No! No!

No, No. The clothes "ON" my back, not off, lol.

Just the clothes off her back

I was just thinking about the comment that LifeAfter60 made when asked what she was taking to Atlanta with her..."the clothes off my back!" Of course, there is a little more than that, but not much. I've been thinking about what is important material-wise to me and what I would take if I were to dramatically downsize as she is doing (if I had my husband, two children, and two dogs, it would be Valium...and lots of it...). Seriously, I'm pretty much coming to a point in my life where I dont' want knick-knacks or clutter around. I want to be surrounded by things I love that have meaning to me, not just extra things to dust. Of course, we have lots of seasonal stuff stored and I guess that could be construed as clutter, but I thoroughly enjoy bringing all of that out annually and having it around during the holiday season.

I truly hope that LifeAfter60's new life and surroundings are everything she hopes for, and more. I know we will enjoy having her closer by, if she's not too busy for us ;-)

Hail, Hail, The Gang Was All Here

It's Friday night and everyone else has given up the fight and retired for the night. The kids are feeling a little nostalgic because this is most likely the last night they will be spending here. My favorite cousin, favorite second cousin, and favorite uncle came over for a while today and even Cuz was feeling a little blue because the family get togethers we've enjoyed here for so many years are coming to an end also. A new era is dawning, but we won't forget family traditions even if they aren't practiced as much anymore.

All in all, it's been a good visit with the family members I love most all here together, missing only son-in-law and cousin-in-law. With a steady rain all day long, today has been a bit hectic, especially for Thirtysomething. Much to Mom's dismay, Little Bit has pretty much given up naps so there's no longer a brief period of time she can relax her guard even for a little while. Considering this, you can imagine how much "fun" her Mom has had trying to keep little hands off all those fragile items spread around my living room.

People are coming in and out buying stuff and I've put as much out as I can fit in there. I'd already done this before they changed their plans and headed south for the holiday. (There's no way I could have picked it all up before they got here as well as no place to put it either.) It has kept us on our toes to say the least.

Adding to that, all the clutter is driving me nuts personally but this is the only way I can handle it right now. I'm feeling especially grateful that all the furniture except one bedroom suite has sold and I have a good prospect for that.

Change of Plans

I've gone from having having no one for Thanksgiving to Thirtysomething, both granddaughters, and my son being here until Saturday so come on over to visit, Cuz.

Unfortunately, Thirtysomething's grandfather-in-law isn't doing too well, is still in the hospital, so she and the children won't be going to Louisiana for the holiday as they originally planned.

I'll be glad to see them of course but it should be an interesting visit with all that glass and other fragile items spread out over the living room. I'll probably have to close it off while they're here. Way too many little hands wanting to touch way too much stuff!

Bad Time?

Way too much packing and lifting lately. My back (as well as some other places) has gotten really sore. A nice Toradol injection this morning helped that immensely though. Thank God for drugs!

This has to be the worst time to sell anything, especially in an area as impoverished as this one, That and an almost 11% unemployment rate leaves so little discretionary cash for people to spend. The antique dealer who has been buying from me is a sweet kid I've known all his life and he has had to really slash prices in his shop. He's trying so hard to hold on here now that I sold it to him wholesale. I just want to get rid of it and get out of here!

More Down, Much More to Go

Antique dealer came again today and helped price some items for me. He also bought a good bit more. Now that's the kind of help I really need!

Memory Problems Too?

Thirtysomething forgot to share her good news. Turns out her grandfather-in-law does not have a malignancy as first suspected but some sort of yet to be identified lung infection instead. He is still not out of the woods though as he hasn't responded to oral antibiotics. He's been hospitalized for IV fluids and medication and all thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated.

Distance Challenged?

That McDonald's was 45 miles away and even I don't drive that fast!

Good news, we hope

DH has a job interview set up for Tuesday afternoon, so we're keeping our fingers crossed about that! It will set us back in our Louisiana Thanksgiving plans by a day or so, but it will be worth it. Only bad thing is, the job is about an hour away. Beggars can't be choosers at this point though, right? At least gas is less expensive for now, and we have a pretty fuel-efficient vehicle for him to get back and forth.

Welcome to preschool parenthood! We have been invited to three separate children's birthday parties on the same day. It's sad when my children have a more active social life than mine, you know? Don't know how we're going to juggle this, but we'll find a way. Oh, and there's another one for one of Roo's friends the last weekend of this month as well. Did my friends not have as many parties growing up, or do I just not remember it? I do recall my first "big" party at the McDonald's a half hour away, when I could invite a few of my third grade friends. Thought I was pretty hot stuff, but guess that's passe for third graders nowadays. Kind of sad.

Closing in Fast

The week has flown by and my deadline is approaching pretty fast when I look at all I have to do but not so fast in terms of wanting to go ahead and get moved.

