We are about 90% packed up. And we have donated Jeep load after Jeep load of stuff to Goodwill. I have donated clothing, shoes, accessories, purses, a curling iron, dishes, sheets, towels, knick knacks, obsolete electronics, pillows, a cat carrier, and blankets. I had a great feeling as I loaded up 4 old blankets, thinking about the person who might otherwise be cold with winter approaching... I did not however think of myself and Chris shivering under a thin sheet for 3 nights after packing and/or giving away EVERY blanket we own/owned! Oops.
Some other small mishaps... No coffee cups. We went to my favorite little coffee shop (Tazza) and purchased coffee yesterday afternoon just so we could bring the cups home and use them this morning! No dishes or anything other than paper plates to be exact. We have bacon, eggs and toast so I naturally thought I would make Chris breakfast this morning... ever tried to scrabble an egg over a gas burner on a paper plate? Yeah, me neither and I am no MacGyver so I chose to go with cereal... only problem with that, no bowls!
It is a good thing that we only have a few more days before we leave for Florida.
Until next time, XOXO
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
2 country women, 1 quite guy and 17 boxes!!!
The movers came at 10 this morning and were done by noon. In all, we had 17 small & medium size boxes and 4 things wrapped in brown paper (2 benches, Chris guitar and a Tupperware box of Christmas decorations.) Yes, I am taking Christmas decorations! This will be our first Christmas "alone" and I am going to make sure to make it as homey as possible. The holidays are supposed to be a very fun time of year in London with lots of decorations and holiday cheer so hopefully we won't be too homesick!
Back to the movers... they were hilarious! The lady in charge, Clara or possible Claire, had opinions about everything including the fact that Chris and I are organ donors.... she had to see a picture id and say the organ donor marking on our license. She claimed that if Chris and I were in a terrible accident at the same time that the doctors would let us die just to take our organs even if they could save us. Wow, there are actually people like this in the world! I assured her that I wasn't worried but she still had her doubts. Clara/Claire asked to use our bathroom and was in there for a decent amount of time. She exited, fan still running, closed the door and exclaimed "Oh Lord. My stomach is tore up!" Needless to say, the door is still closed.
The second lady was very sweet... or so I think. In reality, we could not understand a single word she said! I am clueless as to her name although she said it at least 4 times! I am less worried about understanding British accents after trying to decipher this lady's Georgia drawl! While she was talking I did not dare to even look at Chris as I was terrified I would burst into uncontrollable laughter! Not only was her southern drawl thick, she barely spoke above a whisper. As we were doing some paperwork with Clara/Claire, lady #2 sat in front of our floor fan, facing towards the door which was about 2 feet in front of her, and started talking! Talking to us or to herself?? We will never know!
The final mover was a quite young man named George. George has a sister who lives in Kensignton and will be moving to Surrey soon. He was rather normal and I am pretty sure I saw him snickering at his co-workers more than once! He did have a lazy eye which I always find very distracting. I never know which eye to focus on and I hate to not look people in the eyes when they talk to me... I usually just dart back and forth between both eyes which probably makes me look a little sketchy and also makes me dizzy!
All in all the moving crew provided some much needed comic relief. The house is a lot less cluttered with all of our stuff either on it's way to London or boxed up in the basement awaiting storage! I am starting to see the forest through the trees and I am getting less nervous and more excited. BTW, my sty is getting better ; o
Until next time... XOXO
Back to the movers... they were hilarious! The lady in charge, Clara or possible Claire, had opinions about everything including the fact that Chris and I are organ donors.... she had to see a picture id and say the organ donor marking on our license. She claimed that if Chris and I were in a terrible accident at the same time that the doctors would let us die just to take our organs even if they could save us. Wow, there are actually people like this in the world! I assured her that I wasn't worried but she still had her doubts. Clara/Claire asked to use our bathroom and was in there for a decent amount of time. She exited, fan still running, closed the door and exclaimed "Oh Lord. My stomach is tore up!" Needless to say, the door is still closed.
