Greetings and Salutations,
I was one week off from my packing goal. Not too bad I think! Friday I was completely packed except 2 boxes (that I finished today) and a few loose items. I took the weekend off and had some fun. I still have taxes and a few other loose ends to wrap up. And yes-- I still need to wash the damn truck!
Left to clean (other than baseboards and floors): 6 blinds, 6 windows inside/out, 6 windows just outside, and fridge. Fix-it man Tuesday for final repairs etc. Cleaning lady coming Tuesday to discuss future fees. She will complete my team I need to be a landlord. I have a fix-it man, painter, yard maintenance man, property manager, and cleaning person. Sweet.
All the ceilings got painted. They look fantastic. Well worth the expense now. It was the first time in my life I have ever paid someone to paint. Mom and I always did that! I still have to take down the border and paint the dining room. I still feel a mixture of dread and openness to the experience.
There is a Carolina Wren making a nest in the potted ivy on the front porch. It has been fun watching her go back and forth with the building materials. She is diligent and working very hard. I will leave that plant behind so she can have her babies.
I have several bird families that have adopted me and come to my front porch every spring to nest. It can get quit loud out there! They also use the Boston Ferns but I don't have any hanging (yes I am considering buying some LOL). I will miss my little birdies. I sure hope a family (s) of birds finds me to adopt in San Francisco.
Everything I wanted to take fit into the POD like a glove. It was amazing. I am proud of my mad packing skills. 10 years of travel nursing will do that for you I guess. So far the potential casualties are an office chair and the mirror for my dresser. I am thinking I will have room in truck but we will see. It isn't over until it is over LOL.
I am on my final approach for time left in Charleston. I am equal parts happy and sad to leave. I think when I drive out of town I will be tearful. I will deeply miss all of my great friends. I think when I get onto I-10 in Jacksonville, Florida excitement will settle in. California will be straight ahead of me, give or take a few thousand miles :)
It will take me back to 14 years ago in January 2000. Jacksonville was the beginning point of travel for my first assignment in Los Angeles. I find myself this time headed out to make California my new home. Instead of parts unknown, it will be parts well traveled and ready to make a new life for myself.
I (almost) never dream about strangers. When I do I can't see their faces. I usually dream about people I know. Last night I dreamt I was buying a house with my husband/boyfriend. I was excited and happy in the dream that we were deciding on which one to choose and laughing together. Funny, I never saw his face.
Tootles :)
Heather
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Hanging in at 95% Done
Greetings and Salutations,
I have been hanging in at 95% done since Friday and I am OK with that. Didn't loose my sanity after all. Some times I guess it is learning to accept that no matter how hard you try to make things happen in your time frame it isn't always gonna work out that way. I think my expectation of having everything 100% done was unrealistic seeming that I am still 2 weeks away from leaving. Adaptation is a valuable skill to acquire.
Since several ceilings needed repainting (its been 11 years) I thought it best to keep them on the same schedule and repaint them all . Painter starts tomorrow. I have my repair man hard at work on my list of things to get done around the house (install 1 fan, replace 2 others, replace some outlets, address the dryer vent for lint and fire safety, etc). He comes back Friday to finish off list.
Only thing left in the kitchen is last minute stuff and I need to deal with the food. Guest bedroom furniture is going to a new home on Wednesday. Still have a few things to pack up in my bedroom. I still need to decide on rental dwelling insurance.
I am 2 weeks away from bon voyage Charleston! It is getting scary again. It is getting real again. Its funny how you can focus so much on the task at hand (packing) you forget what happens when you are all done (leaving)!
"To Do" List
(1) Taking truck in tomorrow for repairs
(2) Wally World to get few things needed
(3) The dreaded grocery store
(4) Make few calls to help insure informed decision of best rental dwelling policy to chose
I have been working on list of things that need to be done before I can leave (automate some payments, get Murphy's nails clipped, take pictures of house in move out condition, etc). There isn't too much left on the list.
I still have friends to see and some more of Charleston to love and enjoy before I shove off. I'm gonna miss this place, but in my heart I feel one day I will return. For now, it is my season for adventure, finding my destiny, and self discovery of who I am for the second half of my life. I am in love with the possibility of all the possibilities.
Tootles :)
Heather
I have been hanging in at 95% done since Friday and I am OK with that. Didn't loose my sanity after all. Some times I guess it is learning to accept that no matter how hard you try to make things happen in your time frame it isn't always gonna work out that way. I think my expectation of having everything 100% done was unrealistic seeming that I am still 2 weeks away from leaving. Adaptation is a valuable skill to acquire.
