Tricky Timelines
In 2015, my husband and I found ourselves seated at a quaint restaurant table in Tennessee, where we decided to embark on an exciting journey of writing our future timeline together. Dan is a meticulous planner, always thinking ahead, while I tend to be more of a “go-with-the-flow” kind of gal, easily adapting to whatever life may throw our way. Despite our differing approaches, we both sat down and plotted out key milestones we could definitely agree on making happen together as partners. One of these pivotal points in our timeline was the idea of moving abroad.
Flash forward to ten years and two children later, Dan pulls out the faded receipt from his wallet, where he has carefully kept it since that memorable day at the restaurant, and tells me that we are finally going to make the move happen. Right on schedule (ish). Toulouse, France here we come!
October 2024: Assignment and Planning
My husband received his job assignment for Toulouse just before the 2024 election, adding another layer of complexity to our plans. I planned to take leave of my professor position at the end of the semester.
November 2024: Family Discussions
We sat down as a family to discuss the move. Our boys, with their active imaginations, viewed this as an adventure filled with new opportunities, while I focused on the practicalities and logistics involved—like finding a new home and school for them. Their only request was that our next house had bunk beds.
December 2024: Research and Exploration
We dove into all things Toulouse. From local cuisine and cultural landmarks to the education system, it became our mission to familiarize ourselves with our future home. Dan and I started arduous task of learning French. The boys were particularly fascinated by the idea of chocolatines, and again, that bunk bed.
January 2025: Visa Process Begins
The first significant hurdle appeared as we initiated our visa application. Documents piled up, and we quickly learned that patience is a virtue in this process. The boys were more vocal about the wait than I anticipated, frequently asking if we could leave immediately.
February 2025: Selling Our Home
Putting our house on the market brought mixed emotions. The place where we built memories was filled with nostalgia, yet we recognized it as a necessary step forward. The added burden of keeping everything in show-ready condition with two energetic boys was a challenge in itself.
March 2025: Packing Up
As the days passed, packing became a family endeavor, though coordinating with kids often led to chaos. While some boxes were filled with care, others contained the remnants of toys that seemed to multiply each week. It was a balance of practicality and sentimentality.
April 2025: The Wait Continues
Now, as we approach mid-April, we remain in a waiting game. The visa process has taken longer than expected, and we find ourselves frustrated yet hopeful. Each day brings a reminder to stay adaptable and focus on the future.
Through this timeline, our journey unfolds. The aim is to provide insights into the complexities of moving—packing, emotional attachments, and synchronized chaos that defines family life. As we continue this transition, I promise to share candidly about the triumphs, setbacks, and everything in between that comes with shipping a family and a dog over 4,000 miles to embrace a new life in Toulouse.
