Moving Back to the US With All My Stationery and Inks

[@InkyRocks]

Adjusted subtitles and translations are up. Leaving on my 14 hour flight to Dulles now!

[@Everywhere2]

So good to have you in this area. I'll look for you at the DC Pen Show. And thanks for putting time and energy into this video for us in the midst of all else you had to do.

[@kat_koe]

safe travels 🤞

[@lizdubdub]

Safe travels!

[@DhirajMulchandaniPhotography]

safe travels !!

[@berryrohseberryrohse8392]

Ah! What a milestone for you, your family, and your pen communities. Because Tokyo's loss is District of Columbia's gain, I find myself hoping that you and Khuê start your own east/west podcast to keep everyone connected across the 13 time zones.

[@InkyRocks]

Yeah, that would be cool. The timing is a bit of a problem. When I did the Appelboom Bites thing, we had to coordinate the times to keep me from having to record at like 2 in the morning!

[@ChadHerring]

As someone in the States, I've so greatly appreciated your videos (and your occasional participation on Tokyo Inklings) and how they've cultivated for me an appreciation and love for Japan and their stationery. Thank you very much! I look forward to following your future adventures.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! I'm excited about all the new stuff to film!

[@SteveAbrahall]

Dear Inky "I see a long Journey and a safe return!" thank you for an absolutely delightful video, may none of your inks spill, and all of your pens and your self arrive safe and sound. Beautiful work as always! 🙂

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! We, at least, made it here and are healthy-so I’m happy!

[@aag24]

Bon voyage, Your Regal Inkiness! Enjoy your trip if you can.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! And we are! It’s exciting trying new stuff (food portions are HUGE here!)

[@claytonmarch484]

I will miss your pen updates from Japan so much! Safe travels and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Europe and US shows and then back to Japan about once a year (can’t give it up yet!)

[@MrsinTN]

Welcome back to the USA! I regret that I never had the chance to meet you when you went to the gem show in Arizona - while I was there on short trips. Loved the video, Alesa!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I’ll be going to the next one in 2025! Maybe I’ll see you then!

[@archivist17]

LeavingJapan?! That must be heartwrenching, dear Inky ❤ Hope you have a completely successful move, and a simply wonderful new chapter in your life 💐

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much. I’m quite nostalgic about not living there anymore but we are already going back in February to visit!

[@LeslieTrew-p3t]

Airline pilot! You are amazing!

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Thanks!

[@peterhofmann8292]

Thanks for sharing, having done a move like this a few years ago, I can understand the complexity of what comes with you and what gets shipped.

[@InkyRocks]

It was pretty wild! We finally got here and are awaiting our shipments!

[@beachypens5247]

"Here, I'm just taking all of my available soft pen cases and rolls and just stuffing pens in there willy-nilly." - As someone who recently moved from the DC area to another part of the country, I felt that. Sending good vibes for an uneventful sea mail shipment. Looking forward to the ultimate unboxing in October

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I will feel like it's Christmas!

[@marilyngardner4269]

The footage of your Tokyo neighborhood was beautiful. I also enjoyed the inside look at what it takes to move a pen, ink and paper collection across the world. What an undertaking! I'm looking forward to following your adventures in the U.S.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! Me too--excited about new stuff to video tape!

[@berika6]

I didn’t expect a casual mention of you being an airline pilot… Good luck with your move, I can’t imagine how stressful it would be to move transcontinentally (and leave the country you lived in for many years)

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It is stressful, but in the end, it’s stuff. I’d hate to lose or have damaged stuff, but we arrived healthy and safe-so I’m good!

[@kuyagords]

Best wishes on the move

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@topazhk]

Thanks for the video record of your upheaval. But it seems all totally in control. And you have Japanese movers assisting you so much of the worry should go. Safe flight and I can’t wait to see what new background you’ll use for your slo-mo ink drops-into-water shots =)

[@InkyRocks]

I know! Like what going to be in the back?? Probably our neighbors! Thank you!

[@octothorpe12]

That Pan-Am logo brings back so many memories.

[@InkyRocks]

The one on my laptop? I get asked about that all the time at security at airports. People love that sticker!

[@randy-9842]

My best wishes for a smooth and uneventful move - may everything arrive on-time and in great shape. Honestly, I'm not sure I can imagine moving so many highly-treasured / fragile things or going without some of them for 4 or 5 months! Hope you have fun and settle in quickly. Airplane pilot on top of everything else? I _am_ impressed!! Godspeed!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! We made it to Virginia and the carryons are OK. So I’m good hahaha!

