can be comforting in so many ways. Glad Violet is feeling better.

 

[bankr63]

Yup, very glad to hear that Violet is back on her paws again!

I know that you will be making the best of whatever situation you are in; you seem to always find the good in everything. Michigan will be a great experience, but I guess I will be missing (one of) my Canadian co-conspirator. No one to wave to as I fly by Belleville on the 401 now.

I did have one thought, that may put you one step closer to being able to work in Florida as you approach "that age". I have no idea if existing work visa holders have a leg up, but you will have a lot of the paperwork in place; like your US SSN. A+ and I always joke that we are going to drive the trams at Disney when we retire; but that's a lot harder to dream about from this side of the border.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Congrats on making a decision! And congrats to Steve on the new position! Well, you certainly won't be bored over the next couple of months! How are your mom and Jake taking it? Will you be looking for a job too?

I think you should just plead Mercy at jury duty Tell them all you have on your plate and I think they will let you off. Is it a given that you serve if you get called?

Your holiday trip sounds great!

 

[Lynne G]

Well, at least Ms. Violet is more herself. Adjustment maybe?

Glad to hear a decision has been generally made. Settling in a place you were not thinking of before is always stressful in the unknown. But for Steve to get a nice promotion, and maybe a different job for you will be a change you can embrace.

Two more sleeps for me, then hopefully not a rainy start that we have been wet for days so far.

Take care my friend, and before ya know it, we will get to say holiday wishes to in person. If you have any room in either cruise, I would be happy to split the cost if there is room for 3.

So have a great Friday night. And a thought for ya:

 

[got4boys]

Congratulations on your upcoming move to Michigan. (I'm from Indiana, and we'll be neighbors)

I finally got a chance to catch up on your trip report.

Lucky you on your December trip and getting such a great rate at Interval International. We stayed at Marriott Grand Vista last year at that time and it is a great resort. It is one of our go to resorts in Orlando.

We too are planning a trip to Florida pre Christmas, but only in Orlando on 12/16 and 12/24.

One of these days we will have to meet...

I know next year 2017 we are planning around Labor Day - will be before (We usually are there at that time, its our anniversary). Hint...Hint.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Well you are certainly on "full steam ahead" and I bet every day is just packed with all the things you have to do.

I'm glad you have a little angel looking after your Christmas trip, the firework cruises will be wonderful. You both have so much to look forward to, and some big changes ahead - they say it keeps you young! Thinking of you both, hope you have a lovely 36 hours together

 

[dancin Disney style]

That is one AMAZING total you guys managed to raise . The girls must be so incredibly proud of themselves, and what a beautiful way for them to honour their friend. Those are some amazing young ladies you guys are raising.

Whether or not I end up calling on your for chauffeur duties, I will definitely take you up on that tea and treats date . Once we're back from our October vacation, we'll make plans to get together before the snow flies (if the Almanac is correct, that's coming sooner rather than later). And if we end up being cooped up in my little Sonic as we cross Toronto, we'll just plan to enjoy a second round of yumminess .





It would be hard to break the ice-cream-in-the-pocket habit, wouldn't it?

Or are you prone to leaving your club at home when you are parading down the highway in your bikini?

We were a little shocked to see the grand total. This is GC and her friends that do it. There are a couple of parents and dance teachers that also are involved. We made a pretty big chunk of cash from a bake sale. I think I could give the Cake Boss a run for his money after I baked 100+ cupcakes and 70 some cookies. There are some private donors and a corporate sponsor. The plans are now rolling ahead to the spring when we will start to raise money for next year. GC still can't really talk about her friend that passed but I feel like this project is a good outlet for her.


I'm pretty sure that somewhere there is a 12 step program to deal with the ice cream in the pocket issue.

You have to leave the club at home when on the highway in your bikini....after all where would you carry it? Is it possible that law has something to do with a man wearing a speedo?

So you decided to move eh? Congrats on that. ROAD TRIP!!!!! Kind of funny, DH was offered a job in Barbados. He wants to go but I'm saying no way, no how. He hardly even knows the guy that offered it to him plus it would be totally nuts to leave everything behind for some complete unknown.

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm glad that Violet is feeling better! And wow! Congrats on making a decision with the house. I'm sure it's all going to work out

 

[Monykalyn]

To aid in everyone's Monday - she's good for a laugh. She doesn't look as bad now- can see the white stuff(quills) where the new feathers are growing back. And she doesn't have her pretty long tail feathers either.

