Sunday, December 09, 2007

Update and Thank you!

Thank you for all of your advice and suggestions for packing. Packing for several climates at once when you can't really bring much is hard but I will figure it out. I'm most stressed about my footwear. I have had several trips ruined because of blisters and when I get blisters I tend to get them on the soles of my feet. I will definitely be bringing moleskin to China. Now I'm on the hunt for a 2nd pair of shoes to bring. Either Merrill's or tennis shoes. I'm not sure but I will need to start breaking them in now.

In other news, Our Visa's and passports arrived a few days ago. We also have purchased our tickets. We leave on the 2nd and return on the 16th! We will arrive in Beijing on Thursday and tour for several days. Then we head to Nanchang for 5 days (where I will receive Abby on either the first or 2nd day there :=P) then head over to Guangzhou for the final part of the trip. We fly back to the US out of Hong Kong. We are considering taking the train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong.

I think all of the excitement has caught up with me. I have been so tired this weekend and really have not gotten anything accomplished except sleep. After a pretty chilly last week, We have another 70 degree day on tap for tomorrow and expected 60 to 70 degree temps pretty much all this week. No wonder everyone is sick. Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

18 comments:

Kim said...

It is about time to go.... Can't wait to see Abby in your arms...
I am sooo excited for you...
Hugs to you girly...
I would take a pair of tennis shoes..

Birdie said...

Hello! I read your blog and just wanted to let you know about some great tennis shoes. Well running shoes actually. I have issues with getting blisters on my heel and the side outer arch. and I found these gems last year when training for a half marathon. They are new balance running shoes, and they are VERY VERY comfortable. AND get this! they weigh like 7 ounces! the tops are a mesh fabric for ventilation and the shoes hug your arches and no sliding, they fit like a glove. Check them out at finish line!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to tell you I think your referral picture is the CUTEST I've ever seen, and I read a lot of blogs. I can't wait to see the picture of little Abby in your arms!

Donna said...

Just a few weeks away! How exciting!

PS your weather sounds dreamy to me...freezing rain and 20 degrees here!

Marla said...

Yay, the countdown is on! I can't wait to follow your trip and see that cutie with her Momma! :)

Catherine said...

what fun to be packing! Glad you're getting such good advice. My feet are very particular too. Hopefully you'll find the shoes you need soon so that you can begin to work them in.

Stay well friend. It won't be long now!

Anonymous said...

Jenny, have you thought about wearing Crocs? They even have the fur lined ones now?? Just a thought. I found them to be the only shoes I could wear this summer before I had back surgery and had to be on my feet for a long time. Loghan and I are looking forward to "showering" you with lots of love and presents=)

Anonymous said...

Get some rest! You will need it here real soon. I am just bouncing up and down inside for you! I can't wait to hear all about China and Abby!

fuzzandfuzzlet said...

Shoe tips.

When I worked retail and was on my feet for hours these tips saved my soles (lol.. bad pun I know)

If possible change shoes during the day. Different shoes will cause different pressure points.

If you can`t change shoes change socks. This might come in handy for site seeing.

Wear thick, all cotton socks if possible. This causes less friction and helps absorb a bit of impact.

Try a gel shoe insert. You may want to buy these now and get use to them.

Don`t go barefoot when you are in the hotel. Wear a nice, thick but soft slipper.

dreamer said...

first off, I HUGE congrats to you. I read your blog a lot but never comment much anywhere online.

As for the moleskins... uhm, YESSSS! I took them for a 'camping' trip, or what i thought would be a camping trip. You know, back the car up and dump everything on the site, running water, no physical exertion... We hiked the White MOuntains of NH. The last time I let ANYONE plan a camping trip! Their idea was to hike in5 miles the first day, 7 miles the next and back out 12miles the last.

NO BLISTERS. I took their advice adn preapplied moleskin to the areas I might normally see blisters.

Go for it. Also, we are a Merrill family. We love them, but look for a store with a large selection, their shoes are heavily geared to very separate lines (hiking only, running mountains, walking... you need to get the walking ones.). THey have a pair with "no tie", not velcro though, laces, we've gone through 3 pairs each.

Deb said...

Glad to hear your catching up on some well deserved sleep.

My wish for you is "Slow sleeps" so you will be full of energy when Abby comes!

Gail said...

Sounds like you got it all under control!!
Research the train ride though.
I haven't heard positives about the train.
Crowded, hot, air conditioning not that great, and you will have a baby in tow.
The flight from Guangzhou to Hong Kong is about 1 hour, quick, not sure how long the train ride is.
Just another thing to think about..sorry.
Just wanting the best possible way to go with a baby.

Deb said...

Jenny we traveled at this time of year 4 years ago.....so I know how you feel about the packing....I took only 3 pairs of shoes....one very comfy leather pair and running shoes. They were really perfect for all 4 cities that we were in. My coat was one that had a zip out lining....Bejing I needed both layers and Guangzhou, only one.

We also traveled to Hong Kong and are so grateful that we did. We spent a couple of days there with my parents and it is such an amazing place!!! Do stay for a few days if you can!!!

I am so excited for you....the countdown is on!

Deb said...

oops....we traveled 3 years ago at this time!!

Deb said...

OMG....I took only 2 pairs of shoes.....I think I have gremlins in my posts tonight! :)

kitchu said...

You do realize that January 2nd will be here in a flash. I mean... hello. A flash.

I'm freaking out crazy mad excited for you. FREAKING OUT...

Heather said...

Oooooh I'm SO excited for you. When's Gotcha Day, mine is 1/9, when is yours going to be?

No advice on footwear...I just recommend you wear what you think you'll be most comfortable in. I brought sneakers and never wore them...I'm most comfortable in my loafers that I wear to work everyday, and that's what I wore in China.

And isn't this weather wacky? I've got a cold and was down all weekend with it. Crazy weather!

OziMum said...

OK... I'm officially an idiot - I thought we were leaving in 14 days, but you said All that for 14 days. I've gotta stop reading blogs at 1am?!!

Anyhoo - yay! for getting your flights all booked! I'm sure it was torture this time of year?

All I can say re: the shoes, is buy a brand you know well. My feet like Reebok. I keep tryin other (cheaper) brands... yucky. I recommend sticking with what you know!