Since several ceilings needed repainting (its been 11 years) I thought it best to keep them on the same schedule and repaint them all . Painter starts tomorrow. I have my repair man hard at work on my list of things to get done around the house (install 1 fan, replace 2 others, replace some outlets, address the dryer vent for lint and fire safety, etc). He comes back Friday to finish off list.
Only thing left in the kitchen is last minute stuff and I need to deal with the food. Guest bedroom furniture is going to a new home on Wednesday. Still have a few things to pack up in my bedroom. I still need to decide on rental dwelling insurance.
I am 2 weeks away from bon voyage Charleston! It is getting scary again. It is getting real again. Its funny how you can focus so much on the task at hand (packing) you forget what happens when you are all done (leaving)!
"To Do" List
(1) Taking truck in tomorrow for repairs
(2) Wally World to get few things needed
(3) The dreaded grocery store
(4) Make few calls to help insure informed decision of best rental dwelling policy to chose
I have been working on list of things that need to be done before I can leave (automate some payments, get Murphy's nails clipped, take pictures of house in move out condition, etc). There isn't too much left on the list.
I still have friends to see and some more of Charleston to love and enjoy before I shove off. I'm gonna miss this place, but in my heart I feel one day I will return. For now, it is my season for adventure, finding my destiny, and self discovery of who I am for the second half of my life. I am in love with the possibility of all the possibilities.
Tootles :)
Heather
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Day # 2 Days Left Til I Better Be Done With Moving Process
Greetings and Salutations,
Those of you that know me, know I have the patience of Job. I have to say if I am not done by Friday I am seriously gonna lose what is left of my sanity (don't say it!! LOL). I am O-V-E-R the process but alas, I still have more SHIT to pack. &^%#&*((&^$$*.
OK I think I feel alittle better LOL. I live by "slow and steady wins the race" but damn. Stick a fork in me, I'm just about done. Tuesday I really rocked it. I totally finished the shed! Sorting, throwing away/letting go of, packing and cleaning up took 8 hours with a long lunch break.
Yesterday I could hardly move (thank you Motrin for helping me as much as you did). I had some wicked insomnia and didn't get to sleep until almost 0200. Wednesday started out with packing up next section of boxes (about 10-15) that were ready to go in the POD and it is looking really good. I am soooo close to being done. SO close. I really do think finishing (except last minute stuff) by Friday is a realistic goal (fingers crossed).
Yesterday my prayers and optimism towards the next step of my adventure were answered. I no longer have to worry about plan "B" of a commune to live in--just kidding (sorta) or plan "C" a hotel until I could secure adequate temporary housing.
I have 4 weeks to give me a head start with a friend and her family to find a job and an apartment. After 4 weeks we will reevaluate how it is or isn't working for everyone and how much more time may be needed. Who knows, maybe I will land a job quick-o fast-o and not even make it to the 4 week check in. That would be my vote :)
The "Done" List
(1) "Lilly pad" to land on arrival in SF (initial housing secured)
(2) Shed 100% done
(3) Bathroom 100% done (did that Wednesday)
(4) Worked on more of the Kitchen
(5) Office 100% done
The "To Do" List
(1) FINISH by Friday with packing
(2) Finish taxes by next Wednesday
(3) Wash truck (I know I feel the same way. This will NEVER make it off the list LOL)
(4) Take truck in for last of repairs needed
(5) Make "loose ends" list (what can I say--I'm a list girl!)
Hope you are all great and thanks for keeping up with me on this. I truly feel indebted to you all for your interest and support in my adventure. It means more than I can express. Thank you with all my heart.
Tootles :)
Heather
Those of you that know me, know I have the patience of Job. I have to say if I am not done by Friday I am seriously gonna lose what is left of my sanity (don't say it!! LOL). I am O-V-E-R the process but alas, I still have more SHIT to pack. &^%#&*((&^$$*.
OK I think I feel alittle better LOL. I live by "slow and steady wins the race" but damn. Stick a fork in me, I'm just about done. Tuesday I really rocked it. I totally finished the shed! Sorting, throwing away/letting go of, packing and cleaning up took 8 hours with a long lunch break.
Yesterday I could hardly move (thank you Motrin for helping me as much as you did). I had some wicked insomnia and didn't get to sleep until almost 0200. Wednesday started out with packing up next section of boxes (about 10-15) that were ready to go in the POD and it is looking really good. I am soooo close to being done. SO close. I really do think finishing (except last minute stuff) by Friday is a realistic goal (fingers crossed).
