A New Adventure | Peaches Prattlings

{June 3, 2013} Pack, move, throw away, birthday brunch, fly home

What a day!

No chapters today, the telling won’t take as long!

I got up at 7, started moving things downstairs and to the garage, spread out more rubber mulch (looks good!)at 9:45, my good friend, CMD came over and we went over everything that needed to be done: cleaning, moving, etc. I left everything in her capable hands, the house looks great! Thank you! You’re awesome!

Off to brunch with the girls, a surprise for CKM’s birthday, it is the 18th, but I’m here! SDL and hr sister DJL, Miss A, TS and AL. We went to Pastry a Go Go in Decatur, we had a great time talking, catching up, laughing. For dessert, we had to sing happy birthday, so I found a birthday candle app, we sang, took a picture then everyone went on their way.

CKM and I ended up walking across the street to Heliotrope, that store that has all the things you didn’t know you needed until you went to this store! We walked to The Cook’s Warehouse for a few minutes to dream, then I realized what time it was! I had to get to the airport!

I made it to car return, then bag drop with literally 2 minutes to spare! Made it to the gate, flight was delayed 20 minutes. We get on the place, I fell asleep and when I woke up and hour alter, thinking we were well on our way, we were still sitting there we took off eventually and got to Denver about 1.5 hours late. DCM was there at the top of the escalator waiting for me, sigh. He was laughing, apparently I was shaking my head/trying to flip my hair, not possible!

We stopped by the store for sandwich rolls, made some dinner an now we’re watching the end of The Return of the Jedi, what could be better!

Mentally, I know it’s 11:00pm, MT and I want to keep thinking that way, to adjust, but my body knows its almost 1:30 am. So, I bid you a very good good night and keep your fingers crossed Saturday, I get to sleep in!

{June 1, 2013} A day full of surprises, a tradition, silliness, visiting and I’m not done yet!

Ok folks, you may need to take a nap before you read this or during! It has been a very long day and it’s not over!

(I was thinking about chapters for this novella, so here goes!)

Chapter 1
So, another yard sale was planned for this morning, (yes, I have thatmuch stuff left over! The alarm was set for 7, I was having a dream about sleeping and CKM says something about getting up and I realize that the alarm is going off and it’s 8! Oh no! I throw on some close, run downstairs, open the garage and start moving things around.

Two people showed up to look at stuff, just browsing, my new friend TP showed up to talk about some stuff I want to put on eBay and he is the king and enjoys it. I am not and don’t want to do it and I will give good commission! When he showed up, I said, screw it, I do not want to do this and closed the garage door. I’m ok with it, I may try to find someone to do another yard sale for me, or have The Salvation Army pick it all up and have mondo (my sister used to love that word) write offs for my taxes next, that may be worth more, already have made 3 runs there, wedding dress and all!

TP came inside and caught up, so much to talk about since we just met last Saturday, but you know when you meet someone had have that connection? And talked eBay and he was on his way.

I cleaned up and headed out the door.

Chapter 1A
As I was getting dressed, I realized I needed something new to “hold up the girls”, I am excited to say that I am no longer a 40…(none of your business) and now a 38! Wahoo! The girls are sitting pretty and I think I look better!

Chapter 2
I headed out to meet CKM for my traditional biannual (I had to look that word up, it always gets me!) haircut and donation, we’ll talk about that in minute, chapter, whatever. I get in the (rental) car and stop at the entrance of the neighborhood, to get the yard sale sign. I did something I have NEVER done before, I got out of the car, while it was still running and DID NOT roll the drivers side window down, got out to get the sign and…the door locks itself! What?!? So, I proceed to try to find a way in, turns out the trunk was open, how, I don’t know! But I tried, no lucky! You can get out of the trunk by the release,but not back into the car! (Just so you know, every time I try to type car, I keep typing cat!) I call Enterprise, they schedule someone to come out, which will cost me $57 because I didn’t get the roadside assistance, which I have NEVER gotten, because I have never needed it, of course! I asked if there was a remote unlock…nope, in GM, yes, Nissan, nope, go figure!

