2 Week Countdown

Well, we are only 2 weeks plus one day away from departure.  D-day is quickly approaching. As for an update, we just returned from visiting friends and family in California.  We had an amazing trip and the weather was slightly chilly but overall couldn't have asked for better.  We drove up the coastline and I was able to snap a few pictures along the way.  Some of these will be printed and will make the journey with us to Qatar.

In addition, we had the luxury of eating 3 times at our favorite seafood joint called "The Boathouse" in Bodega Bay.  Best calamari I've ever had!  We also had the pleasure of visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  I highly recommend a visit if you ever find yourself in or around Monterey Bay, CA.

Upon our return, we had a huge surprise awaiting us.  TheThornton Family and the Ryan Family had been planning the biggest surprise going away party ever.  With over 100 guests invited, we had an amazing time seeing everyone one last time before our departure.  It truly was a very memorable occasion and we thank everyone who was able to attend.  We especially want to thank the Thorntons and the Ryans for being such wonderful friends and for supporting us on this great adventure! We love you all and will miss you dearly.  Please plan to skype us as often as you are able! 

4 Week Countdown

Yes, I know I have missed a few weeks but nothing much changed up until yesterday.  We met with the mover (yes, one person) yesterday and did a final inventory, boxed up all the items we wanted to ship and loaded them on the truck.  At this point, if it didn't get packed yesterday and it won't fit in "checked" luggage at the airport, then it is not going.  The good news is that 99% of the stuff we wanted to ship made it.  Yes, we did ship John's Primo BBQ pit.  After packing it, it weighed 226 lbs which was a significant portion of our 1200 lb alotment but I won't complain.  I'm expecting some good tasting Kobe Beef steaks to be produced from that BBQ pit over the next few years!  Who knows, maybe we'll try a little camel while we are there!

So, what's next?  Well, we leave for California on Saturday to visit relatives and when we return, we will celebrate Christmas with friends and family and then we will be off to Qatar in early January.  My only disappointment is that we probably won't be able to watch the Cotton Bowl and I will miss getting my season ending fix of Johnny Football.  We will have to get someone to hook up a sling box in time for next season!  The good thing is that John found out that the Qatar ExxonMobil Open (tennis tournament) is going to be taking place when we arrive and the finals occur on January 6th so while we are waiting for our stuff to come through customs, maybe we can go watch Federer or Nadal play in the finals.  That would be awesome! Here is a link to the tournament site if you are interested in seeing the tennis facilities that the Qatar Tennis Federation offer. http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Doha.aspx

Well, I think that is all I have to report at this time!  Departure day is quickly approaching!  We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

9 Week Countdown

Spoke to the moving company today.  It's time to begin this wonderful process of taking inventory of the items we are going to ship.  We've decided to ship John's Primo smoker.  It weighs about 200 lbs but will be well worth having a good way to BBQ in Qatar.  We hope it makes it there and doesn't get "misplaced" seeing as how these are hot items (no pun intended)! It was interesting to learn what items may get stopped at customs.  I will be carrying my Bible with me on the plane for sure!

10 Week Countdown

The plane tickets have been purchased!  We depart for Qatar on January 2nd!  To get ready for the transition, I've been shadowing classes on campus here in College Station.  I will admit that I think doing Yoga has been my most surprising experience thus far.  I was a bit skeptical at first on how I would like it but it has really enhanced my body awareness and core strength!  Now teaching it is going to be the next challenge!  I'm looking forward to it!

Well the contracts are signed. There's no turning back now! We will be heading to Qatar in January 2013. Anticipated departure date will be Jan 2nd!