So much for being perfectly organized. Today I am in full-on panic mode and am feeling the urge to grab every single thing I can and shove it in a box. But then I remember that CS2 is just not going to accomodate that, no matter how hard I might wish.
I think I will just breathe deeply and play the "Worst Case Scenerio" game. I've been doing that a lot lately as a means of keeping myself from running away from home.
After my appointment today, I am going to come home and pack one or two last minute items. Everything else is going to be left alone. Period. Kaput. No touch-y.
Tomorrow, the nice moving men will come gather and haul everything that is packed over to the new place and I will take a few days to put it all away. Remember that famous map? Well, I'm going to dust that sucker off and follow it to the shelf, letter, and drawer.
Then, when CS2 is completely free of boxes and packing paper and my underpants are in their drawer and my stitchy stash is safe and sound, I will come back here for a little bit each day to begin the clean up process. If I come across something that I just absolutely have to have (and, more importantly, there's room for it) I'll pack it up, stick it in the car, and haul it on over.
The worst case scenerio is that I end up with a huge amount of stuff that I just can't part with, but that I don't have room for. In that case, I will pack it up, call the nice movers back, and have them haul it to their storage facility for safekeeping until I can figure out what to do next. (Which, for you astute readers and commenters out there is exactly what many of you suggested I do in the first damn place.)
I really don't think this is going to be necessary, however, since I'm pretty sure that once I get settled I won't even remember what's left behind. I just need to remind myself that this is the beginning of a new life...so for pity's sakes...don't drag the old one behind!
Chaos has ensued here in Hoosierville, and I'm certain that the mess is playing havoc with me in more ways than one. Combine that with the fact that I haven't stitched, cooked, read, or slept well since this whole adventure began, and it's no wonder that I just want to sit in the corner and suck my thumb for a bit.
Twenty four hours. I just need to get through the next twenty four hours and all will be well once again.
Your in the final stretch girl - you can do it - one foot in front of the other. Good plan - put most of it away - save the boxes in case you need them to pack up "stuff" to go to storage before getting rid of them. Just think tomorrow night a new room for you and the big girl sleigh bed! A new adventure one that won't require as much work to keep up with. You can concentrate on your health and getting better with stitching, watching tvee and of course reading to keep your mind occupied until the big new kidney day! How long will you be off line or have you already had the internet and cable set up in CS2? Good luck with everything - can't wait to read your next two articles in NN on your adventures of moving!
ReplyDeleteWhat is NN? Must read this! -Mary
DeleteNN = Needlepoint Now. Coni writes a column. http://www.needlepointnow.com/
DeleteSusan
Coni.......When I read this quote you immediately came to mind. "It was her habit to build laughter out of inadequate materials." The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
ReplyDeleteAs I've read your blog for several years it is amazing that you can take a situation that is mundane, heartbreaking or chaotic and somehow make us all laugh. Downsizing feels like losing weight, even getting rid of needlework that has been collecting for too many years.
Just hang in there, Coni. We are all cheering for you! As difficult as this is, you'll make it and it just might be the best adventure of your life! Thoughts and prayers being sent!
ReplyDeleteI've had several times in my life that I've said those same words.....just 24 hours....if I can just get through the next 24 hours !
ReplyDeleteI am blessed and happy to say that those particular trying days are far behind me, and only a memory. Sure, there will probably be more ahead, but the LORD will see me through those as well ! Bless you, Connie, thank you being so real and sharing your journey with us.
In a former life I used to do the audit and tax work for a wonderful couple who owned some of the first storage units in my area. As a side, he was a very large man. He was not fat just tall and very muscular. I always told him he was my biggest client. The wife told me the most satisfied people were those who used the facility just to give them time to make a decision about what to do with things they just couldn't leave behind after a life event. She also told me when they came back to make a decision almost all of them would only take two or three things and the rest would be sold or given away. I realize you are an avid reader, but if you haven't read A Gift From the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh or A Journal of Solitude by May Sarton I think they could help you a little after you find time to read again.