Yesterday my prayers and optimism towards the next step of my adventure were answered. I no longer have to worry about plan "B" of a commune to live in--just kidding (sorta) or plan "C" a hotel until I could secure adequate temporary housing.
I have 4 weeks to give me a head start with a friend and her family to find a job and an apartment. After 4 weeks we will reevaluate how it is or isn't working for everyone and how much more time may be needed. Who knows, maybe I will land a job quick-o fast-o and not even make it to the 4 week check in. That would be my vote :)
The "Done" List
(1) "Lilly pad" to land on arrival in SF (initial housing secured)
(2) Shed 100% done
(3) Bathroom 100% done (did that Wednesday)
(4) Worked on more of the Kitchen
(5) Office 100% done
The "To Do" List
(1) FINISH by Friday with packing
(2) Finish taxes by next Wednesday
(3) Wash truck (I know I feel the same way. This will NEVER make it off the list LOL)
(4) Take truck in for last of repairs needed
(5) Make "loose ends" list (what can I say--I'm a list girl!)
Hope you are all great and thanks for keeping up with me on this. I truly feel indebted to you all for your interest and support in my adventure. It means more than I can express. Thank you with all my heart.
Tootles :)
Heather
Monday, March 10, 2014
Moving Day #Ready To Be Done....And Soon!
Greetings and Salutations,
I had company for the weekend and a well needed rest from packing and stress. It was wonderful and I managed to continue to mark things off the list without putting anything in a box. I feel as refreshed and ready as I can be for the home stretch. I am shooting for between this Wednesday and Friday to be DONE. Then I can take the final 2 weeks to apply for some jobs and get out and enjoy Charleston and this beautiful weather.
This is how the "To Do" list has shaped up:
(1) Signed lease with renters until July 31st
(2) Worked out the kinks in the house insurance and have 2 of 3 quotes in and need to decide which one to choose
(3) Made Keys and purchased another fan for a bedroom (renter wanted it and she is willing to share the cost)
(4) Changed oil in truck and got an overall inspection (belts, hoses, brakes etc) and it is good to go. Still have a few things to repair.
(5) Paint for a room
My renter reminded me of something I had over looked. I have Rainbow Row border in my dining room. Mom and I put that up together. It never dawned on me someone wouldn't like it. The girls want it down. The original plan was I buy the paint and the girls do the deed once I am out of the house (remember the curtains).
It took me a hot minute to wrap my head around it, but I have decided it will be therapeutic to take it down myself. I want to take the opportunity to realize life will go on if I see this border come down. This isn't my home anymore. It is an opportunity for me to grow. I plan to take it with a smile on my face even if there are tears in my eyes. I'll keep you posted on the final decision.
Here is the current list until I sit down at the end of the week and think of loose ends:
(1) FINISH PACKING
(2) finish taxes
(3) wash truck
The morning of the 26th of this month my mom had her first stroke. I really miss her. I hope if she really is watching over me she is happy and proud for what I am trying to make happen for myself and my life.
Tootles :)
Heather
I had company for the weekend and a well needed rest from packing and stress. It was wonderful and I managed to continue to mark things off the list without putting anything in a box. I feel as refreshed and ready as I can be for the home stretch. I am shooting for between this Wednesday and Friday to be DONE. Then I can take the final 2 weeks to apply for some jobs and get out and enjoy Charleston and this beautiful weather.
This is how the "To Do" list has shaped up:
(1) Signed lease with renters until July 31st
(2) Worked out the kinks in the house insurance and have 2 of 3 quotes in and need to decide which one to choose
(3) Made Keys and purchased another fan for a bedroom (renter wanted it and she is willing to share the cost)
(4) Changed oil in truck and got an overall inspection (belts, hoses, brakes etc) and it is good to go. Still have a few things to repair.
(5) Paint for a room
My renter reminded me of something I had over looked. I have Rainbow Row border in my dining room. Mom and I put that up together. It never dawned on me someone wouldn't like it. The girls want it down. The original plan was I buy the paint and the girls do the deed once I am out of the house (remember the curtains).
It took me a hot minute to wrap my head around it, but I have decided it will be therapeutic to take it down myself. I want to take the opportunity to realize life will go on if I see this border come down. This isn't my home anymore. It is an opportunity for me to grow. I plan to take it with a smile on my face even if there are tears in my eyes. I'll keep you posted on the final decision.
