Getting Real Now

The countdown has really begun now. I suppose one could argue that the countdown began the minute we bought our tickets; and indeed we did check to see how long ago it was from that date. But now we’re down to the final 30 (28 as of today) and shit is getting real.

I don’t really feel like I’m moving though. I feel like I’m going on an extended vacation for an unknown period of time. If I think about it as an actual move I freak out. Making it more of a “Scottish Phase” if you will, makes it seem much more tangible as well as much less concrete of a decision. Confused yet? Good. I am too.

Things you could never even begin to imagine always pop up when huge life changes happen, and those have already begun in earnest. Sure, you know in theory that things will be different, but then there are random things that other countries find completely normal that I’ve found either ridiculous, or confusing, or both. I have learned recently that the UK has a thing called  a TV license. Which is essentially a bill that allows you to watch TV. Kinda like cable I suppose, except mandatory. And you HAVE to buy it if you wanna watch TV anywhere…including your laptop. Like…what? Ok…

Also their council tax is dependent on the region you live in, and that depicts how much you’re spending. I’m honestly not sure how to look for something based on the council tax, or if it’s even on the high list of priorities at the moment. It probably is because I don’t want to live in a place with a high council tax. But is a high council tax Council A or Council E?? And if we find the perfect place for cheap, but it has a high council tax does that mean we end up breaking even in the long run if we get a more expensive place?

As you can see, I’ve been doing a crazy amount of apartment hunting. The trouble is that places get snatched up quickly. It’s difficult to ask a realtor to wait a month for us to get there. I’ve got some e-mail pings set up for various websites but the bites have been few and far between.

And then, of course, I’m in the beginning stages of saying goodbye to people. Recognizing that these next few weeks will be the last time I see people for…I don’t even know how long. I’ve done this multiple times in the past when I’ve moved away (or moved back) but it’s always hard, and it’s always emotionally draining. I’m definitely in a bit of a state of denial about leaving people behind. I just have to hope that my friends and family will want to Skype as much as I do…

Anyway. That’s all for now. Just wanted to touch base real quick. 28 days. That’s like the title of a bad Rom Com…or a horror flick…..

-Annika