Sabrina, the nice lady helping me asked if there was anything she could do, yeah, make me feel less stupid! I’m over it!

Meanwhile, so many people stop to ask if I need help, I love is neighborhood! PL, one of my neighbors and his twin brother, didn’t know he was a twin! Stopped to help, even got into the truck themselves, and they’re not little boys! No luck. The said if I wasn’t in by the time they got back from Home Depot, they would find a way in. Luckily, the guy showed up and it took him about 3 minutes to get in to the car, really? He used something to pump the window open, used a snake like thing, and I was in.

The car was like an ice box! I had the AC going and the radio on, I heard the end of Car Talk and the beginning of Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me on NPR. If I had child or animal in the car, they would have been fine, scared maybe, but fine. I could see myself trying to talk to the child to get them to open the door!

So, an hour after I was supposed to leave, I was off.

Chapter 3
While as I was waiting, I got a call…KT had her baby at 9:52 am! DCM was a grandfather a second time and that made me a grandmother too! (Two!) JJ was excited! He called me last night that her water broke at 9:30 last night and we were on baby watch! He sent a picture, what a cutie! I of course forwarded that on! AJH, 8 lbs, 3 oz, 20″. How fast do you think it took me to forward that picture and brag! (Kvell is another great Yiddish word, it means swell with pride!)

I sent a message to KT via Facebook and told her I couldn’t wait to meet him! I told DCM I would it go to the hospital later this afternoon and represent.

Chapter 4
After I got back into the ice box, I headed out to meet CKM, my photographer for the event, she was with me the last time, it was a nice tradition. First we met for breakfast at Thumbs Up! in Decatur, the food was good, service left something to be desired, it may have been his first week.

We walked across the street to Super Cuts, signed in, took a few pictures and waited my turn. The woman who cut my hair was very nice, I told her that I was donating my hair and go as short as she needed to. I told her why I had to cut it today.

My mom, EMS passed n June 1, eight years ago, from Multiple Myeloma and every 2 years on June 1st, I cut and donate my hair. There wasn’t quite 10″, what we needed for Locks Of Love, but there are companies out there I can send it to and I will. I love and miss you mommy.

While I was in the chair, CKM snapped photos and she was great to stop when i started tearing up, it always gets me as the first snip goes through my hair. As more and more hair fell away, I saw my mom more and more staring at me, it happens every time, you’d think I would be used to it!

She kept cutting and kept cutting, she even used a trimmer on the back, I la la la LOVE it! My dad said it looked great, my sister said the same, great cut for the summer! CKM too and DCM liked it a lot, those are important opinions to me. I can’t wait to see the reactions on Facebook!

It’s fuzzy in the back! My neighbor, DG, when he cuts his hair, he gets a buzz cut and our tradition is for me to rub his head! The back of my hair is just like his! Tonight, I keep rubbing it, maybe I’m hoping to get a wish!

An emotional, therapeutic, enjoyable experience.

Chapter 5
After the haircut, we went to the Michael C Carlos Museum at Emory, someplace CKM had on her list of things she wanted to do, who am I to deny a birthday list! We and a lot of fun, through the Greek art, Egyptian, African, mummies, jewelry, waaaayyyy too many ear spools! Those are the things that expand your ear holes, no thank you! And a lot of Lime Sticks! Enough said!

Quite enjoyable, but only one floor and one special exhibit up a LONG flight of stairs, slightly misleading.

Chapter 6
We parted ways and I went to Kennestone Hospital to see the new grand baby! The hospital is huge, I had to ask two people how to find maternity! I finally found it, parked and saw HB, KT’s step brother and we went to the room together. Everyone was there! CG, KT’s step mom, the new daddy, J, KT’s boyfriend, DCM’s youngest, DCM (yes I know, you need a chart!) some friends and now me!

We all agreed we couldn’t wait for LB to see her new cousin, she’s been talking to KT’s belly, telling him to come out and play, she can’t wait to meet him!