This nutty weather has put a crimp in going through outside storage rooms but on a positive note, I've gotten most of the stuff that's any good out of the attic. (Whoever winds up with the house will get a surprise when they venture upstairs and find all that left over "junque"). Thankfully, l've sold most of my major furniture, still have the living room set and personal bedroom suite to go. Hopefully, someone will want these soon. After all, they will be getting a real bargain with the price I'm asking!

If you can't come over and help, at least remember me in your deepest thoughts while I am working so diligently.

Talk about tired...

Talk about tired! I'm still trying to recuperate from yesterday when I barely sat down long enough to eat. I'm still having residual stuff from the dust in the attic so I didn't spend as much time up there today. That, coupled with the fact that muscles I didn't even know I had are sore, kept me from doing as much today. I did get a little accomplished though. Also learned an old pewter snuff box is pretty valuable. I didn't even know what it was until yesterday!

On a brighter note, my friend from England called again today. All I am going to say is that he was a perfect gentleman in every way when he was here, quite a rarity these days. He said he wants to visit again after Christmas so we shall see. I did enjoy his company before. He has a great sense of humor and kept me laughing almost the entire visit. He was also very understanding when I broke my foot and put a crimp in his vacation plans. It's really nice when someone is more concerned about you than themselves and shows it.

Until later.......

"Junque" would look fancier

Sorry it's been awhile since I've written. Between Roo's birthday, planning a Thanksgiving trip out of state, and DH's job layoff, I've been so tired every night that I don't even have the energy to check e-mail. Hopefully, Little Bit will sleep better tonight than she has the last few and I'll be more refreshed tomorrow. I did want to put in a line or two, though, just to let you know I'm still here.

No word yet on any jobs, although he has two headhunters looking out for him. It's definitely a lot tougher market than a year ago, when his position was eliminated at his prior company. We're even discussing me going back to work and him attempting to find a part-time position somewhere. My field does not have the earning power his does, but it's a little more stable and would offer benefits. Our primary concern with it is being able to keep Roo in her preschool and someone home with Little Bit, at least until next school year.

Wishing you lots of luck with your "junque."

Whew!

Found out a good way to cut heating bill is to start pulling out stuff and trying to decide how much to sell it for, when would be best time to hold a sale, etc., etc. Actually had to turn the heat off. The temperature in the house got down to 64 but I was quite comfortable until I finally sat down late this afternoon. Started get a little chilly after I cooled off a bit but on the other hand, it's really cold outside so I probably saved a few dollars by not using the unit for the whole afternoon.

I should be able to sleep tonight unless I'm too tired. That would be a real irony but I suppose it could happen.

The worst part is that I've just gotten started good.

Fortunately, a nice young man who knows something about antiques came over and helped some. We didn't finish but he promised to come back and help price the other stuff. Anybody want to buy some "junk"?

Alive and Well

The weekend is almost over and we all survived. My idea of a "wild party" is not two dozen hyped up pre-schoolers going crazy in a fancy indoor playground but I suppose it does qualify in juvenile lingo anyway.

Turns out it wasn't as bad as I expected. (The other grandparents did everyone a favor when they treated Roo to a party there.) Tables were set up in a small room away from the play area and I volunteered to stay there and "watch the cake." By the time the little angels came in for the cake and gift part, they were pretty tired and not quite so wired up. At least not until they had all that sugar!

Except for Little Bit diving into my lap unexpectedly, I came out relatively unscathed. I say relatively because she was covered with cake and icing and glitter which she generously "shared" with me. She was standing on the seat beside me and when I looked at her, she grinned really big and fell towards me. She knew exactly what she was doing. Just as she did when her Mom tried to tell her a particularly loud toy was broken and she told Mom, "It needs batteries." Way too smart for a two-year-old!

Now it's down to business. I got back from Atlanta late today and my work is cut out for me as I prepare for the big move. Any volunteers?

Ok-a-a-a-y

When I went upstairs this morning, I was greeted by even more RSVPs from even more kids. The number, including baby brothers and sisters who don't have sitters, is up to 30. Twenty-four of those are "jumping age" though. Help!!!

Waiting?

I'm still waiting for Thirtysomething to share her funny fish story. In the meantime, I'll be heading to her house in a little while. Tomorrow is the oldest granddaughter's party to celebrate her fifth 5th birthday. Considering where it's being held (Jump Zone), after a couple of hours with more than 20 screaming kids going wild, a root canal will probably look easy by comparison!

Getting Cold in the City

The gorgeous weather I've been enjoying seems to be coming to an end. It's cloudy and a cold wind is blowing. When I came out of Ikea (without a coat of course), it felt as though it blew straight through my clothes.

