Moving: Do it like a pro

Here we are again. Another address change. Definitely not the last (unless Jesus comes back soon...which would be aaaaaaawesome!).

I'm writing down these notes for my future self as much as I'm imparting tips to any of you who might find them useful.

General moving tips

• Before the move, make a pact with your partner that you will remain friends. Make a tremendous effort to protect your relationship. It is a stressful time. Don't forget to cultivate your relationship throughout this period. Hug a lot.
• Ensure that the place you are moving into is clean before moving day. Make sure cabinets have all been wiped down, the fridge has no funk, carpet as been cleaned, and things are generally in good order before moving things in.
• When disassembling furniture, beds, lamps, etc., put the hardware in a plastic bag along with any written assembly tips and tape it to the item itself.
• Designate a box (or preferably a clear bin) called "Essential Items" that should be accessible throughout moving day. Include the following:
• Snacks 
• Pen/marker 
• Packing tape 
• Scissors 
• Tape measurer 
• Basic tools 
• Flashlight 
• Toilet paper 
• Paper towels 
• Cleaning supplies (including bleach wipes) 
• Dishes & utensils (disposables) 
• Garbage bags + plastic grocery bags 
• Ziplock bags 
• Hand soap 
• Dish soap + sponge 
• Towels + hand towels 
• Toiletries 
• Shower curtain 
• Bedding 
• Electronics + their chargers
• Don't hate on those who never help you move even though you've helped move their asses a ton of times. (That's us. Sorry.)

Where to find boxes

• Craigslist free listings - Look for bubble wrap and packing paper, too.
• Liquor stores - Since these are rare nowadays, look for places like BevMo!
• Grocery stores - Most of the time, the people to ask are the folks in the produce section. Most other boxes are broken down and crushed immediately to save space. But sometimes you can catch some produce peeps with fruit boxes (which are nice because they are sturdy and have handles).
• Parents of babies in diapers - Those bulk diaper boxes typically come with dandles and they are great for moving.
• Printer paper boxes are also nice and sturdy.
• UHaul also has this take-a-box/leave-a-box program where people dump off their used boxes and you can pick them up. Sweet!

Packing

• Get way more boxes than you think you need. Get a variety of sizes.
• Make awesome moving labels. Spend way more time perfecting them than actually packing.
• Also, do spend an exorbitant amount of time compiling the perfect "Packing Mix" playlist on Grooveshark. While you compile this playlist, also blog about it.
• Pack plates vertically for maximum protection. And, of course, cushion each piece with packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Don't pack away sheets and blankets just yet. For the linen pieces that are easily washable, leave them out so they can be used to cushion your furniture, TV, etc. on moving day.

Change of address

Change your address here:

• The post office
• Work/school
• For those in this region: Puget Sound Energy
• Church directory
• Car insurance
• Department of licensing/DMV
• The bank
• Credit cards
• Gym (what's that?)
• Places where you owe money

We're really tired. But we're very grateful to be back in Seattle again! I feel alive to be in the city and to be closer to the ocean.

Seriously, though, the next move will be our last move. Ugh.

Goodbye Seattle

After 2.5 glorious years in Seattle, we moved back to the Eastside when Richard decided to sell his house (and someone quickly bought it!).  We are VERY thankful to the multitude of friends & family members who were willing to come and help us move all of our stuff over!

One highlight of our new location is that we live across the street from an Old Country Buffet.  Although, we still haven't been there yet since our move.  Proooobably a good thing.

Fast fowarding!!

Lots to catch up on!  We are back in the States and here's a brief recap.  Previously, on Ngium...

Re-entry was difficult for us because we missed Macau so much.  But God is faithful and we were delighted to reconnect with many good friends.  This is picture of me harvesting cherries from our backyard in Issaquah (now Chung and Alice's house) to make a pie.

 Newborn triplets

 3-year-old Hannah

In September of '06, my brother & his wife had triplets -- Hannah, David, and Ben!  David & Ben had congenital health issues and passed away at 15 and 26 months, respectively.  They were wonderful boys and have left behind an adorable & very sharp older sister.

before

after

In the Summer of '07, we started renovating our friend Richard's house in Seattle and started renting it in the Fall.  By "we," I mean us and a TON of our kind-hearted friends.

Chin completely surprised me with a trip to Vegas in December '07!  That was fantastic!!

In March of '08, we rendezvoused with the Klines in Viet Nam!  It was really good to see them before they started producing another stinkin' cute baby, Brandt.

In June of '08 came Anna Jane (born to Alice and Chung, who's Chin's older brother)!  A little ball of energy who I often refer to as, "My niece Anna Jane.  Half girl.  Half squirrel."  She is one of the smartest kids I know!!

Another smart kid that I know is me -- Bao Ng.  I got into the UW School of Nursing and started there in Summer '08.  The MEPN/GEPN program was where I met some amazing folks who will hopefully remain in my life forever.  I graduated with a BSN in Summer '09 and am currently in a Family Nurse Practitioner program ... that never ends.

Chin picked up volleyball and has been very passionate about this game!!  Here is a picture of him going up for a ball.  He'll say, "Don't post that picture!  My timing's way off!"  But I don't know any better and I think it's a pretty cool shot of him jumping. :)

 

 In front of San Marco - Venice, Italy

During Spring Break of '09, GT, Anh Nguyen, Chi Mien, Chin & I had an opportunity to travel to Italy!  It was my first time in Europe and it was so memorable.

In March of '09, we found out that we were pregnant!  During a routine, mid-pregnancy ultrasound, we were told that our little girl (who we called "Peanut") had some severe health issues that would put her life in jeopardy.  Three weeks later, she passed away.  We named her Penelope Emmanuelle.  We still miss her and we love her very much!

We found a new church community to be a part of -- Rainier Avenue Church -- and we have discovered that we are enjoying being part of this body more and more as time goes by.

Our friends Yosh & Kym got married in November of '09 and gave us a great excuse to go visit Hawai'i for the first time!  That was one of the most pleasant trips we've ever taken.  Because of that trip, we wanted to call our next baby "MacNut."

So, that's the recap, folks!  Much more to come. :)