The second lady was very sweet... or so I think. In reality, we could not understand a single word she said! I am clueless as to her name although she said it at least 4 times! I am less worried about understanding British accents after trying to decipher this lady's Georgia drawl! While she was talking I did not dare to even look at Chris as I was terrified I would burst into uncontrollable laughter! Not only was her southern drawl thick, she barely spoke above a whisper. As we were doing some paperwork with Clara/Claire, lady #2 sat in front of our floor fan, facing towards the door which was about 2 feet in front of her, and started talking! Talking to us or to herself?? We will never know!
The final mover was a quite young man named George. George has a sister who lives in Kensignton and will be moving to Surrey soon. He was rather normal and I am pretty sure I saw him snickering at his co-workers more than once! He did have a lazy eye which I always find very distracting. I never know which eye to focus on and I hate to not look people in the eyes when they talk to me... I usually just dart back and forth between both eyes which probably makes me look a little sketchy and also makes me dizzy!
All in all the moving crew provided some much needed comic relief. The house is a lot less cluttered with all of our stuff either on it's way to London or boxed up in the basement awaiting storage! I am starting to see the forest through the trees and I am getting less nervous and more excited. BTW, my sty is getting better ; o
Until next time... XOXO
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Are we there yet?
I am not sleeping worth anything these days. I keep waking up in the morning and all I can think is... Are we there yet? With one eye, I peer about the bedroom to see where I am and slowly pull the covers over my head upon realization that I still have to finish packing, meet with the movers, move our storage boxes to Jacksonville, catch up with as many family and friends as possible, put Fat Moe on an airplane and fly to London with everything I own in storage, being shipped or being carried by moi! Oh... and I have to get through the house closing!
The saddest part about that list is how many things I left off! And I have developed a sty on my left eye!!
Are we there yet?
The saddest part about that list is how many things I left off! And I have developed a sty on my left eye!!
Are we there yet?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The ATL
Things I will miss in the Atl... in order as they come to mind ; )
1. Our new paved intersection at Howell Mill and DeFoor. It took forever but they did a great job. No more flooding after 5 minutes of rain, turning lanes on all 4 sides... it is just a dream!
2. Screen on the Green... Even though I never actually went to see a movie in Piedmont Park, I always hoped I could eventually!
3. Season's 52. What a yummy place! We went last Friday to celebrate our anniversary and it was delicious, as always!
4. Our house. It is really hard to believe that we are leaving it! It is also going to be hard to find another place that I love as much as my first home! However, I am guessing that after living in a flat for a few years we will be more than ready to buy our second home!!!
5. MARTA... haha... that was a joke. I will not miss our sad little subway in Atlanta. I am looking forward to living in a city with a subway that actually goes somewhere!
6. Tap. Our not-so neighborhood gastro pub. We went the 1st time for Chris's b-day last year. It was a Sunday and the place was dead. By the time we left, we had spoken to every server, cook, manager and bar tender. They all know our names and when we show up (about once a week) we get hugs from everyone! Over the last few months every time we had a house showing and had to leave... we would go to Tap. So in a way, they helped us sell the house!
7. Dancing Taxman. Every year during the tax season our local accountant (I think it is called Liberty Tax Services??) hires a man to dress in red, white and blue and sometimes as Lady Liberty. I call him the Taxman and he REALLY loves his job! If you have ever driven on Howell Mill at the Wal-Mart entrance during tax time... you have seen him and you have stared! I honk my horn and cheer for him when I drive past. Chris usually ducks in his seating horrified that someone will see him! The Taxman dances and sings his way into the hearts of all the passersby. He is a dancing maniac and has no shame in his game as he sings into a stick and directs traffic while moon walking along the crosswalk. Now to be clear, I would never let these people do my taxes but I sure do love to watch the Taxman shake his thang!