ReplyDeleteA Giift From The Sea is such a beautiful story. It's on my forever to keep bookcase. I have not read the other so must look it up. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteDo not allow the bliss of Saturday to flee from memory...it was a good time, meant to bolster your spirits for Tuesday so don't let Monday squash them. You have laid out the map so well and followed through.. once tomorrow is behind you, you will get your new digs in order and then, with time, will resolve the questions on the remaining items. As you say, with their being out of sight and mind, the decisions may just take care of themselves. You will feel freer and lighter in a few days.. promise. You are being prayed for and buoyed, dear one....
ReplyDeleteI recently had to part with a large unwieldy item that no longer functioned well for my house. The item was laden with memories of my late husband, whom I miss every day. It took me some time, but I came to realize that the memories were not the item itself but OF the item. That made it easier to donate it, as I will always have the memories. I admire you so much for the way you have approached and gone about your down-sizing. There were great uplifting days, and there were days when you just had to retreat to your big girl bed and have a good cry. But through it all, you kept going forward. Bravo, Coni.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow afternoon, make the bed as soon as possible so it will be ready to fall into. Get the bathroom squared away so you can hit the shower before falling into bed. Set up the coffee maker for the next morning. These are things I learned after downsizing just last year. And remember where your shoes are. I couldn't find mine for three days. But now I'm happily nesting in a lovely new place that really feels like home.
ReplyDeleteSmart smart smart!! All wonderful tips.
DeleteToo late for this now but for others.....I have a big (40 at or so) tote box with wheels in the back. Before a move, I fill it with sheets, coffee maker, extension cords, a pan or 2, snacks....anything that will make the first few days better. It's invaluable. I don't have to rummage through boxes looking for essentials and can focus on unpacking.
DeleteHave used it for the last 3 moves, and think I would have lost my mind this last one if I hadn't filled it up.
Experience is such a great teacher isn't it?!
DeleteSorry Coni but I'm hijacking your blog for a moment to address your lovely commentors. People, you are the most helpful, thoughtful, kind- hearted, sweet, funny, generous, loving folks. I smile after every visit here. Between Coni's posts and your comments...well you all just warm my heart and give me wonderful examples of how to live.
ReplyDeleteJust had to say that!
Good luck Coni. If it helps you any all of your feelings are normal and unavoidable....even without kidney troubles
! You're almost there hon.
DITTO that - you have a really great following and we will miss you terribly while you are off line between the old and the new living quarters. One lady is right - make your bed - get your shower (don't get stuck in tub)& get your damn good cup of coffee so you can get a good nights sleep and then just sit around the next day and look at your boxes they aren't going any where!
DeleteKeep your soul focused Coni. It's just around the corner and you have worked hard. Get ready to enjoy your new digs!
ReplyDeleteConi, you can do this. I like the advise about getting your bed made, your bathroom put together and the coffee set up to brew for the next morning. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Coni! Moving house, apartment, or whatever is always a nightmare so be a brave girl and stick with it just a while longer. Sending you gentle hugs from Normandy xx
ReplyDeleteFrom my husband: don't pile stuff on your bed at CS2, as you'll just want to "crash" without cleaning it off the first night.
ReplyDeleteAlso, set up the kitchen next (after bedroom), so you can eat!
Good luck -- I have faith in you that you'll get through this. Inhale...exhale...inhale...exhale...etc.
Lynn in southern NJ
Perfect. Storage should take the pressure off you of having to make decisions on every single item during the stress of moving.
ReplyDeleteIt is almost over. xo Just remember to breath :)
ReplyDeleteI went to my Sampler Guild meeting yesterday and it was wonderful! We had a demonstration on topping boxes with needlework. Our secretary was the presenter and she was so clear I think I might be able to do it! I just love guild day!
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