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No, I am not in a traffic jam caused by “Lookie Lou’s” and “Rubber-Neckers” who are slowly and ghoulishly passing the scene of a recent accident, and are being cajoled by the local constabulary to maintain a quicker flow of traffic. Nor am I helplessly being bombarded by radio or television ads that are stressing my need to purchase the latest in spot removers or laundry detergents (or, perhaps, some health-related product). I definitely do hear that voice, though, insisting that I need to “Get movin’.” Finally, the trance entwining my eyes, fingers, computer video screen and keyboard is broken. I gaze about me and see belongings, boxes and suitcases in various stages of disarray. It is time to “Get Movin’,” literally.
The first eight or nine waves of balikbayan boxes had been launched over this past year, and the final box is ready for pick-up. All of the possessions that my wife, Emy, and I want with us in the Philippines were shipped via the old, reliable door-to-door method. We didn’t want to ship any major possessions, furniture, etc. They just wouldn’t “fit in” to the décor of our retirement haven. The balikbayan boxes contained the little, important things as well as gifts.
In a stroke of good timing, our eldest son, who lives about 2,000 miles east of us, is building a new house. He will need furniture and other knick-knacks to fill it. It will be a far more efficient use of our belongings (and a cheaper choice) to ship all of it to him, rather than shipping it all to the Philippines or put it all up in storage. Yes, a much better use…if I could just “Get Movin’.”
Retirement in the Philippines has been a dream of mine for quite some time. Emy, a former OFW who never wanted to return to life in the islands, finally signed onto the idea a couple of years ago. She said the only way that she would retire there would be if she had a brand-new, custom built, American-style house to live in. Long story short: Dreams do come true. She now has her dream house and I’ll have my island retirement…if I could just “Get Movin’.”
So, it’s crunch time – “planning” shifts to the side burner and “action” moves to the front. Segregating items to be shipped east from those that will fly with us and those that will be distributed among family members living nearby seems to be the major hassle of the moment. We’ll pack some items for shipment; the shippers will handle the majority of our belongings, especially those big, bulky and heavy items. We’ll magically pack our suitcases to conform to airline weight limits while keeping their bulging appearance. (Did someone mention carry-ons?) We’ll gather up the leftovers, pack the car, and drive them over to the family members…if I could just “Get Movin’.”
Within the next few weeks, while the final steps of the grand master plan come to fruition, my connectivity to the internet will be spotty. Emy and I will drive cross-country those 2,000 miles (spotty internet courtesy of Wi-Fi hotspots) for a two week session of final hugs and kisses, instructions, reassurances, etc. (and solid internet at our son’s apartment). Then, in mid-July, we’ll fly to our new home and begin life anew (while being at the mercy of spotty Wi-Fi, etc.). I’m pretty sure that I’ll write more about life there – we’ll be living on the far northwestern tip of Luzon, and Bob is looking for an article or two from “up north.” So, one of my top priorities is to establish solid, high-speed internet connectivity (I’ve been “assured” that it’s available) while searching out Wi-Fi hotspots. Yes, life will be sweet…if I could just “Get Movin’”!
Hi Paul – great article, I enjoyed it. I hope that everything goes well for you! Hey, your son should be very grateful for the furniture and such!
Oh, hey… one more thing.. you better get movin’!
Hello Paul,
Good luck with the move Paul, and as usual, you never know just how much stuff you have until you have to move it all..lol.
Take care, and will be nice to hear about life in that part of the Philippines after you are settled.
Ingatz,
Danny 🙂
Hi Bob – Thanks! I’m sure Emy will figure out a way to “monetize” gratitude from our son. She may insist on a little “pocket money” for our upcoming adventure! 😉
Hi Danny – Thanks for the kind wishes. To tell you the truth, I’ve known approximately how much “stuff” we have. Having had a career in the Navy and moving “stuff” around the world about every three years or so, the amount has always haunted me!
(The other day, I ran across a sealed box of “stuff” that was packed in 1984 on the island of Guam. Though I wonder what’s in it, off it goes!) 😆
I’m excited to get “back home” and provide a little different view from “the top of the rock”! 😉
How do we accumulate so much stuff? Much of it with very little importance to life, except for our emotional side. For 30 years I have been dragging around artwork, and photos. It just accumulates.
BEST WISHES in the move Paul, and hopefully Emy will be glad she moved home. Then you can let yourself be surrounded by your dream of island living……i2f……John
Hi Paul: Good Luck in your forthcoming move. Although, I was not in the army or navy we have moved 7 times( company move) here in US since 1960. Every move is an adventure. The latest move we had was in 2002 from the East Coast to the West Coast. This move was the hardest move we had, having accumulated a lot of “Junk” for over 50 years, that was hard to part. A garage sale and give away gifts to relatives, friends and neighbors help a bit, but there were still 500 boxes left and two cars that have… Read more »
Hi Paul I have such mixed feelings about your move… On 1 hand I amd thrilled for you to finally get out of “Dodge” and find your retirement dream in Northern Luzon…. on the other hand I am VERY envious of your move….With the economy taking a tank my move has had to be moved back 2-3 years…. On the positive note I will be able to watch you set up your retirement and I will hopefully get some good tips from you. So post pictures for us so we can see your :american house: that your wife swapped countries… Read more »
Yes paul
I relate to excatly what you say in your artical. I too have sent most my boxes, and down to the final two. 57 working days, and my dream gets started. house been built, wife happy. Can’t help but smile when reading your artical. good luck, and who knows we may run to each other.
Paul I uderstand completely what is going on. My son was here last weekend with very large uhaul trailer to take what he and his brother wanted. The rest I have two weeks to sell or leave for the buyer of my house. I also will ship personal things over but most I made sure my kids had there. I plan on spending the rest of my years in the Philippines and wanted them to have those things dad has held on to for 40 years. Just before I board plane I am going to fly son from Texas to… Read more »
Paul,
Good luck on your move to the Philippines and enjoy your new life. I’ll be packing those boxes in a few years.