What a cutie! He has brown hair, blue eyes and really long fingers and fingernails. I was third in line to hold him and how sweet to hold and feel the soft skin and watch him sleep, what a joy! I got someone to take my picture, sent to to DCM and he posted it on Facebook. Of course everyone wanted to know who he was, so I bragged!

The funniest thing, DCM is a Falcons can, KT is not, so he will make it a point to get lots of Falcons stuff for AJH, well, her boyfriend is a DENVER BRONCOS fan, she said, “that’s ok, I’ll talk to JJ” you know it! I’ve got your back, KT! Already taken care of that!

I’m so glad that I was I Atlanta for the birth of KT’s son, it was exciting for me to see them! I know that she wanted her dad here and I know he wanted to be here, but I hope that I represent him well. We’ll be back in July, so it won’t be long before he gets to meet his grandson! And of course, there is Skype and FaceTime!

After about 1.5 hours, I headed home, it was a long drive and I have a lot to do still! I did feel bad and apologized to DCM, I said I would pick up flowers and I couldn’t find a place anywhere near the hospital to buy flowers, I’m sorry (hanging head).

Chapter 7 (you still with me?)

I hit traffic every which way! Took me almost 2 hours to get home. I stopped at Home Depot for more mulch, got there just as the gate was closing, got 10 bags and headed home. On the way, on a side street there was a huge branch in the road, I stopped the car to move it out of the way. It was cool, cars stopped in both directions so I could move the branch.

I stopped by my neighbor’s house, PT and her husband JT, I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye before I left, so I stopped in to catch up, what was supposed to be a quick visit turned into about 1.5 hours, it was wonderful.

We used to get to spend more time together, this past year has been crazy for both of us.Her husband had had some health issues, but he’s making great strides and it was so good to see him and it was fun to banter back and forth with him.

The great thing about Facebook is we can keep up with each other, hope to get a Skype date with her!

Chapter 8
I got home, started packing more stuff, the goal is to get everything out of the house that needs to be out of the house, staged and all. I got a phone call and sold a piece of lawn equipment, not a total waste today (yard sale wise)!

I talked to my dear, sweet friend CMD, who is going to come tomorrow to see what needs to be done and get the house sparkly clean to have pictures taken so it can sell, sell, sell!

Now, it’s 12:30 and I decided to sit down and write you a novella before it gets too late! I’m about to get back to it, get everything to the garage, wish me luck!

Hopefully tomorrow’s post will be a lot simpler, especially after you’ve had a nap!
Sweet dreams my friends!

{May 29, 2013} When do I get to sit still?

First, let me say how surreal this is, I’m in my house and there are no cats running all over me, I’m not sure which way to turn.

I want to tell you about my day, but I would like to start with something that really ticked me off, but I didn’t want spoil my happy post yesterday. When I went into the office to fill out my rental application and add the cats, I had a rude awakening. When DCM first asked about the pet deposit, they said $200 for the deposit and $50 per month (I couldn’t remember if it was per cat), ok, I knew there would be a fee, I just didn’t realize how big!

It was $50 application fee for me, fair enough, then there was a $200 refundable pet deposit, in case of whatever and the $50 a month rent, I still can’t remember if its for both or per cat, probably per cat. THEN…they hit me with $200 PER cat NON-REFUNDABLE pet application! What??? I had to give the. $650 for me and the two cats, seriously??? What do they do with that money? (Especially since there are no lights in either bedroom or the living room! Take some of that money and put in some lights! Ok, I’m done.

Today stated early..6:30 am for a call, that’s a bit early, but everyone is on EST, so it was only 8:30 for them, I’m glad I’m in EST tomorrow, I have a call at 8am! I have decided to keep my EST work hours, since DCM gets up for work at 6:45, my commute is about 15 feet, so I get up, start work at 7am MT, which is 9am EST, the cool part…I get off work at 3pm! (Don’t burst my bubble!)

