Moving is a bitch!

I did it.  I got moved.  But it wasn't a one man show.  I couldn't have done it without lots and lots of help.  I can't believe just how much work it was to get out of the house after 12 years.  But last Friday night at 9:00 pm, I pulled out of the driveway on Bryan Avenue for the very last time.  I admit a tear rolled down my cheek.  I loved that house.

Nola and I came home to the new condo and started figuring out a plan.  Unfortunately, our bodies were just so damn tired, we couldn't do much.  We even decided to put the prior sheets back on the beds because we were sweaty and dirty and too tired to shower that night. Sadly, the kitties were flat freaked out and meowed and yowled most the night.  It was very traumatic getting them out of the house.  They weren't so sure they liked the new place at all.

I decided I am just not going to push myself to hurry and unpack.  In fact, I am taking it at a snails pace.  I want to be methodical about where things go and what is put away.  Although I did a brutal sort before things were packed, I still have things that don't fit so I am giving it another pass as things are put away.  Things like, why do I have 20 coffee cups but I don't drink coffee?

The new place actually feels lots like a hotel.  Maybe it is the elevator and hallway.  Maybe it is just the style of the home.  But as Nola put it, who doesn't like a nice hotel??  Good point!  I am struggling to adjust to the street noise especially at night.  And because we have a rather large hill behind us, I don't seem to have good cell service here.  That is a huge problem for me.  I've taken to sleeping with ear plugs but hope I can get used to the street noise.  The kitties are also getting more used to the new place.  They only meow for an hour or so each night.  With ear plugs, I don't hear a thing!

I've been working with the realtor regarding the small plumbing issues and water heater.  We also have a problem with the washing machine left  behind.  It is really small and plugs up easily.  Nola and I spent a lot of time and energy trying to figure out how to get through a load of laundry without having to stop and requiring us to manually drain the washer.  Unfortunately, while it was being fussy, we got water on the floor and the hardwood buckled.  I feel like I just dealt with that a warped, water damaged floor.  Oh wait, I did!

So each day I have a goal of something to accomplish.  Sunday was to find the toilet paper.  Monday was to get the Internet and phone to work.  Tuesday was to find my library books.  Today I started unpacking more in the kitchen and I finally went grocery shopping for the first time in a few weeks. Maybe I will cook something by the weekend!  I'll post some photos once I get settled.

Another Chapter

I know I've been absent.  I've frankly been so damn busy, I don't know how I make it through every day.  I have mostly been busy with getting ready to move. Before I whine about moving, let me pause for a minute to celebrate the fact that I closed on the house today!  I no longer own 2354 Bryan Avenue!  For a week, I am a renter again!  I really like that it is being bought by a single woman just like me.  I hope she loves it as much as I have.

It is pretty bittersweet.  As you might recall, I bought this house as a huge fixer upper.  I literally have touched just about every inch of the house.  It has been a huge investment for me.  But today, I closed out the goal to make it my "money maker"!  Philip and I have had a great time in this house.  We've done much of the updating together.  We've had so much fun here.  Philip basically grew up in this house.  I have to keep remembering that we moved to this house for specific reasons and  those reasons have come and gone.  Philip got a great education in the school system here.  He was raised in a safe and secure neighborhood.  And I got the chance to explore home remodeling at every level.   I really feel like I brought this house back from the 1950s and into the new millennium.  I'm proud of what we did.

I won't have the financial reward very long.  It will turn right around and go back in to the new condo on Wednesday when I close on the condo.

I've been at the house almost 12 years and I have filled every single nook and cranny in the house.  I did a huge purge last fall when I got ready to go on the market but I clearly have to do another one as the new condo is about 1/2 the size of this house.  And it is different.  Different rooms, different space, and less storage.   I guess that is the downfall of "open concept" living.  Rooms are bigger which is really nice but there are less nooks and crannies.

Mar's sisters have been instrumental in helping me pack.  Dad and Cindy have come to help me carry stuff.  Mom is coming this weekend to help me finish the sort  And Dad is going to come help with moving some of the stuff that the movers won't move.

I thank everyone for your help and for everyone that offered to help.  I couldn't have done it without all the support.

Today they came and put the "Sold" sign on the house.  It hit me pretty hard.  The next adventure is just around the corner.

Let it go

I was finally okay'd for a massage post nose surgery.  And boy did I need it.  You might have heard I've been a little under the weather over the weekend and still not 100% today so I wasn't sure if I should get the massage but I failed to cancel so I went.

