One Week

One week from today, we leave Charleston in our rear view mirror as we set off for our next big adventure.  We both have very mixed feelings about this move.  Of course, I'm incredibly excited to have the opportunity to live in Germany.  We're so lucky to keep going from one amazing assignment to the next, and I think Colby will have a much better work environment with a lot more time at home in Europe.  But, we've really come to feel at home in Charleston.

I never really fell in love with Seattle.  It was a lovely city, and I made some absolutely wonderful friends there, but it never felt like home.  I would recommend it as a vacation destination in a heartbeat, but when we drove south from Washington to South Carolina, I was elated.  I had no qualms about leaving Washington as a memory, and I was unreservedly excited to move.  Now I want to cry when I think that I won't smell the pluff mud anymore, or be able to drive downtown to my favorite restaurants, or feel the salty breeze when we sit out on our back porch.  Charleston has my heart, and as amazing as I know it will be to live in Europe, I'll miss this place desperately.

Two weekends ago, we put off packing for a little while and headed downtown for a stroll and a picnic on the Battery.  We got our delicious sandwiches, chips and a brownie at Caviar & Bananas, then sat on the steps of the gazebo in White Point Gardens.  It was a perfect day--warm, with a slight breeze, the sky was perfectly blue and the water a gorgeous sea green.  This past weekend, we took a short break from packing to meet some friends for brunch at my favorite breakfast place, The Fat Hen, and this coming Friday we'll have our one last date night in Charleston at Hall's Chophouse.  I feel like this is the perfect farewell tour, and the only way leaving won't break my heart is if I keep telling myself, we'll be back again someday.

Attempted storage vs. Germany shipment organization based on neon stickers and piles.  We'll see how it goes.

So, today is our final, frenzied packing day.  Our house looks like a tornado came through--a relatively organized tornado, but still.  We've done our best to sort out what will be going into storage, what will arrive in Germany in a couple of months, and what will be delivered as soon as we find a place to live.  I have goodbye dinners and lunches lined up most days of the week, I'll work my last day as a nanny on Thursday, and by the end of the day Thursday all of our stuff will be gone.

This is my fourth military move, and by far the most difficult on every level.  I long for the days when the movers just showed up and did all the work for us!  But by tonight, we'll be done with our portion and we'll let the professionals take over in the morning (though with heavy supervision so that, with any luck, everything ends up going to the right place).  And in a week, we'll be Germany bound.

I'll miss Charleston, but I am looking forward to our next step.  This year carries with it so much potential for awesomeness and as sad as I am about saying goodbye to this chapter of my life, I'm ready to grab on to the future with both hands and take full advantage of all of the opportunities and adventures that await!

Comments

[erin]

Yeah, packing is tough. The Navy moved me the one time that I needed to pack and it was incredible. Everything was going to one place though, so it ended up being super easy, I can't imagine how much work this must be for you!

[Solange]

Can't wait to hear about the adventures ahead!

[Molly]

I've yet to visit Charleston, but you and your blog have definitely put it near the top of my list. (And that's saying a lot considering how I feel about the South!!)

I can't believe all the exciting transition you're in the midst of right now. I'm so thrilled for you.

[katelin]

aw that has got to be so bittersweet all around. so excited for you guys though and what a great place to move, so many new adventures to be had. hope everything goes swimmingly this week!

[Brittany]

Oh, Angel! You look so great!!! I'm sad I won't be able to see you pregnant... though, I'm contemplating saying "screw it" and coming for a visit this summer. So bummed y'all are leaving Charleston, too. Loved my visit there. But you'll make Germany home, and I bet you'll be a little sad when you're leaving there, too. xox Good luck!

[Lynn]

You'll love it. And it looks like we might be planning a trip there next year, so make your list and we'll bring American goodies with us!

[Elle Sees]

looking forward to your adventures!! best of luck.

[Kate P]

Loving the neon sticker system! I wish you all the best with the move.

[erin - heart in ireland]

Hope the movers today went well! It was great to see you again last night before you left.

And I agree there is just something special about charleston.

[Jessica]

So crazy that it's time to go! Germany will be a great adventure. Cannot wait to read more about it!