Getting ready for Ireland isn't all packing, packing, packing.

While there has been plenty of packing...all the dishes are packed up for storage, the pictures are all off the walls...there's an entirely different part of preparing for Ireland that has been really fun. Shopping. And that's been the only good part of this stinky economy. I've gotten sweaters for us both, a few new pairs of my favorite corduroy pants and lots of dress shirts for Richard at 50% off or more.

We've stocked up on warmer clothes. But my main concern (some say obsession) has been shoes. I have come to the realization that my standard footwear, the flip-flop, simply won't cut it in Ireland. Not only is a much chillier, but it's wet & rainy most of the time. So, I'm taking a couple of pair because I plan on spending some time on beaches in Spain. But most of my collection will be staying in storage.

So what shoes does one need in Ireland? Rain boots of course! I've never had a real reason for rain boots, even living in tropical Houston. But since we're planning on a much less car-dependent life, I've been shopping. Above are the fabulous rain boots I purchased this weekend. They are so fun; I wish it would rain here just so I can wear them. Actually, I wish it would rain just so my yard won't die. But the drought in Austin is a whole different post.

So preparing for Ireland isn't all packing and work. It's a great excuse for some new shoes!

Things I will miss most:

As we're packing everything up, we're making a list of the things we'll miss most about Texas. Aside all our friends and family, of course, here's our list:

1. Food. Mexican and Barbeque. Richard and I are divided on which we'll miss more. I say Mexican food and he says Barbeque. But we both agree that this is the first thing we'll miss.

2. Sunshine. We are so lucky here in Austin with all the sunshine and beautiful weather. The perfect-for-the-lake summer days. The beautiful spring bluebonnets blooming days. Those will definitely be missed in a country with more foggy, cloudy, chilly days than not.

3. Warm weather. See above.

4. Texas football. Many of you will think that this would have been our number one. But really, the first three things on the list are all a part of Texas football season for us, so it's all one in the same.

5. My precious appliances. Moving overseas means moving to a different voltage. So few of our American appliances function in the EU. Some will have to be replaced (I can't live without my flat iron for my hair in that humidity). But some simply don't make sense to replace. I know I've lived without them before, but that all seems like a time far ago. My most missed appliances: KitchenAid Stand Mixer, LG steam washer and dryer, and All-Clad slow-cooker.

Travel schedule details

We finally have a few more details on when we're leaving for Ireland. It's still a little murky, but we've booked our January trip over there. We'll be in New York January 14-17, then Dublin January 18-25. We'll be back in Austin until mid-February (exact date still to be determined) when we'll make the final move.

Meanwhile we're pretty bogged down in packing, planning and preparing. Thank goodness we get to take a mini-break over the holidays and visit lots of family and friends we won't see again for awhile!

Ireland!

If you're here, you already got our announcement that Richard & I are moving to Dublin, Ireland in February 2009. We're sad to leave behind our Texas family and friends. However, we couldn't be more thrilled about this new adventure. We plan on updating this site often with pictures of our travels and thoughts on our experiences as Expats.

We hope more than a few of you can make it overseas for a visit while we're there. Now I had better sign-off and get packing.

-Kelly