Tuesday, June 3, 2008

19 Days Before D(eparture) Day: The Joy of Distractions


Low Priority Items

First Priority Pile

The pile of boxes to be packed and shipped on Thursday and Friday is growing. My husband, Art, ever the engineer (retired or not) got the actual measurements of the 20 foot moving container and proceeded to map out the volume we’d have for our belongings on our family room floor. Well, we could see that it’s going to be awfully hard to get everything we'd designated as first priority to be shipped into the container so now we’re severely prioritizing what we’re bringing even more. That old painted dresser that was left for us by the previous owners of the house may, just may have to stay behind along with this chair that we like so much. The chair had been painted beige and it took us forever to strip it and return it to its natural shade. Chairs, I’m afraid take up a lot of room. Maybe if I left behind that extra bookcase? Or maybe the extra cedar chest? Or….there is the china set for four that my mother saved to buy when I was a teenager? She figured I would have two children and didn’t think I would need china for guests. I’ve never used it because it’s too pretty to use for everyday and there’s not enough for guests. But no, I can’t leave that behind either……….

Ah well, our daughter and granddaughter are coming to spend the day so that's something to look forward to. We'll also be going to a farewell luncheon with our favorite "Friday Lunch" couple. It's ironic that our last lunch together will not be on a Friday that's been our usual day to get together. It's nice to have distractions to calm me down. Funny, but blogging calms me down, too!

Tomorrow will be the final day to make all the important shipping decisions before the movers come on Thursday. What are the chances for good weather? What are the chances that nothing gets stolen, broken or forgotten?

17 comments:

  1. Gosh, it all sounds so nerve-wracking. A move in the same country is bad enough, but going abroad seems even worse. You simply must take the painted chest of drawers with you - you'll never be able to replace that. I'm amazed you're finding time to blog - have a good lunch and loads of luck with the move.

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  2. It's hard to put into words how much I wish you some peace of mind and soon! I have read your blog back to the beginning and I sense a feeling that we are kindred spirits. My words of wisdom for you are twofold: stay in the present[otherwise the move will overwhelm you more. Moving is a very stressful event.
    And secondly, I have found that the anticipation of something is always worse than the real situation.
    Hang onto some positive vibes.
    I wish you the best!
    And one day at a time.

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  3. what an adventure, remember your stuff is just things, you will acquire new things in hawaii. good luck with it all, have fun opening up a new chapter in your lives.

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  4. Yes, the painted chest MUST go with you to Hawaii. It's beautiful. And I agree with GLinda that the anticipation is always worse than the actual situation. Hang in there. You're doing great.

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  5. I find myself getting butterflies in my stomach everytime I stop by your blog and the countdown days are getting shorter.

    Lucky you on being able to organize your packing. I tried to do that but, Hubby is the "just-throw-it-all-in-the-truck" sort. I couldn't keep up with anything.

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  6. Your moving to Hawaii? WOW :)

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  7. I can hardly imagine what you are going through. It's going to be so difficult to be away from your children.......I'm going to stop belly aching about not seeing mine very often when they are so near.

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  8. Rather you than me, cor, sounds very frustrating job.Good luck with it all.Sell it all - then win the lottery and but new.lol.

    Thanks for your visits to my blog and your kind comments.

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  9. Good luck with it! We used to have a neighbor named Nathan who got rid of anything he hadn't used in three months. He traveled light! Of course, his wife was in the Army, but he kept her despite their long separations!

    Perhaps Nathan's approach will help with whatever doesn't fit in a box! Good luck.

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  10. Hi! It is nerve wracking trying to figure out what goes and what stays. I have to say that the dresser is beautiful. I hope that you will be able to take it. I had to chuckle about your husband. I know a couple of engineer's and that is just what they would do. Take care. It will all work out in the end. Lisa

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  11. Gosh, sounds all very hectic... I wish you much luck and happiness.
    Thank you for dropping by my tips and hints blog and hope that something there will help you will your life and all that you are enduring!
    ~Michele~

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  12. Wow! Moving to Hawaii must be like a dream. I'm always wanted to go to Hawaii. Lucky you:)

    Have a wonderful life at your new home:)

    Thank you for your nice comment:)
    I'm very happy that you visit my blog:)

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  13. You are so organized Kay. When we helped our daughter move out of state for graduate school her shoes and sweaters took up so much room!

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  14. Good luck on your move. Interesting coincidence, my daughter is going to Hawaii with People to People on June 23rd. She is 11 and will be departing from Montgomery, AL. We are very excited for her.
    Julie

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  15. This sounds so hard....choosing what to keep and what to leave. Best of luck, I know how hard moving can be. :=)

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  16. Looks like you are very well prepared for the move. I have a terrible habit of leaving the packing to the last minute. Fortunately we have not moved for a few years now.

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  17. Firs of all I had a good chuckle at your hubby working out the capacity, ain't that just like a man! LOL

    I like the cabinet and the chair, hard to leave them behind.

    And let me put your mind at rest. When I moved 3 yrs ago I used professional shippers who came in and packed in the UK and then unpacked in the USA. I have ALOT of china, crystal and breakables. There was not a single damaged or missing item at the other end and all they used to wrap was newspaper - I was amazed! So if you are letting them pack then do not worry, if you;re doing it then ask their advice at the very least on how best to pack.

    Hang in there, you'll make it!

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