On Tuesday I flew from Orlando to Panama. The plan is that I will locate a short-term furnished rental, then my husband and the dogs will join me. It's a little complicated because in April we fly back to Florida for our son's wedding. If I find a rental quickly, we're fine. If it takes a while, … [Read more...] about On the Ground in Panama
Countdown
The Biggest Secret to Successful Expatriation
When you decide to become an expatriate, to live in another country, you're choosing to exercise options most of your family and friends don't even know exist. So what happens when the expat move is the only option you see that makes sense? That's how I've felt for a long time. Yes, I wanted to … [Read more...] about The Biggest Secret to Successful Expatriation
Countdown! When is Moving Out Not Really Moving Out?
Little did I realize, when I told you last week we had vacated the Florida house, that the vacating process would take this long. . . We moved out, with our suitcases, dogs and laptops, one week ago. The estate sale happened on February 18. Somehow, I had visions of walking back in after the sale … [Read more...] about Countdown! When is Moving Out Not Really Moving Out?
Countdown! On the Move to Panama
Well, it's official. We've vacated our house in Florida. Even as I type this, the estate sales company is in there pulling everything out of cupboards and drawers, tagging it and getting ready to sell it all off on Saturday. And, frighteningly, even though we feel as though we're selling off … [Read more...] about Countdown! On the Move to Panama
Countdown: All Dressed Up and No Place to Go
Tomorrow is February 1, the day we had planned to move to Panama. But we're not going. Why? Still no tenants for our Florida house. Everything else is poised and ready. Once we get the go-ahead -- in the form of a signed lease agreement -- we're ready to whip into our last-minute action. Until … [Read more...] about Countdown: All Dressed Up and No Place to Go
Holding On and Letting Go
My parents both had hoarding tendencies. Oh, I don't mean their house was like some of those horrible places you see on TV shows -- you didn't have to weave your way through towering piles of old newspapers or anything like that. But they held onto stuff. After my mother died last summer, we … [Read more...] about Holding On and Letting Go