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Packing up and moving to Houston

Our last move was in 2001 when we moved from California to Colorado.  I called it our family adventure and what an exciting time it was.  The kids were ages 5 & 2, and we were moving to an area with endless opportunities for exploring new areas, great schools, and more affordable cost of living.

This move is different in so many ways.  It's a temporary move with just Connie and I moving, and a health care adventure, not a family adventure.  But at the same time, I find myself excited for this new adventure. 

Our original plan was to live in an urban environment in Houston.  Being suburbanites our entire lives, we were planning to live in a high rise apartment with nice views over Rice University and downtown Houston.  This is where the pandemic disrupted our plans yet again as elevators were deemed too high a risk of infection for my suppressed immune system during the critical recovery period.

So we pivoted.  Connie pivoted I should say and went to work on finding us the perfect place, until one day (during one of my work Zoom meetings) she ran into the office and yelled "I found it".  I'm pretty sure everyone on the call heard it and probably got a good laugh.  She found us a nice 2 bedroom apartment in a neighborhood called Hyde Park with plenty of space, close to some really nice parks for walks, what looks like walking distance to the grocery and within the 15 minute required distance to the hospital for my daily post-op check ups.  

Our overall lodging plan is 1 week in an AirBnB, 3-4 weeks in the hospital, and then 2+ months in the apartment.  This was a big relief in the process to have our lodging secured. 

I won't bore you with all the packing, packing, packing other than to pose the question "what would you bring for a 3 month move?". For me, I just settled on my electronics, my coffee maker, and a lot of comfy clothes.  I wish I could bring my bike (and our dog Goose)! My stretch goal during recovery is to rent a bike in Houston as a part of my exercise routine.

So, here we are on the precipice of our health care adventure, the 15 hour drive to Houston and the start of the process on Monday October 5th with, you guessed it, a COVID test.  

Please stay in touch, send a text, a joke, a NetFlix or reading suggestion.  After going 100 mph for our entire lives, slowing down to zero will be a new experience.  Your support for Connie and I are so very much appreciated.

With love,

Gary

Connie and Gary saying "until later" to Goose


Comments

  1. MantaOctober 4, 2020 at 11:02 PM

    Sending prayers and good wishes for a successful procedure and a speedy return to Colorado. We look forward to hearing your updates and wish you all the best. Keep the faith - and be thankful you didn't have to spend a summer in Houston!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownOctober 5, 2020 at 7:48 AM

    Jannetta and I remember when you moved here, and we look forward to the day you and Connie get back home. you are both in our thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 5, 2020 at 10:22 AM

    Congratulations on getting to this point. We learn that sometimes the best things in life don't come easily. Belle and I are really happy that you've gotten yourselves situated and ready to get the treatment started. Neflix recommendations: 1) Portrait of a Lady on Fire 2) Elle 3) A Prophet (all French), Toni Erdmann (German), Gallipoli (Aussie), Get Low, Bombshell, and Parasite. Bug hugs. We'll be with you. Much Love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 5, 2020 at 10:25 AM

      Correction, BIG HUGS....not Bug Hugs🐞🐞🐞👀

      Delete
  4. WalterOctober 5, 2020 at 8:17 PM

    I am already planning our camping trips and bike rides for when you and Connie get back. Can’t wait to see you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ward QuarlesOctober 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM

    Hi Gary and Connie. We appreciate your blog updates and I smiled at your family photo with Goose. Please keep us all posted on your progress. Praying for positive outcomes from your medical improvements, wisdom for your medical team, and a quick return to Denver.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownOctober 14, 2020 at 1:29 PM

    Thanks for sharing your journey Gary. This is going to be good, especially with your upbeat attitude. You will give cancer what it deserves, a solid resounding gut punch. Will be praying and sending positive thoughts down to Houston and following this blog regularly. For a good laugh, I recommend SNL’s spoof of the VP Debate :)

    ReplyDelete

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