There is a shuttle for the airport that will pick up in front of the apartment complex, it was so easy! $38, 45 minutes, I don’t have to deal with parking, it was great. I think I will use them as long as DCM can’t take me to the airport.

There was a nice group of people on the shuttle, 3 people from Boston, go figure and one from Northern California. It was interesting, we started talking about technology and how people don’t talk anymore, they are always buried in their smart phones, especially kids, and here we were talking and wasn’t it nice and refreshing and as soon as we got to the airport, it was “see ya!”

I got through security, grabbed a bite to eat, headed to the gate and fell asleep before we took off, my favorite. I woke up and then the turbulence hit, so not fun! I went to the bathroom and when I came out, one very pleasant flight attendant said “you need to get to your seat ma’am” really? Did she think I wanted to stay in the bathroom the entire flight? I told her I was trying not to throw up.

Friends, I have I tell you…for anyone who knows me, you know I love to travel, I’m comfortable on a plane. There are times I’m flying every month, if I have a job that is 100% travel, I’m in the air more than on the ground and I don’t usually get affected by turbulence, but this was unusual. I sat down right where I was and eventually got back to my seat. After about 20 more minutes, it started to settle down and I settled in to finish watching The Guilt Trip, Seth Rogan and Barbara Streisand. I will have to rent it and watch the whole thing so I can give you a decent movie review. I did get choked up towards the end, Barbara Streisand still reminds me of my mom.

By the time we landed, I had had enough, I went to the rental car terminal, which was surreal in and of itself, being back in GA and renting a car. The guy who got me into a car and set up was very pleasant, the woman behind the Enterprise counter, not so much.

This takes me back to what I have said many, many times..it’s not my fault that you don’t like your job or its not your dream job, so…if you don’t like your job, find another one! You chose to get into the customer service industry.

And who am I to break tradition, it was late, but a stop at Fellini’s for a slice and coke were in order! Back on the road, head down Hwy 78, cruise control is on (I’ve been sooooo good for over 6 months, I am not jinxing it!)

Now I sit in my bed, going to get some sleep in a few, get up, work at my job, try to see some of the people I didn’t get to see before I left and work on finishing things around the house (including another yard sale!) to get it really ready to sell! Fingers crossed friends!

I think I have adjusted to the time difference, it’s only 11pm in Colorado and guess what…I’m awake!

Here’s to the next adventure, but please tell me when I get to sit still!

{May 29, 2013} My life in a 10×15…and now I’m home

After approximately 28.5 hours total trip time, which included a 3.5 hour nap, a poor excuse for a good night’s sleep, and about 2.5 hours stopping for gas, food and rest stops, we made it to the apartment, my new home, our new home.

DCM was right, it’s definitely easier to unload than load a truck. At the apartment, before we could unload the truck, we had to get the keys out of the backpack in the trunk of my car. Do you happen to remember what happened the night before? We tried everything to get to the keys or open the trunk, no dice. Later, we found out that, of course, the keys were in the back pocket, farthest from us!
Luckily, there were some guys driving by, I flagged them down and they were able to give us a jump, thank you new neighbor! We got into the trunk, got the keys, opened the truck, started unloading and carrying up to the apartment.

It’s a nice two bedroom, one bath with a nice sized kitchen, lots of cabinets and a great view from the balcony. I didn’t get much time to really look around as we had a lot to bring up to the second floor, thankfully there is an elevator!

The best part…there was a message on the mirror…”Welcome home…(Love you)…About time!”

We got everything out that was staying, at least that’s what we thought. Then it was on to the storage unit, DCM drove the truck and I followed. I got my own storage unit, 10×15, the largest they had available. Everything but three pieces of furniture fit in the storage unit, those went into DCM’s. I had had this great idea of going through a few boxes every month to see what was in it, throw away, organize, whatever. Based on how packed the storage unit is, I am not going to see any of it until we move again, oh well.

My life, well, at least the past 19 years, fits into a 10×15 storage unit.

It took us 2 hours start to finish to unload the truck, not bad for having taken about 15 hours to load it! After we were done, we headed to the store for some essentials, we needed to eat! It was about 8:00 by then and we were worn out!

