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Pragmatist
Pragmatist

Entry
Thu Sep 04 2008

Well, peeps, I have no idea what's going to come out of this entry. While DD was unavailable, I had lots to say, but now...

In preparation for the move up North, I've gotten rid of a ton of books. And pieces of my heart. Giving up a book is traumatic, but let's face it: If I haven't read it in 10 years, and it's an author I don't know, and I can't remember anything about the story, and it doesn't look all that interesting anyway, well toss it.  

My friend Joan comes over every Wednesday afternoon, and we go through the bookcases, and now I have one shelf completely empty. Next week I think we'll start going through the boxes in the storage unit.  That is going to take a good while. Boxes are stacked high in an 8' x 5' room. Some of the books go directly to recycle--no covers, pages missing--and others are advertised on freecycle.com. The only books Joan still has are those she's intending to take to the library, or senior centers, or wherever.  I couldn't do this by myself.  Joan is my kick in the tush. Bless her!

Megan's phone has been disconnected for a couple weeks now. Drives me nuts. No way to get in touch. Don't know any neighbors, or even how to get her at work. Snailmail is aggravatingly slow.  I know there are some books she'd like to have, and I'd be happy to send them to her.  But by the time an answer could come back, the books are gone. Besides that, I worry. Is everything OK except for the money to pay the bill?  OK, so I'm going to rely on the USPS to handle the mail promptly.

Summer is hanging on. Temperatures are still in the 90's. I'm ready for a change. I keep track of Vancouver weather. The icon shows up on my screen as soon as I've logged in.  I expect I'll have to add some warm clothes to my closet once I'm up there. And have my raincoat cleaned and waterproofed. That can wait.

I'm looking around to see what furniture I can leave behind. Certainly the big blue recliner will get a new home. I'll offer it on freecycle when the time comes. Maybe a couple of upholstered side chairs. I've already gone through the closet, and Goodwill has some dresses that someone else might like to have.

I PROMISE: When I move to my new home, I will not read the paper in the living room. I will not open the mail, especially the bills, in the living room. I will not eat in the living room. I will not do "projects" in the living room.  The mess will be confined to the back room where the computer, files, and stuff can't be seen from the front door. 

Can I also promise not to let the mess occur in the first place? Maybe. Maybe getting rid of stuff now will be a lesson to take with me not to let stuff happen in the first place.  Hmmm, well, that's the challenge.

I'm working on two speeches for Toastmasters. I don't have the schedule, so I don't know when I'm scheduled for speeches, but I hope I'm scheduled for once a month. I want to get my Competent Communicator done before I go to Vancouver.

Okaaay. I'll stop babbling for today. Maybe tomorrow something more significant will come to mind.


Bless

7 Comments
  • From:
    Dustbunny3 (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 04 2008
    I can tell this not your first Rodeo with moving. You are doing it very well and a move now and then is a good way to shed the clutter.
    This is not EASY but makes a New Start much easier and less hassel.
    Don't over DO sing while at it .
  • From:
    Mamallama (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 04 2008
    Oh honey, just babble away.
    We are all so darn glad to be back and catching up.
    Sounds like you have your work cut out for you.
    Always remember, MOVE is a four letter word.
    But so worth it when you're going someplace better.
    Hugs, Tiggs
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 04 2008
    There's nothing like a worthy goal to get us moving in the right direction eh?

  • From:
    MissTick (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 04 2008
    The move is always easier when done without a baggage. the lesser old memories we take with us, the more space we will have to create new memories to enjoy. Best of luck in downsizing your stuff-to-take.
    Lana
  • From:
    Welshamethyst (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 04 2008
    RYC: They ARE waiting for us. Any creature that is that loving and loyal HAS to have a soul and if pets aren't welcome in Heaven, then I'm NOT GOING.
  • From:
    Welshamethyst (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Sep 05 2008
    RYC: You're right. Humans are the only species on the planet that annihilate for pleasure so in the grand scheme of things that reduces certain members of the human race to nothing better than swine.

    With companion animals they show us love and devotion and I think that elevates them, in some cases, above the human ability. A dog that has been beaten will still cling to a human master and show unconditional love and devotion.

    I, personally, cannot show unconditional love so I'm reduced and humbled by the souls kept in our care who can.
  • From:
    DancingButterfly (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Sep 05 2008
    Vancouver as in Canada? Wow!
    You're very brave, I hate giving up my books too. Had no choice a few years ago, and kept the ones that I re-read each year. I suspect I'll soon start building up a collection again one day, especially now that I actually have a few dollars *gasp*!