Ellie is amazing.  I told her I was a bundle of stress and needed help relaxing. We started in the standard way but within a few minutes of her working on my body, she said she is going to help me "Let it go".  I told her I am selling my house and moving and was a little stressed about the whole thing.  She used Marjoram, Mint, and Thyme essential oils.  She released blocked energy from my back and chest.  She used hot and cold rocks.  She spoke positive affirmation  mantras.  And she "cleared" me with Himalayan salt scrub.  It was all very interesting and helpful.  The salt scrub was very interesting as she scrubbed it was a little...intense.  But then when she stopped and let it sit, I felt pulsing in my skin.  Then of course, she wiped it off with hot towels.  It was all perfect.

I can do whatever she feels is necessary.  What I do know is I walked out feeling energized yet relaxed. My dizzies were gone and my back, neck, and hips no longer hurt.  My feet are still pulsing...in a good way.  I feel coddled and taken care of.  It is nice to go let go for an hour and a half. It is just what I needed.  I will be going back after I get moved.  I need to keep this as a priority.

Easter adventures

I had the delight of spending Easter in Twin Falls.  Fritz and his Mom invited me to come up to catch up and spend the holiday with the family.  I really appreciate the offer and couldn't really think of a good reason not to go so I jumped in my car and had an Idaho weekend.

Fritz and I went to Elevation 486 for lunch.  This is the fantastic restaurant that looks over the bluffs and that fantastic bridge.  This time of year was too cold to be outside but we had a lovely table inside with a view.  I've learned to love their bloody marys so I was anxious to get one....and indeed I did.

I finally had a chance to see the 4th season of Idaho.  That being Spring.  Many of the fields were bare but some were starting to grow.  It looks like a busy time getting things ready for another growing season.  It won't be long before these fields are tall and full again.

I brought some wine to Easter dinner.  They all enjoy a special wine I introduced them to.  Part of the fun is the name, "Fat Bastard" but it really is fantastic wine.  And we can't find it in Idaho so it is a treat when I bring it from Salt Lake.

Laurie, me, Betty

Karla's birthday was coming up soon and they gave her a selfie stick.  So we tried it out.  What a fun group of people.

Laurie, Me, Terry, Betty, Fritz, and Karla

I really had a great time and Betty made a fantastic Easter Dinner.  Laurie made a made-from-scratch coconut cake.  It was wonderful to spend the holiday with such a sweet and loving family.  I feel so special to be included.

Visiting with Nola Part 2

As promised, I wanted to share some photos of our part 2 visit for Nola and me.  I'll tell the story through photos.

On Saturday afternoon, Cousin Ryan and his beautiful bride Heather got married at Millcreek Inn. They followed that up with a delicious open house at Heather's Mom's house.  It was very fun, loving, and sweet.  They make such a beautiful couple.  I wish them an eternity of happiness.

Cindy, Dad, Nola, and Me

The "girls"

We went to St. George to visit.  Nola wanted to do another great selfie with the gang.  We struggled to get it right but isn't that half the fun?  I need to bring my selfie stick since it is tough to get a group shot without one.

Nola and I also went out to eat, laughed and talked until our sides hurt, and did a little shopping.  She really enjoys some of the quilt shops around here.  It is always fun to see what she picks out.  As is usual, by the time she heads home, we are both exhausted but full of sister love and support.  A trade off well worth it.

Thanks for coming for a visit Nola.  Let's do it again very soon.

A man and his motorcycle

John recently bought himself a new motorcycle.  He decided to take it down to St. George with him so he could enjoy the great weather and have some wheels to get around.  This is great on so many levels.  I couldn't wait to sneak some photos of him on his new bike.  My entire body smiles to see him on his bike.  So bad ass.

Zions Picnic

I promised to write about our picnic at Zion's 2 weeks ago.  It was Nola's grand idea to have a picnic dinner.  Chuck and Mom do the most fantastic picnics. Chuck is a real grill expert at cooking burgers and such and  Mom is the professional at the rest the picnic stuff.  We all met at the South picnic/campground.  Although the park was packed, he found a table that was off to the side, completely secluded and in the shade!!  We had gorgeous views of the area to boot.  We relaxed and visited while we enjoyed some adult beverages before diving into our delicious picnic.  As we were finishing up our picnic, a cute deer came grazing close by.  It was so fun to see.  Nola tried to get it to prance for us but it absolutely refused!

You know me and photos......

Nola and Marsha

On the way down the park, we ran into the most fantastic sunset.  I was only looking ahead but then I looked to the side and almost gasped.  It was stunning.  We kept stopping to get some nice photos.