OK so here it is - thus far.
Leaving Colorado Springs June 24 and flying from Boston July 27. Our journey will consist of, in general order: Silverton, Durango, Four Corners, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Phoenix (Hi Nicole), Joshua Tree, San Juan Capistrano (Hi McLays - Ready for 6 nights hanging with the Browns in the Pacific?), Las Vegas, Moab (Yes Tobes I'll take pics), Glenwood Springs, Kansas City, ????? for 3 days, (Possibly DC), New York City (at least 3 nights), Connecticut (Hope you're home Corie!), Newfane, Jeffersonville (Catching up with our good friends the Hills), Boston, and then the big boat in the sky.
If you are in, or are planning on being in, any of the cities we are visiting and want to get together, then let us know.
This past weekend saw a valiant attempt at organising, cleaning and selling. Boys' bedrooms and (most) of the playroom sorted. MANY boxes filled for yard sale stuff. Several large items cataloged and listed on Craigslist. Holy crapola I'm starting to think 13 weeks isn't gonna be long enough. Who knew selling everything you owned would take so long!?
Have set April 27-29 as yard sale Number 1. Expect we will need another in May or early June.
Our family camping tent arrived and had a dry run. It will be big enough. Now just need to figure out what we are going to be cooking on when we are camping - which is looking like at least 8 nights. Which reminds me, does anyone want to put us up for a few nights when we're in NYC?
Well that's another tiring weekend over with. Unfortunately I am having my wisdom tooth out on Friday, so this coming weekend will likely not be too productive. Oh well.
Cliff
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Busy
Hi! This is Mayzie!
Well, it's been a busy week since we got back from Wyoming.
Monday, I made a bunch of phone calls regarding the children's schooling. Ryan will be in Middle School and Tim will be in school full-time in something they call 'Reception'. I'm assuming that's some sort of pre-school, but we'll find out more when the term starts. I spoke to the Head Teacher at the school we think Ryan is going to attend - she was so full of energy and was wanting to do anything she could to help. I got a good feeling from her. She even offered to let us come in the day before school starts so Ryan could see the school. From everything I've heard and experienced in regards to British customer service, this attitude is very refreshing! In the end, however, I needed to call the Council regarding getting the kids enrolled since the application process happened some time ago. They're sending me some forms.
When I went into work on Tuesday, my manager started talking to me about a promotion possibility that would be coming up for me to take advantage of in Denver. I felt really bad standing there having her tell me about this when I knew all along that in a few weeks time I would be telling her that my last day would be June 15th. So, I told her then. She took it as expected - said she would be sad to see me go and that she'd miss me being around. The good part is, she offered to write a recommendation for me for when I'm looking for jobs in England.
Cliff didn't want to be the only one who couldn't talk freely about the move, so on Wednesday he told the people he drives to work with everyday. He's still going to wait until later to tell his employer, but at least now we can start getting the word out in case anyone we know wants to buy any of the copious amounts of stuff we need to sell - which, in case you didn't catch it, is EVERYTHING!
Thursday didn't bring any excitement for us - though, the day isn't over yet so I guess that could change. I don't think it's likely though.
- Mayzie
Well, it's been a busy week since we got back from Wyoming.
Monday, I made a bunch of phone calls regarding the children's schooling. Ryan will be in Middle School and Tim will be in school full-time in something they call 'Reception'. I'm assuming that's some sort of pre-school, but we'll find out more when the term starts. I spoke to the Head Teacher at the school we think Ryan is going to attend - she was so full of energy and was wanting to do anything she could to help. I got a good feeling from her. She even offered to let us come in the day before school starts so Ryan could see the school. From everything I've heard and experienced in regards to British customer service, this attitude is very refreshing! In the end, however, I needed to call the Council regarding getting the kids enrolled since the application process happened some time ago. They're sending me some forms.
When I went into work on Tuesday, my manager started talking to me about a promotion possibility that would be coming up for me to take advantage of in Denver. I felt really bad standing there having her tell me about this when I knew all along that in a few weeks time I would be telling her that my last day would be June 15th. So, I told her then. She took it as expected - said she would be sad to see me go and that she'd miss me being around. The good part is, she offered to write a recommendation for me for when I'm looking for jobs in England.
Cliff didn't want to be the only one who couldn't talk freely about the move, so on Wednesday he told the people he drives to work with everyday. He's still going to wait until later to tell his employer, but at least now we can start getting the word out in case anyone we know wants to buy any of the copious amounts of stuff we need to sell - which, in case you didn't catch it, is EVERYTHING!
