Hello Belgium!

At long last, we've arrived in Brussels! What a journey! after roughly 9 months of discussion, negotiations, planning, selling, arriving, buying, crashing, we're here!

We have been arriving in shifts (to lessen the load on the locals from "Martin" lag). My daughter and I arrived on August 5, my sons on August 12, and my wife will finally arrive today (after cleaning up the house, tying up loose ends, etc. in the US). I've been two weeks without her, and miss her a lot. To add to the suspense, her flight has been delayed by about 4 hours!

I will start work this afternoon at my new job, so am very excited about that. I have a more strategic role than in the past, and truly look forward to discussing strategy, rather than tasks. The leader of our European practice is very progressive, and I look forward to working with him!

More to come as the life begins to settle here in Belgium! Looking around, getting our bearings, and trying to pin some normalcy to the daily routine. Miss our daughter who's at college in Texas, but she too, has an exciting adventure coming her way!

Packing.......

I have never considered myself to be much of a drama lover, and still don't. But sometimes I wonder how many times I have to learn to relax before I have a stroke. I've spent the last few weeks concerned with visas, kids schooling, my wife's resignation (from her job - hopefully on a permanent basis), my job duties between two countries, etc. However, I was very worried about the moving process - perhaps I remember the painful parts from the last relocation, or have just built up an international move in my mind to some pinnacle that truly doesn't need to be built.

Or, perhaps I am only experiencing the best part of the move. Our moving team was here on a Saturday, and have accomplished a great deal, with little more effort on my part than driving to Wendy's to buy the packing crew their well-deserved lunch. They have packed all of the hard to manage items, like large furniture, artwork (bubble wrap and double walled boxes), and most of the decorations of the house. All of the public rooms are neatly organized with furniture (this too bubble wrapped), and neatly stacked and labeled boxes. Monday/Tuesday, they finish the packing, and then load the container for the trans-Atlantic journey. So the US side of the move seems to be moving along well. Wonder what's waiting once the container arrives in customs/makes its way to Belgium? or unpacking?

In any case, just enjoying the completion of day one of the move with as little projection to the rest of the process as possible. More soon......

GOING, GOING, GONE!

Ok - so it's a bit dramatic - but we finally sold our house. Roughly 80 showings in 90 days. Trying to keep the house clean with three teenagers and showings nearly every day, during the hottest part of the summer! We sold to a nice couple from our home state of Ohio - a doctor and her husband, and even better - they're Ohio State Buckeye Fans!

We have met with them and they are very kind, and we're really glad the house will be with someone who will really appreciate it. We invested in an amazing pool (pictured in an earlier blog), landscaping, and improvements inside as well. We will miss it, but are very happy to be on our way to Belgium!

My wife has also tendered her 2-week notice, and is effectively retiring! I am so glad we can finally have her at home, and she can care for the boys, and keep in touch with our daughter (staying in the US to go to college).

We leave on August 4th, and really look forward to our new adventure! See you all there!

Finally a Travel Date!!

Well, at long last, Belgium will need to prepare for the Martins! Although the house hasn't sold or rented yet, to get the boys acclimated, settled, and otherwise de-Woodlandized before school starts, we've decided that I will take the boys (and Allie for a couple of weeks) to Brussels on August 4! My wife will stay here with the house until it is either sold or rented (sorry Baby!).

We've been talking about, planning for, and waiting for this time since November, 2009. It's taken a significant effort both at home and at work to get this in line, and to finally make it happen. I'm trying to wrap up some details at work and the house to keep things moving here as I depart for Belgium.

I'm very excited to have the kids in Europe for a few weeks to explore, understand the local area, and get used to their new life! We are so excited. I know my wife will be lonely without us for a few weeks, but soon she too will join us in our new home and to begin anew in Europe!

See you all soon!

Fourth of July

To those who aren't American, I will provide you with an out up front. This post is about the US celebration of the 4th of July - our independence celebration.

As you all know, Americans are very proud of our country, and rightly so. We are very proud of the achievements, accomplishments, contributions, victories, and freedoms of those and afforded to those in our country. We love our freedom, our lively spirit, our determination, hard-work, and never-say-die attitude!

Many soldiers have fought and died over the years to protect the freedoms not only of Americans, but of the entire world. We continue to do so today, and will continue to do so in the future. We have a duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves, and to protect and promote freedom everywhere.

We are sometimes villafied for this belief, but that's ok, we can deal with the misconception - which is tested about once in a generation. In WW II, we freed much of Europe and Asia from the Germans and Japanese, and at the cost of hundreds of thousands of American lives. We gladly sacrifice for the freedom of the innocent everywhere, to end tyranny and oppression, murder, violence against women and children, and the ruthless savagery of dictators. We will never be fully appreciated, but that is not our goal or desire. We simply desire freedom for everyone.

