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!