[@randy-9842]

@@InkyRocks Good to hear, Alesa. Enjoy your new place and rest up a bit. :D

[@Chompadour]

Safe and pleasant travels on your new adventure!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much!

[@gizmogeek23]

I hope your move goes smoothly.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@charettebyreddog]

Wow! Big changes! We moved our family from the States to Australia (including our dog LOL) in 2018 so I empathize with the process of having to prioritize things you pack on your persons and what you can live without for a few months as the shipping container makes its way through the seas. And also it's so true about the packers/movers who do their job so efficiently that you have to be really careful about setting the things aside they shouldn't pack and communicating it LOLS! I had taken a couple oven racks out to clean them before leaving and they got packed up and are here with us in Australia ROFL! Safe travels and sending good vibes for the safe and efficient receiving of your shipped goods! Our movers/shipping company was amazing and it makes all the difference in the stress levels of doing international moves.

[@InkyRocks]

It sure does! These guys were great so I’m really not stressed! Good luck in Australia (which I love BTW!)

[@michaelstephan5272]

Really enjoy your work!! Best of luck with the moving process!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@gadgetstop321]

This was an eye opening video! So much good information, as usual, but shocked that it takes so long for your stuff to get to your new home. It makes sense when you think about it, but it's one of those things that we don't think about on a daily basis. You do a good job of educating us about things we didn't know that we needed to know. Thank you for making this video during such a busy time. I have second hand stress for you now. Best wishes and I pray your move goes smoothly. 😀

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! It's going as smooth as can be expected. One of the things I didn't mention is that we have things in storage, and I'm excited about seeing some pens and stuff that I didn't take to Japan 8 years ago. That's going to be weird! I'll include it in my unpacking and organizing vid later when my shipment comes in.

[@llchapman1234]

I've been in D.C in July, so best of luck with the trip, the move and the humidity 🥵. Good news is that Fall and Spring are beautiful 😊. Welcome back to the States ❤

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It’s hot, but Tokyo in the summer is awful hahaha!

[@marshdrifter]

Moving can be incredibly stressful. I hope yours go smoothly.

[@InkyRocks]

I’m happy with it! We made it to the US in one piece-so it’s all good 😊

[@clarecocophotography454]

Safe travels. Looking forward to meeting you in DC. I love watching your videos. 😊😊😊

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Excited to meet you-I’ll be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See you soon!

[@peggylove1]

What a lovely video but somehow it made me sad. I will miss you taking us on virtual tours of Japan and also your podcasts with CY and Jacob. Maybe you will still do those long distance, I hope so. Safe travels.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! We plan on returning every 6 months to a year. We should be visiting in February. Plus, I’ll always give CY and Jacob grief!

[@laht8509]

I hope you had a safe travel! And please rest lots. Thanks for the vid!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! The time zone change is a killer hahaha!

[@inkedhappiness]

hope you have made it to the States safely and are by now well settled.

[@InkyRocks]

We are here safely-thank you! But I’m working on two videos in the closet because the house is so empty, it echoes! About another two months of this!

[@inkedhappiness]

@@InkyRocks now to wait for all the stuff to arrive. then unpacking and rearranging them individually. you have daunting days ahead. may god give you the strength :)

[@HeidiRaatz]

Thank you for taking the time to make such a helpful video in the midst of your move! Had a lot of flashbacks to our own transatlantic relocation a few years back while watching this. Safe travels and all best for your new life adventure.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! We arrived and it will be like Christmas when my stuff arrive!

[@HeidiRaatz]

@@InkyRocks lolz, kinda. 😂

[@oliviatrelles]

Fantastic video!😊

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! 😃

[@stacys447]

Such a wonderful video. That ice cream cone was amazing!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! And it tasted awesome!

[@stevieladphrao4445]

Thank you so much for taking us along over these years. Safe travels and I am looking forward to your next journey ! All the best with the move back home.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I’m Looking forward to the US and Europe shows!

[@julierak343]

All best for your move!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much!

[@starr-starr]

I hope the move goes smoothly. I’m excited you are coming to Dc, that’s where I live! Maybe one day we will meet. Safe travels

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! Maybe at a DC Pen club meeting or the show! Thanks!

