Friday, February 6, 2015

Let the Purging I Mean Packing Begin

Most of you know it is my nature and my profession to declutter and purge.  I am taking my advice to a new level. I thought, 4 years ago, when we moved into our current apartment that I would bring the essentials. When I saw how many boxes the essentials was I was beside myself.  We don't travel light.

Two kids and 4 years later, we have more stuff, shocker.  So this time around we are either taking the stuff with us to China in luggage or air shipment and the rest is going to a storage space somewhere in New Jersey.

When it comes to clothes I am really asking myself, "why would I store it". So if I'm not taking it with me, I'm donating it to someone else.  I may be the only person in my family on board with this but I'll be reducing my storage foot print. 


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Shangbye East-Meets-West BBQ

Our goodbye tour has officially kicked off today, Super Bowl Sunday, March 1, 2015.  My oldest brother was visiting the United States for work and has departed back to Israel this evening. It was a treat to spend time with him in Florida and in New Jersey this week before we embark on our adventure.

My family was awesome and threw together a "Shangbye East-meets-West BBQ" Decorated with red lanterns, Chinese fans, delicious #Butterflake cake and some of the best BBQ around. 



           "Mom, tell me what you really think of me moving 7,364 miles away?"


 "Where are they dragging me, seriously?"




Sunday, February 1, 2015

Closing NBN West 94th Satellite Office

After nearly 4 years as this NBN employees Manhattan based location, we are closing up shop on him. Years of accepting packages, bagel and OJ breakfasts and Gan Asia dinners today marks my brothers last visit here until we return. It has been great being able to see my brother basically every month visiting from Israel, though sad it hasn't been with his wife and kids, glad we were able to host you all these visits.

Marc will be taking his phone calls elsewhere.....


Take It Or Leave It

A fun game we have been playing the past few weeks is "take it with us to China or leave it at home in storage". Things my 3.5 year old son insist on taking are: the empty penguin can that has my daughters puff snacks, our 2015 purple New Years Eve light up glasses, his flashlight, his sister, and some crayons.  Clearly not in an order of importance.

Looking around at our stuff, aside from clothes and toys I find myself wondering what things I'd miss having around me in terms of comforts from home and things that "might" be hard to replicate abroad (although I hear I can get EVERYTHING in China that we have here). So I have added to my take it list: my pillows, my duvet and blanket and my candlesticks.

Looking for your choices of 3-5 things you'd take with you moving abroad (aside from your clothes, pictures, books and your family-obvious things to me).

***update***
I have officially gotten rid of all JCrew cable knit sweaters from 2001 in a range of colors along with the matching and coordinating button down shirts.