Thursday didn't bring any excitement for us - though, the day isn't over yet so I guess that could change. I don't think it's likely though.
- Mayzie
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Test run
We just got back from a trip to Casper, Wyoming to catch up with our good friend Jamie before we depart. We had a great time hanging out with Jamie and her precious Kaleb - my how he's grown!
As well as visiting Jamie and WINDY Wyoming, it was good to have a mini road trip. Much was learned. What to and what not to do, when embarking on a 5 week road trip.
First on the agenda, spill proof cups! A whole McDonald's cup of Sprite was spilled within the first 30 minutes of leaving Denver! A quick pit stop to dry off the spillage - fortunately leather seats - and lesson two learned. Ensure towels are easily accessible!!
As it turns out a USB hub from the computer does not work in a car cigarette lighter USB adapter. With 2 IPhones, Kindle and IPad this may be an issue. On an upswing though the 2 DVD players, Nintendo DS and laptop computer would all simultaneously operate from the cigarette lighter (We have 2 outlets in the car and a 1-to-4 adapter). Trash on an extended road trip will be an issue. Make sure to throw out whatever you can at EVERY pit stop would be the suggestion.
The car performed well. 750 miles with cruise control stuck just above 80, and an average of 22 mpg. not bad for a 3L, V6. Just glad gas isn't too much above $3 gallon - yet. Hopefully not battling 40mph winds will help too - bloody hell it can be windy up there.
8 movies for 2 kids was not enough. Although we are planning on taking more with us anyway on the full excursion. Ryan did enjoy his "How the Earth was made" DVD from the History channel. Certainly opened his eyes to the power of evolution and the unlikeliness of creationism. Can't wait till we vacate this religious hotbed location.
We are going to have to evaluate our camping arrangements, more specifically some comfortable camping chairs so we can unwind in semi comfort after a long days driving, however this may be at the cost of leaving them stateside. Although the bigger issue may be space in the car for "comfy" chairs. We may have to get some exterior storage for the car,perhaps one of those racks that attaches to the tow hitch - which would mean installing a tow hitch.
All in all a good trip, with the exception of the breakfast fiasco at the hotel this morning, maybe Mayzie will fill you in on that later! We did also start creating a list of stuff, with descriptions, to sell on Craigslist on the way home. just got to do it now.
Was great to see an old friend and hopefully we can catch up again one day in the future.
Cliff
As well as visiting Jamie and WINDY Wyoming, it was good to have a mini road trip. Much was learned. What to and what not to do, when embarking on a 5 week road trip.
First on the agenda, spill proof cups! A whole McDonald's cup of Sprite was spilled within the first 30 minutes of leaving Denver! A quick pit stop to dry off the spillage - fortunately leather seats - and lesson two learned. Ensure towels are easily accessible!!
As it turns out a USB hub from the computer does not work in a car cigarette lighter USB adapter. With 2 IPhones, Kindle and IPad this may be an issue. On an upswing though the 2 DVD players, Nintendo DS and laptop computer would all simultaneously operate from the cigarette lighter (We have 2 outlets in the car and a 1-to-4 adapter). Trash on an extended road trip will be an issue. Make sure to throw out whatever you can at EVERY pit stop would be the suggestion.
The car performed well. 750 miles with cruise control stuck just above 80, and an average of 22 mpg. not bad for a 3L, V6. Just glad gas isn't too much above $3 gallon - yet. Hopefully not battling 40mph winds will help too - bloody hell it can be windy up there.
8 movies for 2 kids was not enough. Although we are planning on taking more with us anyway on the full excursion. Ryan did enjoy his "How the Earth was made" DVD from the History channel. Certainly opened his eyes to the power of evolution and the unlikeliness of creationism. Can't wait till we vacate this religious hotbed location.
We are going to have to evaluate our camping arrangements, more specifically some comfortable camping chairs so we can unwind in semi comfort after a long days driving, however this may be at the cost of leaving them stateside. Although the bigger issue may be space in the car for "comfy" chairs. We may have to get some exterior storage for the car,perhaps one of those racks that attaches to the tow hitch - which would mean installing a tow hitch.
All in all a good trip, with the exception of the breakfast fiasco at the hotel this morning, maybe Mayzie will fill you in on that later! We did also start creating a list of stuff, with descriptions, to sell on Craigslist on the way home. just got to do it now.