One day soon, again we will be called upon to defend the freedoms of Americans and our fellow human beings somewhere. We gladly answer the call.

Today I thank those who fought for me (and continue to do so today), and preserved my freedoms, my right to free speech, free assembly, and the pursuit of happiness and the American way of life. Your sacrifice is remembered today and always by many. Your gift to us is the preservation of the American way of life, and the continued freedom of many around the world. God Bless you and your families, and thank you for your service!

Enough is Enough

OK, we've been talking about moving to Belgium since November, 2009. I've had my assignment package ready since February, 2010. I've had a home rented for me and my family since March, 2010. I've had my work permit for more than two months. I've had my house for sale for going on 3 months. The end is nowhere in sight.

I've been to Brussels twice on business since our househunting trip, and I'm dying to get there permanently! My wife is going crazy waiting for the move! The boys start school in Waterloo on September 1, and we need to give them time to acclimate to Belgium, their new home, new friends, etc before starting. That essentially means I have to sell the house this weekend! Little chance of that - many other homes in our price range have surfaced, and sold in a week. Our home is easily as nice, and the pool is much nicer. Why can't we sell???!!! Fate is just playing with us now!

Oh well, enough whining! I was in Brussels on June 17, and sat in a great place and ate a huge bucket of mussels, drank beer, and oh yeah, then had a handful of Belgian chocolates for dessert! I know, rough. We are just very excited to get on the ground, and start living the Belgian life! Many challenges lie ahead, but great rewards too!

More to come soon!

It's been a while

Ok, so a trip to Vienna and Brussels this week was a teaser. I was in Vienna for a regional conference, then to Brussels to check on the house and some final details. We're waiting for our house in Houston to sell before making the move,and this process is quite trying on your patience.

I was able to spend a few hours roaming around Waterloo, visit the school, and inspect the house after the pre-moving certification. Everything is lined up, and we're ready to go! Belgian beer, mussels,and chocolate-what a wonderful meal!

The wife is very anxious (as am I) to get to Brussels and begin our new adventure! See you soon!

Moving to Belgium, Enjoying Houston Weather

So while we wait for the house to sell, things could be worse. This weekend is a long holiday at my firm, as they add Friday to the Monday Holiday for US observance of Memorial Day. This holiday is to honor those who've sacrificed to fight for our country. Today we remember and thank those who sacrificed so much so we could be free, and could enjoy the life and lifestyle that freedom provides.

I also want to thank my own brother, David, and his wife Christine who are currently still serving in the Air Force and who have both endured multiple tours through Iraq and Afghanistan on separate schedules (they've spent much of their young married life apart in different foreign locations). Thank you guys for everything you do for us and for your committment and sacrifice to our country! We love you and appreciate you!

To celebrate those brave souls, we will be spending the day by the pool, in 95 degree heat, smoking cigars and drinking top-shelf bourbon. I wonder what the weather holds in Brussels today? My guess is 60 degrees and rain. So, while we wait, we will enjoy Houston weather, fine cigars and fine liquor. Could be worse....

Where oh Where has my ...........

Assignment gone? Where oh where can it be?

Ok - so this is a bit silly. The paperwork, rework, double checks, fingerprints, background checks, certifications, updates, legalizations, etc. are all done. We're close to ending the paper war over the birds and pets moving to Belgium.......but we're not close to selling the house.

This is getting painful. We have a great house, many upgrades, a wooded lot, and a fantastic pool! Given other sales in the neighborhood, we're priced fairly. We've had 40 groups through our house in a little over three weeks and no offers........someone please buy it, please?

We're not whining, just excited to get on with the move, get to Belgium and enjoy the people, the scenery, the food, and yes.......the beer. Where oh where has my assignment gone..........???

Kicked out of the House (Again)

Ok, 5 showings yesterday, 2 more today (Sunday). I never thought about how difficult it would be to stay out of the house for 8+ hours on one day. I guess when it's voluntary, you Leave for a reason, but when forced out at the last minute, you have to search for something to do. Yesterday, I felt like I left an imprint in the drivers seat of the truck. Today the weather is great, and a perfect day to sit by the pool and drink a beer. What am I doing? Sitting at starbucks drinking overpriced coffee while strangers ramble through the house (Again).

Let's just hope someone likes the place this time!

More later......

Almost, but no Cigar

Well, we were in the final 3 homes for two couples this week, and lost out on both sales. Getting a little frustrating, but we'll get there. Home sales are strong, and the market is picking up.

We're getting antsy and want to get to Brussels by Mid-June, which seems a little aggressive at this point. But, we're still hopeful. One day soon, we'll be enjoying a nice Belgian brew, a cuban cigar, and some mussels in Brussels!