[@Authentication-i3p]

Oh, having just finished a move which included putting almost all of my belongings in storage, I can empathize. This was the first time I had movers do the packing, and they were great at respecting the bits I had carved out to take. All the pens, inks and notebooks came with me; good thing because the storage space is a giant Jenga puzzle. Ain’t nothing coming out of there until I’m in my own place again. And I need my emotional support stationery. 😀. Best wishes with the move; hope to see you at Stationery Fest!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Would love to commiserate with another person about moving-see you at Yoseka!

[@ziawoolzstudiobuzz313]

I hope your move will go smoothly, safe travels! ☺️

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! We got here safe and sound!

[@ziawoolzstudiobuzz313]

@@InkyRocks I’m glad! I bet it’s weird to be back, I hope the transition goes smoothly! 🌸💕

[@isilpausteck]

Best wishes on your new chapter. 🎉

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@freespirit995]

Best wishes for your move! It must have been an extraordinary enterprise. But I look forward to future American pen videos, possibly even a video of how you unpack and recreate a wonderful pen, paper and ink haven in your new home.

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! I'll be doing a unpacking and organising vid about it all! Thanks!

[@pamelamoniz608]

Wishing you a smooth transition back to USA. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Enjoy the DC pen show!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Excited to be here!

[@courtney9212]

The adventure continues 🌸 thanks for taking us along!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome-glad to share. And I like your attitude!

[@inksandanchors]

I loved this video, Alesa but I confess it made me a bit anxious on your behalf packing all your stuff and moving it. I would be tempted to give so much stuff away! Hope everything arrives safely in the US!

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Sorry to make you anxious! I gave away SO much stuff--it was actually kind of fun. So no worries. All the stuff I brought with me, came out just fine. We still have not gotten our shipment so I don't know how the rest of the stuff will come out. Just hoping there isn't ink all over our stuff!!

[@buck-pucker]

What a sweet video.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks!

[@Sonicman415]

Elegant, respectful, and eloquent as always.. sending you best vibes for an uneventful flight, and for overall comfort and smooth sailing, as it were. I think of you often. Of course by the time I am writing this you are already in the US. Welcome! 🩵🩷🩵

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! It’s a rough flight 14-15 hours and it takes a few days to right yourself!

[@bethcunningham4346]

Safe travels to DC! I’m hoping our paths cross since I live in the DC metro area (and I’m excited that you’ll be moving here). Moving is an experience even in the US - but the Japanese movers look like they do an amazing job. I hope to see you soon (perhaps at the DC pen show)!!!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! We’ll definitely meet-I plan on going to club meetings and will be going to 3 days of the DC Show-please say “hi”!

[@sarahburnett6502]

My last move was with military movers so I packed my 20(out of 30) best pens in my carry-on. Honolulu TSA stopped me asking if I had sharp objects. ....it was my pens. :D

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! I’ve had that happen before too!

[@suhua_wang]

Welcome back to the States. May all of your stuff arrives safely and faster than expected. Will you come to the SF Pen Show again? Hope to see you there!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I won't be going this year, but probably next year!

[@VincentDuxD]

To new beginnings 🎉

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely!

[@tbayless8324]

I don't whether to be sad or excited for you. I have so much enjoyed that you were in Japan and showed off pens...inks, and paper that we cannot get in the U. S. But I wish you a stress free trip. Be careful, take care and see you in your next video.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! It’s all an adventure. I also plan on going back about once a year-I’ll be in Japan in November!

[@tbayless8324]

@@InkyRocks Glad you made it safely! Take your time and enjoy your new place and environment! Will be looking forward to your videos when you can!

[@BlueHorseStitchers]

Hi! I realize I'm late to this video but still wish you a warm Welcome Back.💖Don't know if you're still reading comments on this one, but I was fascinated watching you poke a new hole in your Traveler's cover (I dislike that knot on the back, too--makes no sense to me). I would like to do this, too, but can you say whether the new, center location of the knot interferes with the elastics that hold the notebooks, or displaces the notebooks at all? If you do see this and answer, thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! No it doesn't interfere at all. If you think about it, all that knot is, is a very tiny bump. But writing on a bump, no matter how small, is more significant than having it be at the spine end of your notebooks. And if you decide that it DOES interfere with your notebooks, you can always thread it back thru the original hole. No harm done as the hole in the spine is really small. (Hope this made sense!)

