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