8. Our neighbors. I think we have been truly blessed with some amazing neighbors. Our neighbors are people we can call on at any hour and once they shake out the cobwebs they are there for us. Whether it is a cup of sugar, a ride to work or the airport, or to spy on potential home buyers... they are always there! I will especially miss our Halloween tradition. Sitting in the driveway, fire in the chiminea, wine and about 2 trick or treaters! It doesn't get any better : ) Our neighbors are so great, I think if I called on them from London they would still do everything they could to help!
9.Ponce de Leon. Yes, I will miss the entire road. You just never know what you are going to see. Once we were having dinner at MF Sushi and a man walked into the liquor store across Ponce. This is one of those caged liquor stores where everything is behind bullet proof glass and steel bars! He came out a moment later and walked over to a trash can. He pulled out a bag, put it over his head and walked back into the liquor store. The funny thing is that the man working in the store was watching the whole thing and just walked behind the bullet door and locked it. Eventually the would-be robber walked out and down the street. I watched him for about 2 blocks as he casually strolled along... with the paper bag still on his head! Like I said... you just never know what you will see on Ponce de Leon!
10. The weather. Some might say I am crazy but in comparison to where we are heading, Atlanta's weather is spectacular! Not too cold in the winter, not too hot for too long in the summer, and lets face it... it hardly ever rains!
1. Our new paved intersection at Howell Mill and DeFoor. It took forever but they did a great job. No more flooding after 5 minutes of rain, turning lanes on all 4 sides... it is just a dream!
2. Screen on the Green... Even though I never actually went to see a movie in Piedmont Park, I always hoped I could eventually!
3. Season's 52. What a yummy place! We went last Friday to celebrate our anniversary and it was delicious, as always!
4. Our house. It is really hard to believe that we are leaving it! It is also going to be hard to find another place that I love as much as my first home! However, I am guessing that after living in a flat for a few years we will be more than ready to buy our second home!!!
5. MARTA... haha... that was a joke. I will not miss our sad little subway in Atlanta. I am looking forward to living in a city with a subway that actually goes somewhere!
6. Tap. Our not-so neighborhood gastro pub. We went the 1st time for Chris's b-day last year. It was a Sunday and the place was dead. By the time we left, we had spoken to every server, cook, manager and bar tender. They all know our names and when we show up (about once a week) we get hugs from everyone! Over the last few months every time we had a house showing and had to leave... we would go to Tap. So in a way, they helped us sell the house!
7. Dancing Taxman. Every year during the tax season our local accountant (I think it is called Liberty Tax Services??) hires a man to dress in red, white and blue and sometimes as Lady Liberty. I call him the Taxman and he REALLY loves his job! If you have ever driven on Howell Mill at the Wal-Mart entrance during tax time... you have seen him and you have stared! I honk my horn and cheer for him when I drive past. Chris usually ducks in his seating horrified that someone will see him! The Taxman dances and sings his way into the hearts of all the passersby. He is a dancing maniac and has no shame in his game as he sings into a stick and directs traffic while moon walking along the crosswalk. Now to be clear, I would never let these people do my taxes but I sure do love to watch the Taxman shake his thang!
8. Our neighbors. I think we have been truly blessed with some amazing neighbors. Our neighbors are people we can call on at any hour and once they shake out the cobwebs they are there for us. Whether it is a cup of sugar, a ride to work or the airport, or to spy on potential home buyers... they are always there! I will especially miss our Halloween tradition. Sitting in the driveway, fire in the chiminea, wine and about 2 trick or treaters! It doesn't get any better : ) Our neighbors are so great, I think if I called on them from London they would still do everything they could to help!
9.Ponce de Leon. Yes, I will miss the entire road. You just never know what you are going to see. Once we were having dinner at MF Sushi and a man walked into the liquor store across Ponce. This is one of those caged liquor stores where everything is behind bullet proof glass and steel bars! He came out a moment later and walked over to a trash can. He pulled out a bag, put it over his head and walked back into the liquor store. The funny thing is that the man working in the store was watching the whole thing and just walked behind the bullet door and locked it. Eventually the would-be robber walked out and down the street. I watched him for about 2 blocks as he casually strolled along... with the paper bag still on his head! Like I said... you just never know what you will see on Ponce de Leon!