Speaking of Ikea, if I ever go back in there, I'm wearing good walking shoes and taking a bag of bread crumbs. It seemed as though I walked miles just following exit signs, trying to find my way out! Even after I finally saw daylight, it wasn't the same place I went in so I had to walk even more to get to my car. It was a chilly little stroll but I wasn't taking a chance on going back inside and trying to find the right exit. (Took way too long to get out the first time!)

My older offspring gets back from Chile tomorrow so I guess I'll be vacating his condo again. Even though I don't want to, I really do need to head back south and start packing and disposing of stuff in earnest.

Cuz Says...

My favorite cousin has adopted yet another stray. If she had all the money she's spent taking care of God's helpless creatures that have been abandoned and/or abused, she could probably retire comfortably to the Riviera. (But she wouldn't be happy there without her menagerie!) Her tender heart and love for animals is unparalleled. I think she already has so many stars in her crown without this latest venture that it will be too heavy for her to wear when the time comes to don it.

Her latest missive to me said, "I've just spent (some might say "wasted") about a half hour looking for a shoulder strap to go with a little bitty pet carrier (red polka-dotted) that I'm buying, at a discount because it has a handle but doesn't have a shoulder strap, for my newest rescue, a 1-pound blue-eyed Himalayan kitten, now named Henry. As I was tearing out old luggage and pocketbooks trying to find a strap that would match, I started laughing at myself and thought to myself, "I really need to get a job!" Being retired is lots of fun!! (By the way, I occasionally do spend time more productively!)"

Henry is a very fortunate little fellow. And I can't think of anything more productive anyone can do than taking care of those unfortunate beings who cannot care for themselves. Keep on keeping on, Cousin. I admire you.

Are they hiring anyone else?

The job freelancing sounds great. It would give you a chance to get to know your adopted city better, pad your resume, and sound exotic. Somehow, saying that you freelance seems to have a certain coolness to it...I don't know, maybe it's just me.

Unfortunately, we had some bad news today. DH has been laid off, almost exactly one year to the day that he was downsized from his previous job. It was very deja vu'ish, receiving the phone call that he was coming home, planning Roo's birthday party, even the colors of the leaves as Little Bit and I sat outside in the sunshine and waited for his arrival. It stinks, but at least we're a little more prepared this time. We've kind of gone on automatic pilot, looking into independent healthcare policies, scheduling all of our doctor/dental stuff as soon as possible while we still have company coverage. It is, unfortunately, a tougher job market than it was a year ago, but we'll deal.

DH did make a comment today, something that he didn't tell me before. His supervisor made a remark a couple of weeks ago that if Obama won the election that they would probably be cutting a sales rep position, because the policies Obama advocates would tax the rich guys who own the company for whom he is (was) employed. Talk about putting the cart before the horse, right? Like Congress isn't going to fight a bunch of his proposals tooth and nail anyway.

A Job?

I’ve been offered a job freelancing for a new magazine just getting off the ground here in Atlanta. I told them I would give them my answer later, along with a price for my work, if I decide to do it. Sounds as though it has possibilities but even if I don't take it, it's certainly a good morale booster.

Gorgeous Weekend

I took a long ride north of the city yesterday. The leaves seem to be in all their glory right now - just masses of golds, reds, burgundies, a few oranges. It's absolutely breathtaking. I wanted so much to take some pictures by my common sense told me it would be a fool's errand to stop by a busy interstate for that!

Lots of pretty colors in the older neighborhoods around here too but seems to be power lines every where the most beautiful colors are. Nothing kills a good photo op more than have those things in the forefront of the scenery.

I've done very little but ramble around since I got here (did buy some shoes today) and I've enjoyed every minute of it. So much to see, so little time! At least for now anyway.

Won't you miss small-town politics?

Of course, the big-town politics can get pretty messy, too.

I actually like tofu, as long as someone else cooks it. I've tried a couple of times and always seem to make a mess out of it.

Our days alternate between dragging out forever and flying by. On one hand, I can't believe the holiday season is upon us. Some of the houses around here already have Christmas decorations up. I would say they're rushing the season, but I understand. I think with all the doom and gloom of the economy and everything, they want something positive to focus on. I'm still waiting until after Thanksgiving, though I may concede and bring out the cute Pooh snowglobe for the girls to play with.

DH finally managed, after two weeks of wrangling, to get an appointment with a specialist to do some testing. Found blood in his urine, hoping that it's not anything but definitely need to get it checked out, according to his PCP. This stress, added onto the stress of his grandfather doing very poorly healthwise, is really beginning to get to him. Wish I could find a way to lift his spirits.

Another First

I went back to the Flying Biscuit tonight and finally decided to try something I've always been curious about but never had enough courage to taste: the dreaded tofu.

Turns out it was pretty good. Of course, being mixed with Feta cheese and all that other stuff on the salad might have helped the flavor.