Was great to see an old friend and hopefully we can catch up again one day in the future.
Cliff
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Shipping
Well we had a reputable shipping company come and give us a quote for shipping our belongings to England. Not pretty. $4,500 (Thats about 3,000 British pounds) for 1,000lbs in weight, and 10-12 weeks shipping time. I know it's a long way and all, but seriously. We have therefore decided to take even less with us than originally planned. We will be sending some stuff through the regular mail and will be burdening mum and dad with additional suitcases when they return back to the UK following their visit in May/June (By the way mum and dad you're taking extra bags home with you :)). The rest we will haul overselves.
Looks like a serious cleanse is upon us.
We also told Ryan this evening of our plans. He had mixed emotions. He was super happy to hear he will be closer to Nanny and Pop, but sad to be leaving his friends. I think over all he is happy about the planned move, although I wonder if he really understands what is going to be happening, to be honest i'm not entirely clear myself. He does also seem excited for our road trip too. We do need to start finalising plans for that soon.
This past weekend saw our first sale of our possession - a snowboard rack for a car which hasn't been used in over 8 years. It's a start at least. Just need the rest gone now; Furniture, beds, mattresses, cars, EVERYTHING electronic, gardening supplies, tools, kitchenware...etc, etc..
Cliff
Looks like a serious cleanse is upon us.
We also told Ryan this evening of our plans. He had mixed emotions. He was super happy to hear he will be closer to Nanny and Pop, but sad to be leaving his friends. I think over all he is happy about the planned move, although I wonder if he really understands what is going to be happening, to be honest i'm not entirely clear myself. He does also seem excited for our road trip too. We do need to start finalising plans for that soon.
This past weekend saw our first sale of our possession - a snowboard rack for a car which hasn't been used in over 8 years. It's a start at least. Just need the rest gone now; Furniture, beds, mattresses, cars, EVERYTHING electronic, gardening supplies, tools, kitchenware...etc, etc..
Cliff
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
What should we do?
If you're reading this post it's either cos you're one of the lucky few who we have notified thus far of our move, or have stumbled upon it through the web. We have not decided to go "public" yet and don't know when we should. Can you help?
We have a concern.
I am worried that my bosses will find out. Although I am unlikely to be fired, I am currently up for a promotion and would likely not be offered the promotion. As it is now if I am am offered the promotion I can have a salary increase and take advantage of the extra money till we leave. Since we are moving without jobs, the more money we can take with us the better. Perhaps this is ethically wrong, but hey self preservation. Right?
What to do?
Cliff
We have a concern.
I am worried that my bosses will find out. Although I am unlikely to be fired, I am currently up for a promotion and would likely not be offered the promotion. As it is now if I am am offered the promotion I can have a salary increase and take advantage of the extra money till we leave. Since we are moving without jobs, the more money we can take with us the better. Perhaps this is ethically wrong, but hey self preservation. Right?
What to do?
Cliff
Friday, March 2, 2012
We are going!
After almost fourteen years Stateside, we have decided to move the family back to the UK. This has not been an easy decision, and truth-be-told has taken us about twelve months to finalise. As you may know we almost moved back in September 2011, but due to a few factors we decided the time wasn't right. It is now.
We have already purchased four one-way tickets from Boston to London for July 27, 2012. Why Boston? I hear you cry, especially as we live in Colorado (a distance of about 2,000 miles). We are taking a 4-5 week car trip across the US. This way we can see some of the country, introduce the kids to some of the sights, catch up with some old friends, and, most importantly, spend some quality family time bonding.
As of now we do not have a definitive date as to when we are leaving CO, and have a plethora of tasks to complete before we begin our trek. We are hoping to update this blog frequently, both before, during and after our journey. We welcome any comments and suggestions you may have.
-Cliff
We have already purchased four one-way tickets from Boston to London for July 27, 2012. Why Boston? I hear you cry, especially as we live in Colorado (a distance of about 2,000 miles). We are taking a 4-5 week car trip across the US. This way we can see some of the country, introduce the kids to some of the sights, catch up with some old friends, and, most importantly, spend some quality family time bonding.
As of now we do not have a definitive date as to when we are leaving CO, and have a plethora of tasks to complete before we begin our trek. We are hoping to update this blog frequently, both before, during and after our journey. We welcome any comments and suggestions you may have.
-Cliff
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