Packing Parameters and Parting Shots

OK, so this is not a scene from my house - I wish! My situation is far more chaotic. This week I was informed of my packing challenge. For my immediate needs in Singapore, I can take multiple suitcases as checked luggage (of course). Where it gets tricky is that there will be two additional shipments of my belongings. The first shipment can weigh up to 350 lbs., and it will arrive in about 3-4 weeks. Then the larger shipment, which is sent via a cargo ship, will arrive at my new place in Singapore in approximately 3 (4, 5, 6?) months. For that shipment, I get to bring about 3,000 lbs. Since my husband is staying behind with our fur

babies (Hairy and Scout), I'll be leaving the furniture, so that's a LOT of shoes I can bring! My new place will be furnished, so I really won't need to bring furniture anyway. As I write this, I realize that it all sounds so simple. So why is it so difficult for me to figure out what goes in which shipment? One of my new coworkers suggested that I bring a big, comfy recliner. Great idea! I really think I need to have that arrive ASAP lol And what about my new NordicTrack rowing machine? I'm committed to losing some weight and getting into better shape once there, but that can probably take the slow ride on the ship Hahaha Actually, since I won't have a car, I'm really going to have to up my walking game. Maybe the rowing machine should count as part of the 350 lbs? But, it weighs 120 lbs. itself! Do I need my own mattress right away (70 lbs.), or can I live with the stock mattress for a few months? My new 'Away' luggage See! It's complicated!

The other issue that has taken up a good amount of time is finding a place where I can get the required immunizations. I'll need to have Typhoid, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis shots. So, I called multiple pharmacies which all referred me to my Primary Care Physician, who referred me to the County Health Department. After contacting every county in Central/Southern FL, I realized that was a dead end. They are all too busy with COVID vaccines and back-to-schools immunizations. I was finally directed to a place called Passport Health who informed me that the mandatory vaccinations would cost around $2,400. What?!? The kicker is that I likely won't have time to finish the series of multiple shots. Finally, my Agency told me to hold off and I can get them when I arrive in Singapore.

I discovered that a national pharmacy chain will administer the Typhoid shot, so I'll take care of that here - along with my Flu, Tetanus, and final Pneumonia shots (I had my first last year). Thank goodness my wonderful Mom saves things! She was able to provide me with a list of the dates I had all my childhood vaccinations, which I can transfer to my medical travel records.

The photo on the left shows a booklet that must be completed and kept with my passport for international travel.

So, that brings you up to date on the pre-departure portion of my big adventure! I still have no solid date, but I'm planning for around November 1st. I'll keep you posted!

Bonus: Scout and Hairy at motel in Marathon, FL. They could come to Singapore, but would have to endure the 28-36 hour journey and then be quarantined upon arrival - this is why my husband is staying behind :(