[@docfrayon]

Fingers crossed nothing gets broken !! :)

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! But if it does-I’ll live hahaha

[@Perelka_L]

First: ok that's sooo cool you were a pilot!! Main point though: save travels and good luck getting 00% of your stuff where you want it! Also I never heard about pen clubs, I doubt there is one where I am but it sounds so cool as well... With boxes for pens I can relate, I recently moved out (just a few kilometers away) and hearing about box of boxes is somethign I can deeply relate to xD But whoah, the packers sound really super professional!!! Movin to other country though is always so stressful, especialy across the ocean. Honestly, good luck. What I like about this video too is seeing your thought process behind planning videos ahead. It's quite rare to see, and that along with packing... that's a puzzle to witness.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I DO PLAN, but do I FOLLOW THE PLAN??? hahaha! Life gets in the way, but hopefully I'll be better about it!

[@lilit3307]

Welcome back stateside Alesa. I hope your 14 hour flight was smooth and easy! I just made the trek back to America on Monday as well. Wait, you didn't even mention how your rock collection was packed up, that must've taken a while for them too haha! Hopefully I'll make it out to Stationery Fest and see you (and basically everyone??) in August! Thanks for taking us on the whole moving process!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I had a lot of rocks but they just kind of got packed up. Some were quite fragile, but they did a good job. See you in August!

[@catpawrosales4265]

I hope your flight was uneventful and you've both landed safely and had some sleep and relaxation by the time you read this. Moving is always stressful but between continents especially so, but it's kinda exciting too, right? May all the the things shipped arrive safely. I will miss your Japanese views, but hey, change is unavoidable. 💜

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! And we arrived worn out but in one piece. Looking forward to US and Europe shows and will be visiting Japan about once a year.

[@charissau2852]

Ah I have finally had uninterrupted time to watch your most recent video, 3 weeks later. By now you have already arrived in your new home and unpacked and hopefully taken a nap, just in time for the DC pen show. I think you showed a photo once in a previous video from your days in the service, but that was the only hint of your flying career. incredible! I wonder if any of your passengers ever recognized you from YT? Anyway, thank you for yet another amazing mini -movie, which I can't quite believe you had time to put together in the middle of this move. Look forward to the companion piece (UNpacking) whenever you publish it. Meanwhile, may you enjoy the heck out of this new chapter 🙂

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! We are in our house but no furniture to speak of, just some odds and ends we had in storage. It echoes hahaha! I’ll do a vid when everything is put away-maybe an organizing one!?

[@charissau2852]

@@InkyRocks I hope you get comfortably settled in soon! And no more "empty house echoes." And ooooh yes - a vid of stationery organizing sounds very much worth waiting for.

[@Red_Groke_plans]

That moving company has the cutest logo:) Good luck with your move, it's great that you have an opportunity to move your collection. I am currently waiting for a decision on my migration case, which will most likely end with a deportation, so I just sold most of my collection as you can't officially ship anything to my home country where I'll have to return.

[@InkyRocks]

Oh that’s a bummer. But through out all this, I kept reminding myself it’s stuff. I just need for me and my family to be healthy. Best of luck to you 💖

[@Jay_Bird]

There's a lot to love about Japan, especially all of the wonderful stationery stores. I"d also miss the clean and efficient public transportation and all the culture's obsession with the "small details." That said, DC is also one of my favorite cities, and I have no doubt you'll find fun things to explore and do there, too. PS - I had no idea you were an airline pilot!! That's so cool! What kind of plane(s) did you fly?

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, a lot to miss in Japan-but I’ll be returning as a tourist! T-37/38 and Kc-135 in the AF and 727 for American

[@Jay_Bird]

@@InkyRocks That is SO COOL!!! I had no idea my favorite fountain pen KZbinr had such a distinguished career! I don't believe I ever flew an AA 727. I was lucky enough to fly one of their 747s before they went the way of the dodo, but never a 727.

[@InkyRocks]

@@Jay_Bird I'm pretty old hahaha

[@wendyholiday2021]

So much work😮 my best to you always. (This to will pass)

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Thanks!

[@jcparkins]

Welcome back to the US! I hope you had an uneventful flight and all of your treasures arrive intact. But...October?? Slow boat from Japan :-)

[@InkyRocks]

Seriously! We got here in one piece and the carryons are just fine. When my stuff comes in, it will be like Christmas! Thanks Jackie!

[@intentionallyleftblank3016]

13:02 YAMATO TRANSPORT!?! I almost crashed my car trying to photograph a truck with that adorable logo last year! With a logo that perfect, you know they’re good! 😊

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! They are a big delivery and shipping company in Japan. I’d get stuff ordered online thru them. It IS a cute logo!

