Jingle Bells

As it turns out, getting my visa really IS taking 4-6 weeks. There is just one more hurdle in the process, and the officer at the Saudi Embassy will be able to affix the official visa seal, stamp my passport, and send it back to me.


With the disappointment that I will not be able to leave in 2 days as planned, I console myself with thoughts of how smoothly things have gone in nearly every other pre-move category. We successfully sold the house, the cars, all of our furniture, completed the air and sea shipments to our new home, and I have Wally's pet import documents all in order. We have had time to spend with friends and family as we've prepared to leave, and that has been wonderful.


Another detail that has gone really well is that I have an ideal roommate scenario with my sister-in-law at her spacious and comfortable house in Boulder, CO while I wait to leave. I have finally had time to relax, do some reading, get some exercise, repack my suitcases--the last belongings I have with me. This break is much-needed after the stress and rushing around I had to do to finish everything in Salt Lake. It was a lot of work to get everything moved out of the house (packed for shipment, sold, given away, donated or discarded).


It was kind of strange once it was all done, but I felt relieved to finish and leave with 3 suitcases and the dog. I feel it has been a terrific accomplishment, organizing and reducing our belongings, and getting this far. I spent my last day in Salt Lake dealing with items that had put us over the shipping weight limit: making trips to DI, returning purchases of heavy items, and sorting through belongings to pass on to friends. I spent 2 nights at a generous friend's house where Wally had to keep quiet and behave since it's a no-dogs apartment building, and Wally was confused and un-nerved. For 2 days, he was confused at the dramatic changes to his routine, but arriving at Marcy's, he has settled down and has been enjoying some good chewin' and playin' with Marcy's Australian Shepherd.


Another thing that went really well was that a friend bought our second car, my Subaru wagon, and drove all the way from Salt Lake City to Boulder with me. She provided much-appreciated company and driving relief during the 8 hours. It worked out well since I had a companion and a buyer for my vehicle, and she got a great, reliable vehicle without having to shop at a car dealership.

Marcy has been getting the house ready for Christmas, and putting on the holiday cheer. The Santa collection lines the mantle, and she's getting a tree that we'll decorate tomorrow. It's a good feeling to be here even though I'm disappointed I'm not underway yet for the beginning of my experience in a foreign country, and Bill and I are both really missing each other and being together during these days. It will be very exciting to arrive and be able to hear the in-person accounts of everything that is too much to tell on the phone or via Skype.


I did hear an account of a Winter Break Bazaar at Discovery Square, the main plaza at KAUST. Food booths, gifts and handmade goods for sale, and surprisingly, not only were they playing live music, Bill said, they were playing CHRISTMAS music. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, as well as Silver Bells and others. I can't wait to go and see for myself. Maybe I will take a flight on Christmas Day.