 

[Ruthie5671]

Speaking of Michigan, its not 100% official just yet (still waiting on the receipt of the work Visas.....the company expects to receive Steve's around the end of October at the latest), but for all intents and purposes, we will be relocating on a permanent basis at the end of the year. Steve's been ensuring the paperwork is all satisfied on his end, while I met with our real estate agent this week and the house will be on the market very soon. We are in the process of finding a replacement for me at my office (Help Wanted: Full Time Office Administrator), so I'll be training someone by the time I return from Orlando ... if not before. We've commenced the initial search for communities in Michigan in which we might like to live, and I will be heading to the Plymouth area in early November to tour some properties and tour some of the available units.

Congratulations on deciding to make the move. I know that you and Steve will be happy with the decision. And now you won't have to worry about the Canadian dollar vs. American dollar issue any more. And you'll get all kinds of new "American" holidays. So many cool things for you to look forward to!

 

[ElenaJane]

Hey Gina! I'm catching up on your thread. Congratulations on making the decision about the move! What a roller coaster of emotions...from your baby moving out, Steve working out of town, and then having to contemplate moving out of your you country! 2016 is quite a memorable year for you! I think your Orlando trip with just you and Steve will be a necessity! To just have a little cocoon with the two of you! I think once you land and step out into the Florida sunshine, a lot of that stress will melt away!

 

[nancipants]

I'm glad you're not coming to Florida this week, Gina.

 

[dalmatian7]

Congrats on your decision and new adventure! I am sure it wasn't easy, but you will do great. You have a sunny attitude. "Bloom where you are planted"

 

[ArwenMarie]

Just saying hi before the weekend! Hope all is well Gina and everyone!

 

[Callie]

Good luck with the pending move...You will be a few hours from my mom. So glad you have a trip to look forward too!

Also I just want everyone to know Gina is an amazing lady! She's been there on facebook for a few chats about kittens when I was missing my own, and dealing with her being sick. Super super super amazing person she is! Enjoy your trip! You BOTH deserve it

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I haven't read the PTR in a month or two--wow I missed a lot. I'm sorry you have to be away from your husband. I find that the absence is harder as we get older, I think. I used to own my own home before I was married (in an area with more crime than where we live now) and had zero concerns about it. Now my husband often is gone for a week at a time for work and I HATE being home alone at night with our two little girls. We live in an incredibly safe area, but I just feel on-edge from sun down to sun up.

I'm glad to hear you made a decision. I can't imagine how tough it will be to say "goodbye for now" to your son and mom.

I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip! The time away from Steve will make all those days spent together on the trip that much sweeter.

We were in the World 9/3-9/10 and had a fabulous time. We rented a 4 bedroom home in the Indian Creek neighborhood and loved it. We really liked having the extra space so that each of our girls (8 months and 3 years old) could have their own room, the baby had a full size crib, and our nanny had her own room and bath. It was awesome to step right out onto the patio to jump in the pool when we felt like it. Plus super convenient to take the girls directly from the pool to the bathtub right after!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hey everyone, finally taking a few moments to check in. I am so sorry my updates have been so sporadic over the last few weeks.

Things have been crazy this week especially. I had the stager over Monday night to give me directions on what to change in the house prior to putting it on the market, so every night thereafter has been spent re-organizing closets, putting away photographs, and moving around some furniture. As soon as Steve's visa application is approved by the US government, the listing will become official and we can start looking for a home in Michigan (though we've already short-listed a few properties). I hate this waiting.....quite honestly, its driving me slightly bonkers....but yet, I'm powerless to hasten the progress of the system. So, fingers crossed that we get the green light sooner rather than later and my sanity gets saved .

As for our trip.....well, we leave this coming Thursday and arrive one week from today. I must admit I still have zero excitement about the whole thing, and haven't so much as packed a pair of underwear yet. With the stresses of living apart 6 days out of 7, it just has been impossible to find the customary delight and anticipation in the last days before we travel. It still seems almost irresponsible to be leaving when there's so much going on. That said, I suppose I will have to drag out the luggage on Monday (though its Thanksgiving here in Canada, Steve will be long back in the USA as its not a holiday in the States) and begin the packing process.

Thank you all for the lovely posts and messages. I have read them all and they have brought me a smile. I have had some rather dark and emotional days as we ride this emotional roller coaster that we seem to be on these days. I know I should be posting more but I'm short on both inspiration and patience these days. Maybe I'll feel better after a vacation.

I have been keeping up on the effects of Hurricane Matthew, and thinking of all my Dis friends who either live in the area or who are currently on vacation there. I have been praying that you all are staying safe and dry and as comfortable as possible while the storm rages through.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. I will try and check in at least once more before we go. Two more work days left for me (Tuesday and Wednesday) then we're off to Buffalo on Thursday.