To do before we go

• DONE Take dog to vet. Hope he says she is unlikely to die in the next six months. Get bordatella vaccine in case Grandma M has to board her for a weekend. Vet says her status hasn't really changed since he last saw her in March, but her weight has continued to drop to 45 lbs. We're trying her on a steroid to see if that helps her arthritis and gut. The steroid has done wonders for her appetite and general wellbeing; we'll see what happens when she finishes the script...
  

• DONE Take family to the Health Dept. for recommended immunizations.

• DONE Get my physical, labs, and chest x-ray.

• Receive confirmation directly from the American School of Doha that J & C are admitted (we have confirmation from CMU but not from the school itself). (school is out - we'll check in when we arrive)
  

• Contact ASD's PTA to volunteer for the fall term.

• Hand off Pittsburgh PTO responsibilities to (ahem) willing volunteer.

• DONE Hire lawn service.

• Find out where we're going to live.

• Find out dress code for children (I know what I'm supposed to wear and cover; but does that mean that we should leave the 3-year-old's adorable sundresses at home?).

• DONE Find out how much we are allowed to bring and how we pack (crates, suitcases?). (RTM checked - can ship up to 8 boxes plus checked and carry-on luggage)
  

• Learn Arabic. (OK, this is a work in progress)

• DONE Make travel plans, including possible side-trip on the way over. (We fly out 8/12 and spend a few days in London before continuing to Doha; we return 12/16)
  

• Make photo album of family, friends, familiar places to look at when we are lonely or homesick.

• Either hire a house-sitter or coordinate neighbors to check on house and care for plants.

• Pack clothes, toys, books, cookbook(s), medicines, familiar non-perishable foods, candy/toys to give as gifts.

• Clean house thoroughly, top to bottom.

• Stow air conditioner units.

• Hand off hamster to friends and dog to Grandma M.
  

How hard could that be?