The days here seem to just fly by. I'm getting a few things done, at a leisurely pace of course, but each day seems to slip by so easily you barely realize it's gone. I'll have to leave again soon but will be back for good as soon as possible.

Even at this distance, I'm hearing rumblings from Podunk about outside agents looking for our sheriff to arrest him. Seems the big guys have been investigating him for a while and finally got enough on him to take action.

Other Changes?

A new day, a new president, Congressional make-up changed. Wow! Maybe America really is ready for a change. I don't envy any of them the job that lies ahead but I truly hope they can bring about the changes we need.

"Home" for Now

I got to Atlanta about mid afternoon. Easy ride, no problems. I took my son to the airport and came back here without going by the store. Big mistake. No food in his frig as usual so walked over to Flying Biscuit to get my Devil Burger "fix" a short time ago (8:45 p.m. EST). Wonderful as usual, and the two glasses of wine I had with it just enhanced the flavor.

Server recognized me and sent six of their wonderful wheat biscuits (no charge) home with me for later. I think I see the beginning of a great relationship. :)

Things Seem to be Coming Together

Sounds like you're pulling everything together! The great thing about your locale is that you'll never run out of things to do, especially in the cultural/social arena. Your first Christmas in a new city...how exciting!

Had to take Little Bit and Roo into the doc today. Ear infection and finishing up apparent bronchitis, respectively. Ear infection makes sense, since Little Bit has been in a particularly foul mood the last few days and had a horrible night last night, up every hour or so. She got mad when her cookie broke in two and crumbled it into dust. Her sister, horrified at the thought of a wasted cookie, gasped and then inquired, "Mama, can I eat it?" I'm trying to see if our Zoo membership includes housing her temporarily...

On a different and serious note, I received an e-mail this evening from my former roommate. Her sister-in-law has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She's got four kids, is a stay-at-home mom, and I believe is only 39 years old. I looked it up, and confirmed that it is pretty bad stuff. You can always look around and see someone else who's worse off than you. Keep her in your prayers.

Just a Few More Hours

Just a few more hours and back to my favorite place again, the ATL. I'm going up to to take my son to the airport for a flight to Chile tomorrow evening. In return, I get to stay in his condo while he's living it up in South America.(Give a little, get a little.) This time, I'll be there for almost two weeks. Well, in Midtown for 10 days, then to Thirtysomething's home for oldest granddaughter's birthday party. (Having it early this year because of holiday.) All of them are a little under the weather now but hopefully will be well by then.

I plan to spend this visit getting better acquainted with the area where I'll be living. I've already bought a membership in the Botanical Gardens. It's only 5-6 blocks away so I will be able to make full use of it. Thinking about volunteering there after I get settled. So much to see, so much to do!

I'm working slowly but diligently at getting rid of "stuff" here. Seems to be an unending task but I'm making a little progress. Told the paper today I was leaving. They still want me to write some for them from Atlanta and I'll do that at least for a while. Will be interesting to see how long that lasts. :)

Lots of stuff going on

Yes, we do have a pretty full plate right now. I've been checking in but not feeling like writing too much.

A bright spot was Halloween night, which was tons of fun for both little chickadees. One snafu, although comical now, was when I sprayed Roo's hair with glitter hairspray to complete her fairy outfit...only it was not glitter hairspray. Instead, it was bright orange hairspray and I gave her a good dose right on top of her pretty little head. Thankfully, almost-fives are too young to really care, and after I picked myself up off the floor I was able to convince her that I had added an authentic Halloween touch. I tell myself I'm collecting (creating?) good stories for her baby book. Don't want her to look back and see her childhood as dull, you know!

Lots of trick or treaters this year, too! We had probably a couple of hundred, which is quite a lot for our midsize neighborhood. I love it, though. In this age of political correctness and such, it was nice to see parents let their kids get dressed up and just be kids for a night. I mean, what could embody childhood more than dressing up and scarfing down candy?

No Word Yet

The realtor said the lady liked the house but her husband was out of town and she wanted him to see it too. Hopefully, this wasn't just an excuse and they will come back. Soon!

I got roped into attending a "short" meeting Thursday night that turned into a 2-1/2 hour marathon and spent an inordinate amount of time writing it up for the paper yesterday. I think it took so long because I didn't want to even think about it again, much less put it in writing!

Thirtysomething has been uncharacteristically quiet but she has a lot on her plate right now. Hubby had some labs that have to be repeated and also has been referred to a specialist for a problem found during a routine physical.

That, coupled with Little Bit biting her sister twice this week, has had her preoccupied. I guess when Little Miss Dynamite bit the tire on her sister's toy and that didn't work, she decided to start on the real thing. (Reminded me of when she bit the dog a while back.) Mom thought she had that under control but as we "veterans" know, sometimes things like that have an unsettling way of coming back to bite us too.