adventures in packing

First off, an update on the stump. You will all be happy to learn that the stump has been vanquished. We're not exactly sure how, but we're sure it involved some intricate sorcery from the netherworld. All we know, is that we came home last Tuesday, to discover it's absence, and obvious evidence of ancient rituals in the backyward. The canoe is parked over the hole that leads to the source of the stump's power, and will hopefully, protect us from any creature of the deep that the stump's removal unleashes.

Now, on to the more intricate packing details. The last day has proven to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that Kohji is a genius when it comes to spatial relations. I know you've all heard the expression before about packing everything and the kitchen sink. Well, rest assured, that little saying is a full blown reality in our little world right now (right down to the tupperware we're briging to act as a little sink for cleaning dishes and bottle nipples). But, back to the rare occassion where I heap praise onto my husband...

Kohji has somehow - I'm sure as a result of his many years training as an engineer - managed to fit this:




... into this...



I should point out that the middle size suitcase with the rainbow strap, is in fact empty, but for an extra duffle bag (we've been warned that you bring LOTS of stuff back!) To get a good idea of the enormity of the challenge involved, try putting a bag of 60 Pampers in a suitcase and see what it looks like.

With Kohji's packing prowess in full evidence, it would seem that we are more or less ready to go... and a day and a half ahead of time at that. Some wonders never really do cease. Either that, or all those years of leaving on vacations within an hour of finising work have trained us well.

Friday was my last day of work for a full year. My colleagues had a little farewell gathering, with cake and pressies, which was greatly appreciated, and a little unexpected as my work mates had taken me out to lunch earlier in the week. But then again, we always were a crew willing to accept any excuse for cake!

The house is starting to come together as well, with Kiyomi's room actually looking like a baby's room. Furnished, of course, completely by the generosity of family and friends. Even the overflowing toy box was the result of gifts and hand downs of well loved favourites. We're also planning on getting a couple things in China to decorate the walls, so she'll also have some familiar looking things around her.

Despite the addition of new furnishings, in many ways, it feels as if we are just off on yet another vacation. Only this time, we have sippy cups and a snugli, in lieu of a camp stove and trekking poles. But of course, as one friend put it to us on Friday night: "I don't remember you coming back from Alaska with a daughter!" Ah well, as they say, plus ca change, plus c'est pareil.

All and all, we seem to be as ready as you can be for such a momentous change. Even KT the cat is learning to adapt. She's been a little suspicious of all the comings and goings, and the additions to the furnishing, but she's making her peace with things in a way that only an 18 year old cat can...


... we'll just have to wait and she which one of them is the bigger Dora fan!