[@dr.d723]

Thank you for such a great video! I hope that all goes well for you in DC. I imagine it will be a dramatic change from Tokyo. But, remember you can also get Toto bidet toilet seats. 🤣I have one for every toilet in my house! But mine don't have the music.

[@InkyRocks]

We just took possession of our house-now for some curtains… You sound like my husband-he would kit out every toilet with a Toto if he could! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dr.d723]

@@InkyRocks Thanks for the reply. And good luck with your new house and your new life in DC. Personally, I am not sure I would be happy in DC. I'm a western girl, and love the wide open spaces in most of the west. But I wish you well!

[@InkSouls]

That must've been a lot of work. Best wishes on your move! p.s. What's that light blue and white pen at around 8:56? It looks like a Leonardo but I can't be sure. I like the colorway.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It’s a Japan limited Leonardo. It’s called something like “Water Blue” (I can’t remember off hand right now and my pen list is in baggage😂)

[@keaka]

Welcome (soon) to the DMV!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks-excited to be here!

[@kb62147]

Leaving pen & paper paradise...😢

[@InkyRocks]

Seriously!

[@kd5byb]

Oh wow! I'd love to know what plane(s) you flew as a pilot. One of my other loves besides pens is aviation! 🥰

[@InkyRocks]

Piper Tomahawk, T-37/38, KC-135Q/R and 727. Looong time ago!

[@kd5byb]

@@InkyRocks VERY COOL. The KC-135 is a favorite - years ago when I supported NASA I got to rig some experiments on their KC-135-based Vomit Comet. Never got to fly on it, though... :(

[@tuhkathri9126]

Good luck on your journey! I bet you're going to miss having easy access to Japanese pens although you probably will maintain contacts there. The fact that you can nonchalantly buy Myu and Murex pens without having to go through the rapacious ebay prices and exorbitant Japanese shipping prices amounting to hundreds of dollars per Myu pen!

[@InkyRocks]

I know! But I’d like to explore some European and American pens and this is the opportunity to do so. I’ll Be going to Japan in February as a tourist!

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Dogs in strollers are becoming a thing here too. I have an 8mo so I take a peek at strollers that ride by me to see if my baby is about the same size only to be met with a fur ball with its tongue sticking out.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! There are whole stores dedicated to their specialty strollers-it’s pretty wild!

[@strshooter7399]

Ok, Ok, Back in the US, Back in US, Back in USA…. . 1st thing, take a nice, slow, deep breath of air. Now let it out sloooowwwwly. Again…. . That’s good, one more time… . Now, you’re here, things have changed, but they also are the same. If you have a roof over your head, a place to eat, sleep and bathe, you will adjust. Your personnel belongings will arrive at some point, and you will again know you can still survive without those things, but they can make your life a bit more … well enjoyable I guess. I don’t need to know or even want to know the why you’ve returned to these shores, but just having you here in the USA seems good. You never know who you…might see here at a pen show or elsewhere, and that’s a good thing ! 😇👍. I can only echo what everyone else has said, welcome, welcome, welcome back IR, God Bless, you & yours. 🥳🤩🤗🙏😇💐👍😎.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! We are old--we decided to retire a bit earlier than we wanted to because of some family members Stateside that are in ill health. It's good to be closer to them.

[@wrs_101]

1:07 such a distinguished mouse

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! seriously!

[@AtilioEscobar]

What brand is that little glass cup, wand, and spatula in the wood case @12:39?

[@InkyRocks]

It’s a small company out of Okinawa. Glass Studio Isa-na. They don’t sell on-line as of about a year ago. I’ve been meaning to do a video on this. It’s ingenious!

[@InkyRocks]

I just found her shop: isana55.base.shop/ Not sure if she ships overseas

[@konradyearwood5845]

A friend told me that the movers actually packed his wallet! It took them 30 minutes to locate it. 🤣🤣

[@steventrosiek2623]

😂😂❤

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! I definitely identify with that!

[@Danny.._]

You used to be an airline pilot? How have you never mentioned this before? Or maybe you have and I just missed that video or wasn't paying attention, lol

[@InkyRocks]

There really was no reason to bring it up! But I put my cool Traveler's Notebook TWA sticker on my laptop and everytime I go thru security, some pilot asks me where I got it. So I guess being a pilot and a stationery nerd at the same time is kind of rare hahaha!