Ready to Fly

Posted byjanie.weeks 21 Comments on Ready to Fly

I cannot believe we are finally at this point.  It seems as though we have been working toward this for such a long time. One more day in Atlanta; one more day in the USA.

We once talked to a couple about our age who had already moved in to a very active independent living community.  They told us how much they enjoyed their new-found freedom . . . no lawn care, no cleaning gutters, no painting, no a/c repairs, etc.  But they warned us, breaking down their home of forty years was the hardest part.

And oh they were right.  We just didn’t know how right!  It’s hard physical work and the stress is tremendously taxing to say the least.  I have to admit too that even though Stan and I are tight as ticks, we’ve had our moments that caused us to wonder . . . can we do this without divorcing each other?   But it’s all done now.   All the to-do items listed on the 2-page legal pad are complete.  All our stuff is gone and our bags have been packed and re-packed several times.  We have new travel phone numbers.  Sirius XM and other subscription services have been discontinued.  We are free!

We’ve had several farewell visits and good luck dinners with friends; they were so much fun!  We all wondered why we hadn’t had more of those visits and dinners before now??  It has been said over and over again, “you don’t know what you have until you lose it.”  Recent moments with friends and families reminded us that time with people dear to us should always be our top priority.  Yes, of course, the pandemic put a lot of space between us all but sometimes the “when-I-get-around-to-it” syndrome gets in the way of doing the most meaningful things in life.  Then those windows of opportunity are gone.  I hope Stan and I remember this and always grab the moment when we can.

Switching gears a bit.  It has been suggested that we might find a little side-line business selling instructions and advice on how to pull off an undertaking like this.  Well, I suppose we could.  We have learned a lot.  But here is one tidbit I will share with you.  Do not change your address until you absolutely must.  Because we are such diligent people and more accurately, because it was on the grand to-do list we changed our address to Cody’s house so she could manage our mail.   Remember, we have no home these days.  Some medical insurance policies vary, county by county.  Really?  Yikes!  While Cody’s address is only 6 miles away from what was our home, we did change counties.   A week later a cute little letter from our insurance carrier arrived saying since we have a new address in a new county, our current medical plan would end September 30.  It advised we should select a new plan and further, it might take a month for the new plan to take effect.  WHAT?  NO HEALTHCARE INSURANCE???? GOING OUT OF THE COUNTRY WITH NO MEDICAL INSURANCE???? Ok, I will save the agonizing details and the fact that many, many hours were spent on the phone trying to get resolution and many more hours of sleep were lost in worrying about this.  In the final moments on September 30 (the end date) Stan finally reached a representative with enough experience to grasp our problem and ultimately fix it.  We had no lapse in coverage. Talk about prayerfully thanking God and releasing a huge sigh of relief!   I literally thought I might have a stroke over this.  We are making our address change effective January 1 and will subscribe to a new plan then.  Lesson learned.

Several people have asked how to see blogs from our previous international trips.  I have stories about nine different excursions like those in Africa, Iceland, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Santiago, and Alaska.  All are still online.  Just go to www.offexploring.com.  Then Search Blogger:  Janie Weeks.    Read the blog about Africa with Tessa.  It’s a good one.

Ok, guys, next stop . . . Panama City, Panama!

21 replies on “Ready to Fly”

    1. Jennifer! You are a world traveler too so you know what this is like! Thank you for the good wishes and I wish the same for you and Steve! Let’s do stay in touch!

    1. Reita, Thanks from the bottom of my heart for the well wishes! I am delighted you like our stories. I love making and sharing good memories!

      Janie

    1. Sharon, my earliest Lionette friend!!! You trained me, you know! T

      hank you, thank you for your sweet wishes. They mean so much! Please take care, girl and say hello to Faye & Roy and also to my cousin Margaret Walczak. All residents of The Villages.

  4. Travel safely and with eyes wide open. I’m sure you will take the time to embrace those special moments as you create new memories.
    You two are very brave and I admire your sense of adventure. Few people can actually do what you are planning. Your commitment is admirable.
    Love your blogs/stories. Keep sharing as we live through your experiences with you.
    Love – Jody and Ginny

    1. Ginny!

      Thank you so much! We love the fact that we have sweet friends who are interested in our craziness. We think it’s going to be ok. We will do our best to be safe and to do our best to emerge ourselves in the local culture . . . all the while trying to understand and walk in others’ shoes. We are just glad you are coming along with us. Sending love to you and Jody — Janie and Stan

  5. Prayers for safe travels sweet brother and sister. Here’s to many adventures and the time of your life. Remember when you long for a home visit we always have a place ready for you. ❤️

    1. Amy, oh Amy, my heart!!! How sweet! We know you will always welcome us just as we will always a place for you!

  6. I’m so looking forward to your next adventures. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places so very much. Since my life situation has changed drastically over the past years I fear my days of travel and adventure are over. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences so that I may continue to feel connected to this big wide wonderful world! Safe travels my dear friends.

    1. Fran, it’s wonderful to hear from you! It is very heartwarming to know so many friends are along our sides in spirit! Take care!

    1. Thank you so much for the good wishes! We are super excited about this and part of the fun for me is sharing what we see, do, learn and experience with others! Thank you for following along. I hope to keep things interesting!!! Do take care, Beverly!

  8. Wow! A huge transition! I’m sure there were so many mixed emotions! As much as you two travel, it makes a lot of sense. Glad to hear you are ‘leaving on a jet plane’ for another adventure – with health insurance! I pray safe travels for you and look forward to reading about the excitement and seeing your photos!

    1. Yes, but we are happy and excited, Carolyn. We look forward to some brand new experiences! Glad you are following us!!!

  9. Have a fantastic, wonderful, magical blessed Adventure!! Go conquer the world Janie!! Stan too. 💕💕 🌎

    Margaret Lackey Specht

  10. Ready – set – go! Have a safe and amazing adventure! Thanks to your great blog we will feel like Flat Stanley packed away to share your experience.

    Bud and Brenda Owens Shumaker

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