10. The weather. Some might say I am crazy but in comparison to where we are heading, Atlanta's weather is spectacular! Not too cold in the winter, not too hot for too long in the summer, and lets face it... it hardly ever rains!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
It's just stuff...
Chris just left to take a Jeep load of donations to Goodwill. I am on the verge of tears which is silly because it is just stuff! But in the end it is my stuff. I have taped up signs all over the house that say; Take, Store, Give Away and Trash. The Give Away piles seem to be filling up the quickest. We are taking a very non-emotional approach to the whole process which is why I made Chris take the first round of donations... the longer I have to think about it the more emotional I become about the silliest things... like by box full of ribbons for wrapping presents. All those ribbons I was keeping for the "perfect" wrapping moment. I guess the lesson learned here is to stop waiting for the perfect moment and make every moment perfect. Wow, that was pretty profound. Just remember where you read it first ; )
I keep repeating the mantra "We are moving to London!" It makes it a little easier to donate those insignificant things that won't make the long journey. As for the storage situation... I owe Dad & Lori and big thank you. In a weeks time, we will be filling their (already burdened) garage and spare room with our boxes and a few pieces of furniture. I am keeping it to a minimum... or at least I am trying!
Well, I guess I should get back to the "stuff."
Until next time!
XOXO
I keep repeating the mantra "We are moving to London!" It makes it a little easier to donate those insignificant things that won't make the long journey. As for the storage situation... I owe Dad & Lori and big thank you. In a weeks time, we will be filling their (already burdened) garage and spare room with our boxes and a few pieces of furniture. I am keeping it to a minimum... or at least I am trying!
Well, I guess I should get back to the "stuff."
Until next time!
XOXO
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Who Knew...
Gnomes love the beach! Gnoah and I spent our 1st day in Puerto Rico lounging on the beach and enjoying the local brew... I asked a few beach goers to snap a shot of us but they looked at me like I was crazy, drunk or a combination of the two! Apparently, Puerto Rican's do not appreciate the finer points of gnome friendships! I was able to get a great shot of Gnoah on his own lounge chair...
It was great having Gnoah there since Chris had to work the entire day. I felt very bad watching him put on a suit and tie as I tied up my bikini top! I snapped this pic and sent Chris a "thinking of you" text, just to let him know I was missing him!
Meanwhile, Gnoah was lovin' life as he held his flowers and soaked up the rays. After a while, he felt inclined to wiggle his toes in the sand and just couldn't wipe the smile off his face...
That is one happy gnome!
Chris and I spent day 2 exploring the old city. Gnoah was feelin' a little exhausted from is fun in the sun and stayed back at the hotel. Chris and I explored El Morro, the cemetery and sweated... a lot! There was a storm coming in and there were big black clouds in the sky. The clouds were a welcome relief from the blazing hot sun! Once the clouds blew away the temperature was nearly unbearable... All in all, it was a fun afternoon despite the heat!
This cemetery might have the best view of any cemetery in the world!
Chris was standing guard in the sentry house at the gate of El Morro. He said afterwards he is holding an imaginary stick... scary!
Parts of El Morro were under repair but none the less it is an amazing fort. Considering it was built in the 1500s, it has held up remarkably well! It was fun getting to learn about Puerto Rico's history but it was also nice to get back to the reason we were visiting...
the beach and the mojitos!
The rest of our trip consisted of beach, pool, and Don Q... Don Q being the local rum!
Chris and Gnoah were livin' it up on the beach. Chris was just happy to be enjoying Puerto Rico since the last few weeks he has been working from sun up til' sun down and wearing suit and ties! Gnoah started to let loose, too. I think he may have helped to run up the bar tab...
Puerto Rico was a great time. I would definitely return... especially, if Uncle Ernie was willing to foot the bill again!
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