Thank you, Inese. I will definitely check out those sites. I already have a spreadsheet going on what I need to bring back from Target, CVS, etc...if putting it in a spreadsheet doesn't say loads about my personality!

I'm also trying to think if anything is worth shipping to ourselves. My parents have shipped me some cooking supplies, and I know you can send about 10 lb for $75. Maybe it would be worth it to send some light things, I don't know. My plan is to come to the US with two suitcases, one inside of the other, so that hopefully it counts as one, as long as it's under the weight limit. My husband will do the same thing. We only need some clothes to go home, so hopefully it won't be heavy, then we can load up on what we need to bring back. When I moved here, I ended up bringing 3 suitcases to check, because I'm obviously coming here to live/settle. It was cheaper to bring the extra 50 pounds and pay the outrageous fee on ATN than it would be to ship 10 lb for $75.

Anyway, my husband has a Nook and I have an iPad, so we both download books from barnes and noble. That has come in handy! We're thinking of setting up a slingbox at my parents' so that we're able to watch tv (please don't judge...I need some background noise.)

Good idea about the umbrella. I have two small ones like that, but I didn't bring them because I didn't have the room, plus my husband has an umbrella. I will bring mine back because his is the huge kind that doesn't fold up compact.

Also, if anyone is reading this and is interested, if you have a googlevoice account, you can call to the US for free. It's also cheaper to call cell phones and home phones in FP than if you were to use Skype credits. You can also send texts for free to the US. People can call you and text you for free, provided their cell plan includes long distance (which almost everyone's does.)

Don't forget sweaters and a light scarf for cool days that aren't cool enough for your sweater. It gets chilly during the Austral winter.

So much is more expensive (or just not available) in Tahiti as it is at our big-box stores. I'd stock up on sunscreen, rash guards (full body or just tops), batteries (or better yet, solar chargers for things like cell phones), as well as all the hardware items listed by others. You may want to bring some basic pharmacy items from Costco (Advil, etc.). I'd also bring a ton of my favorite lady products, as the stores out in the Australs have a limited selection that may not stock what you prefer.

Man, your bags are going to be packed!! It will be so worth it though. All those little comforts from home will help you transition to a new life more easily. I'm excited for you!

Just a quick update on some info, in case you're curious:

We're going to ship our car, which is about $1200, and we can sell it there after my husband's commitment of 2 years (when we'll get a new assignment). We debated back and forth about whether we should bother bringing it, as we could ride bikes there, but since it looks like we'll be importing almost all of our groceries, we decided to keep it so that we don't have to rely on anyone taking us to the boat to pick things up, etc.

I found this website with some good info on the Australs: http://www.ilesaustrales.com/tubuai.html

It seems that there are flights every 2 days, although they are expensive (46100 xpf, roughly). However, you can actually take the boat--I thought it was just cargo--for about 6000 xpf, one-way. They have 12 rooms, and a cafeteria. I can't find how long the ride is or how often it runs. Up until now, we've heard once a month, but some people today said the boat goes there about once a week. I need to "Nancy Drew" that a little more :)

Rumor is that they're working on a faster boat...we'll see!

YosemiteGirl, you should see my spreadsheet for everything I plan on stocking up for...It's now 2 pages, lol. Plus, I put every restaurant I want to eat at this summer. I've lost about 15 pounds since moving here, but I plan to eat at least that much cheddar cheese and queso this summer!! :)

Glad I could be of some help Nat.

Further regarding the car, you should call your insurance and change the island, as insurance for outer islands is less than for Tahiti island!

Further the Tuha'a Pae. It comes rougly 1 every 3 weeks. I would advise you against using it as a passenger in its present state! The new one will come out soon, not faster but more luxurious and like the Aranaui (which services the Margueasas as cargo mixed with full service for passengers).
Check out the following website for more info (will be updated once the new ship arrives);

http://www.philippecolombani.com/snatuhaapae/about-us

You should also know that sometimes due to technical probs or maintenance it won't come regularly so keep that in mind when stocking up on the basics. Consider keeping a jerrycan of petrol somewhere stocked as that is the first thing that usually runs out when there are probs with the ship. Some runs include Rapa making it a very long trip. Duration depends on which itinerary it holds for a specific trip which usually depends on the cargo it is carrying as that determins the sequence of islands to call upon. Roughly from Tubuai to Papeete or vice versa would take between 5 and 7 days. Sometimes only 2 if Tubuai is the first port of call after dep from Papeete.

Flights, especially the Friday one is a very long one hopping to almost every Austral island, bear that in mind when booking as with refuelling etc sometimes it takes 5 or 6 hours to get home or to Papeete. Check the Service Rural in Pirae for you cat and required docs and treatment prior to flying and stock up on anti flee treatment etc and catfood. Be aware of it when it goes outside there's plenty of stray dogs out there.

Funny when people ask advice and one takes the time and makes the effort to reply in private and then....nothing, it keeps surprising me time after time

I did reply privately to you with two emails. I haven't posted on this thread because there's nothing new to report at the moment.