Here is the current list until I sit down at the end of the week and think of loose ends:
(1) FINISH PACKING
(2) finish taxes
(3) wash truck
The morning of the 26th of this month my mom had her first stroke. I really miss her. I hope if she really is watching over me she is happy and proud for what I am trying to make happen for myself and my life.
Tootles :)
Heather
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Moving #10 Moving Process
Greetings and Salutations,
Well I have been making steady progress. I have had various helpful hands to get me though different days along the way making this process easier. I am so super grateful for that. This is a lonely and overwhelming process by myself.
It is a journey to learn to be good with where I find myself in the moving process at that moment of anxious awareness. It isn't always where I want to be. Or where I thought I would be. Or working on the tasks in the order I thought I would. I am reminding myself to keep the faith and embrace learning to be in the here and now (and taking LOTS of deep breaths).
Yesterday I took down the curtains in the den and dining room. It really hit home that my house is no longer "my home" and I had to talk myself out of crying. Had no idea it would effect me like that until I looked up when I finished. Isn't it funny curtains were my tipping point? At least I now know the last thing to take down and pack up are the curtains in my bedroom. I won't be able to spend the night in my room after that. Just the thought of it makes me tear up. I really will miss my home.
I am blessed that I have found fantastic renters that have answered my prayers of someone to take care of my house. They really love it and are excited to move in. It is a gross understatement to say I feel relieved.
I have uncovered an unfortunate major road bump with my home owners insurance that I will have to sleep on and do further research to decide how to proceed. I love when the reality of the ways of the world clash with how you thought things work. Its always an interesting lesson when those two lines intersect. I will re-evaluate tomorrow after a few phone calls of fact finding and consultation for advice.
Completed off list:
(1) Renewed SC nursing licence
(2) Appt made for final house repairs (next Thursday)
(3) Secured AC maintenance schedule (1st one in April)
(4) Took care of banking issues
(5) Printed and organized Continuing Ed certificates (for nursing licence)
(6) Set appt for IRA/Roth updating and rollover paperwork (from old job)
(7) Scheduled POD pickup date (March 31st)
(8) Today I found a great home for my wicker childhood bedroom furniture. Major relief and guilt free
----and of course packing up more "stuff". POD is almost 1/2 way filled.
Here is to tomorrow being another productive day. I struck 8 items off my list of 14 (all the room I had on my dry erase board). More to add to the list but I'm getting there for sure. I think I can, I think I can.
Tootles :)
Heather
Well I have been making steady progress. I have had various helpful hands to get me though different days along the way making this process easier. I am so super grateful for that. This is a lonely and overwhelming process by myself.
It is a journey to learn to be good with where I find myself in the moving process at that moment of anxious awareness. It isn't always where I want to be. Or where I thought I would be. Or working on the tasks in the order I thought I would. I am reminding myself to keep the faith and embrace learning to be in the here and now (and taking LOTS of deep breaths).
Yesterday I took down the curtains in the den and dining room. It really hit home that my house is no longer "my home" and I had to talk myself out of crying. Had no idea it would effect me like that until I looked up when I finished. Isn't it funny curtains were my tipping point? At least I now know the last thing to take down and pack up are the curtains in my bedroom. I won't be able to spend the night in my room after that. Just the thought of it makes me tear up. I really will miss my home.
I am blessed that I have found fantastic renters that have answered my prayers of someone to take care of my house. They really love it and are excited to move in. It is a gross understatement to say I feel relieved.
I have uncovered an unfortunate major road bump with my home owners insurance that I will have to sleep on and do further research to decide how to proceed. I love when the reality of the ways of the world clash with how you thought things work. Its always an interesting lesson when those two lines intersect. I will re-evaluate tomorrow after a few phone calls of fact finding and consultation for advice.
Completed off list:
(1) Renewed SC nursing licence
(2) Appt made for final house repairs (next Thursday)
(3) Secured AC maintenance schedule (1st one in April)
(4) Took care of banking issues
(5) Printed and organized Continuing Ed certificates (for nursing licence)
(6) Set appt for IRA/Roth updating and rollover paperwork (from old job)
(7) Scheduled POD pickup date (March 31st)
(8) Today I found a great home for my wicker childhood bedroom furniture. Major relief and guilt free
----and of course packing up more "stuff". POD is almost 1/2 way filled.
Here is to tomorrow being another productive day. I struck 8 items off my list of 14 (all the room I had on my dry erase board). More to add to the list but I'm getting there for sure. I think I can, I think I can.
Tootles :)
Heather
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