Slow but Steady

Well, this week has been one of slow but steady progress. I'm making headway on the immigration process (again slowly but steadily). We're now simply waiting on the Belgian Consulate in NY to "legalize" our medical certificates, and we can apply for my work permit! We're making progress on the employer side, my HR contacts are moving forward (slowly but surely) on shoring up the appropriate letters, credentials, and process to move to Brussles.

And at home, we're making progress on selling our house, slowly but surely. We've had 17 showings in 15 days, but no bites. Once the house sells, and our kids are done for the school year, we're ready to go! We're so looking forward to getting our feet on the ground, and exploring Belgium and Europe this summer! We're getting there....slowly, but surely...

Tick-Tock

OK, so I'm an optimist, or at least attempt to be one, but the details are piling up, and I'm falling behind. Immigration, medical, housing (ok-the car issue is settled), assignment consultations, job descriptions, blah, blah, blah.

Our trip to NY for Wednesday to go over our assignment letter, medical process, and other details has been canceled because the calculations aren't ready. Hmmmmm, omen, or just a bump in the road? I'm sure just the latter, so far everything has gone smoothly, not sure I can expect perfection in everything (just 99%). More to come........

"Post-er" Child

Well, Blog 5 of ten. Soon I should be blog-worthy. Today we solved some riddles in the relocation game, namely the car bit in Belgium. Thankfully, I have a great employer who will help with my car needs, and the wife, well, she's giving up a huge SUV (could probably park many European car models inside), and will learn to drive a 6-speed. Another lovely adventure in the life of a new expat.

Belgian Beer Anyone?

Well, in Houston, it's 90 degrees (yes, on May 2). I see on Weather.com that it'll be 56 degrees in Belgium tomorrow. Being a hot-weather fan, I suspect I'll be a bit cold in the coming 3 years dealing with the weather in Belgium. However, all is not lost. Today I have to drink US brew (ok I don't have to, but I frequently do), and in the next couple of months, will be on the ground in Brussels, and will have unfettered access to hundreds of local beers!!! Yipee!

While I don't drink heavily, I do appreciate good beer, and cannot wait to enjoy Belgian expert brews rather than whatever I can pick up at Walmart on my way home from work. I also cannot wait to enjoy Belgian food and chocolate, both wonderful by any standard. Look out Europe, here come the Martins!

Kindness Abounds

Hi everyone - not to gush, but so far everyone in the Belgian government has been very kind and helpful. We have pets we are bringing with us (birds), which as you may guess, require special car and clearance. With every email comes a quick reply, with every phone call a kind voice and helpful information on the other end (this seems quite different from the "Assistance" one receives from the US authorities).

So far, every experience we've had in Belgium has been very positive, and the people have been wonderful! Thanks to all who've made an otherwise difficult transition so smooth and enjoyable! We so look forward to spending time in Belgium!

On The Move (Again)

So my lovely bride of nearly 19 years is doing it again-no nothing bad, but following me on my next career adventure! We got married and I started my career in Toledo, Ohio. A few years later, we moved to Atlanta, and then to Houston.

So one might think we've had enough "mobility"-but alas, no. I started traveling heavily a couple of years ago, especially internationally. Asia, Africa, Europe, South America. All great places, and the experience intrigued me.

I thought, what if rather than passing through, we actually lived somewhere outside the US for a while? Fortunately, the company I work for is global, and our global mobility program allows for assignments in many places around the world. Last fall, I asked our global leader if this type of assignment was possible, and thankfully, the answer was a resounding "YES"!

Our plan is to be on the ground in Brussels (with 2 of our 3 kids-one is staying in Texas to attend University) by mid-June. We are truly excited to have the opportunity to experience other cultures,peoples, language, and of course food and in Belgium-fine beer!

We look forward to providing a chronicle of our adventures over the next couple of years, and welcome any advice or wisdom you can provide!

Strange but True

Well, I can say as an expat on his way to Belgium (mid-June, 2010), although I am confused, I am not concerned. As an American, we've had a stable government for roughly 300 years, and although we have a strong split of opinion (especially post-NoBama), we will ultimately settle our differences and move on.

While it appears the most recent government strife in Belgium is much like many in recent history, I am perplexed. A wonderful nation with strong heritage (albeit from different cultures - melting pot of USA anyone?), wonderful people, beautiful cities and countryside, food, wine (ok-imported), beer, and did I say people, I find it hard to understand the split and or lack of common purpose of countrymen/women.

I will continue to follow the news, well into the future, but think it's time the Belgian government go over itself, and allow Belgium to be the wonderful place it is. We truly look forward to our time there, and hope to have a wonderful experience!