Before the Banquet

For the past two weeks San Diego has had unseasonably hot and humid weather not dissimilar to the weather experienced in Philadelphia when I was there in August to interview. While is an excellent foreshadowing, it is unfortunate as this is the time I have been given to pack and move.

My sweet sister Lynn has left her family in Phoenix and spending two weeks helping me pack, sort, sell, and move to Philly. When I moved into my new place 10 months ago, I had reduced nearly 20 years of accumulation down to what I considered a reasonable amount, but paying to move 3,000 miles makes you rethink that and quickly.

To my sister's vexation, I adore Auntie Mame - the 1958 film classic staring Rosalind Russell as the eccentric aunt who lives life, no matter the circumstances, as if it is a banquet. And before every banquet...there is a lot a work.

In the next seven days, we are accomplishing the following:

It takes a lot of work before the feast can happen!

1. Finishing up the last five days at my current job because it is the honorable thing to do, and frankly, I need the money. 
2. Getting my six-year-old Honda with 90,000 miles ready for a cross-country trip that will be filled with adventure, conversation, and potty stops for Lynn, me and Ginger-dog!
3. Taking Ginger to the vet for her check-up and meds for a region with ticks and mosquitoes! 
4. Selecting the moving company that will take me to my new life.
5. Selling and culling down my possessions from a 2br home to a 8' x 5' x 7' (L x W x H) box.
6. Holding a yard sale to end all yard sales - hoping to get rid of detritus along with some items of value. 
7. Packing up my bro-in-law's van with the items my family will re-purpose from my home for the trip to Phoenix.
8. Cleaning up/out my current home.
9. Saying goodbye to the friends and city that has been my home for the longest period of my life.

In addition to a Thelma-and-Louise 4-day road trip, Lynn and I are going to stay along the route and in Philly in privately owned homes via AirBnB - "From apartments and rooms to treehouses and boats: stay in unique spaces in 192 countries." You won't want to miss that!

I report to work on September 23 without a place to live, so Lynn will be staying another week (thank you Bergren family!) to help me locate an apartment that meets all my demands: dog-friendly, elevator if above 1st floor, parking, public transit close, clean, quaint, great Walk Score, and oh please, a washer/dryer in unit!