We headed to the apartment and got settled in, had some dinner and crashed. Before we crashed, I looked at the message again and realized…I am home.

{May 27, 2013} And we’re off…

So, I have to tell you about the rest of Saturday, packing, loading the truck and driving out to Colorado.

Remember me telling you CKM came to help with the yard sale, it was double help, she came to help load the truck, awesomeness! She is really good at keeping me motivated and giving me that look that says, “really?” And commiserating with DCM about all the stuff I have! She was a serious trooper, she stayed until about 12:45, thank you, thank you, thank you! She was also able to get her photo of the day, my sweet girl Peanut, awe.

TS sent me a text telling me she was hoping to come over, I was excited to see her before we left. She was awesome, she brought us food for our trip! There were sandwiches, hummus, drinks, chips and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, how fantastic was that? She hung for as long as she could, until her cat allergies got the best of her and she had to go. Thank you, it was terrific!

We kept working until about two am and fell into a coma like sleep at 3, we didn’t set any alarms, we needed as much rest as we could get. Of course, my body decided to wake me about 7am, so I got started on getting things ready to, last minute food stuff, the plants, I put them in individual bins so they would be safe, they were going in my car, the truck was loaded and locked, or should that be locked and loaded? The cats would be the last to get prepped to go.

I do need to tell you that we didn’t finish the house. The person who was supposed to finish the floors hasn’t and I need to find someone to finish, there really isn’t much left to do on the floors, but I don’t know how or I would do it myself. So somewhere about 11, we decided to stop stressing and I would go back to Atlanta next weekend to finish what needed to be done. I also talked to a friend of mine, CMD, who cleans houses and she agreed to clean my house, make it sparkle for anyone who comes to look at it. I’ll finish the floors, the yard and maybe ever have another yard sale,this time, in the garage and whatever doesn’t get sold…hello goodwill! I also plan on seeing some people who i didn’t get to see before I left, but don’t forget, I am coming back bunch this year!

So, DCM got up about 9, we loaded the car, got it on the trailer, couldn’t figure out how to open the door, so I climbed out the window and we left the window down. Wait until later, you’re going to laugh! We got the cats in the car, I hated tricking them with treats to get them in their carriers, but what else was I going to do? By 11:10 we were off, stopped at the gas station to fill up the haul and away we went, we were on the road by 11:24 and poor DCM, I was asleep before we got to 75!

I wanted to stay awake, but I reverted to the way I was as a little kid, I dozed off as someone else drove. DCM did ALL the driving! I offered and offered and offered, but he drove, said it was like driving a tank, but not as much fun, no live artillery aboard! I would doze and the pop awake for about an hour, if I was lucky, then doze again. DCM didn’t mind he had his book to listen to, which suited him fine since he doesn’t get to listen during his commute to work since its so short. He used to listen when he game to see me. 1.5 hours is great for an audio book!

I tried to get pictures of the state welcome signs, but the reaction time on my phone is awful! I’d wake up, we were in Tennessee, I had some fun, saw the sign for Clarksville, asked if he knew when the last train was, I made him laugh and groan a bunch, it was fun. Kansas was a very, very very long state to cross! Every time I’d wake up, I’d ask fi were still in Kansas…there’s no place like home, but not Kansas for me!

Here’s where you get to laugh…At some point, it started to downpour so we pulled off because e had to put the window up. No dice, there was no way to get to the window, close it and get out, so I turned the car on, climbed out the window and DCM closed the window. Today, he finally noticed the tabs sticking out and then figured it was a fender release so you can still open the car door. Well, great! Guess what died because the ignition was on all night!

About 3am eastern, DCM had had enough driving but we didn’t stay at a hotel because it was going to be a few hits, so we stopped at rest area with the big rigs and tried to sleep. The cats were a little crazy and finally settled down so we could be some sleep! Lets just say, sleeping sitting up leaning against the door with cats running all over the place, not so restful. The alarm went off at 7, I was already up, mostly. We hit the road.

Speaking of the cats, they cried, as you figured they would for about an hour, then they were m
Ok. I finally let them out and they settled down, yeah, on my lap. Better than could be expected. Whenever we got to rest stop or stopped for gas and got out of the cab, they ran and hid!

Back on the road, I didn’t think Kansas would ever end and when we first got to Kansas City, it was cool, a real city! So not Dorothy’s Kansas, then as we kept driving, we found it! Wide open and boring, to me that is! We stayed on that road for what seemed like days and then we were in Colorado!

We stopped at a diner for lunch, the I70 diner, they had a campaign to be on Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives, the food was alright, the staff pleasant, it was cute, but all Pepsi products! What?

Ok friends, I will continue this saga tomorrow! I am wiped out! Going to crash now!
Have a great night!

{May 25, 2013} Still Packing

We are still packing and loading the truck.

Lots to tell you, will fill you in tomorrow! Happy Saturday!

{May 21, 2013} A day of see you soon and hello!

Today was a day of…hello, nice to meet you, see you soon, this isn’t goodbye, and it’s so good to see you, I’ve missed you!

Today, JRS came to say hello and bring me money from the yard sale he did for me last weekend, a few things were sold, made a tiny dent, every little but helps. Next LS came with a friend from high school to get my riding lawn mower and his friend bought a few things, I’ve never made that much money so quickly!

It was good to see LS, it’s been about four years, nice to know we can be friends. So, for us it was “hello, goodbye/see ya soon”.

Next came the sweetest and bittersweetest. I had dinner with SDL and Miss A. The fashionista was in top form! I could create a blog on her daily outfits alone! Hmmm…

There was exiting news, but i didn’t want to spoil SLD’s opportunity to brag on her brilliant daughter, so I got to kvell, a great Yiddish word meaning to be proud and gush.

When i asked what they did over the weekend, i was exhausted by the end of the telling, but…the best part, a card that was decorated with stickers and stamps done by Miss A, with a little help from SDL, of course. The card said “There are all different types of goodbye” “They all suck!” That got a good belly laugh from me! And a snort, i might add!

Inside was a magnet that said “When i count my blessings, i count you twice”. It had my name on it and Miss A’s, something light to pack, i can put it on the fridge and think of them every time i look at it.

I think we both may have been procrastinating a bit leaving, and if we weren’t, I’m going to tell myself we were. But, at 10:00, it was time to get Miss A in her car seat, give another hundred kisses (i got a kiss tonight! It included teeth, but it was a kiss!!!) Close the door and say see ya. Although, we did pinky swear to visit often, and you know that a pinky swear is a binding agreement!

Then to hug my, dear, sweet wonderful friend of almost 19 years! “i love you! Keep me posted on your travels, say hi to your folks (i forgot to tell you to hug your sister for me! Please and thank you!) And I’ll see you on FaceTime or Skype!
No tears, maybe a little mist in my eyes, but mostly laughter.

Now…I’m at the airport waiting for DCM’s flight to land! It’s been a month and i miss my beau.

We have a busy week planned…floors are getting done tomorrow, he has lots of daughters to see and fawn over, we have a granddaughter to hug and love and squeeze on (the Sesame Street tissue box is ready), maybe a grandson to meet before we leave, finish packing, pick up a uhaul, load said uhaul, another yard sale, then it’s pack up the furry kids and hit the road!

Hurry up, I’m ready to say “hello!”

{May 20, 2013} Coming home

First, let me tell you a little bit about my day, then I’ll talk about my feelings. Wow, I sound like such a girl!

Up after the sun, but before my 7am alarm. I had to see my girls and family before they all left for work, school, home and I left for Atlanta. MG was being a three year old and didn’t want to get dressed, we all tried. She didn’t want La La to help her, she didn’t want Poppa to help her,she didn’t want me to help her, but five minutes later, I want Auntie J to do it, ok! One leg, two legs, shirt, all dressed.

Next was bye bye, give kisses to Auntie, where are you going? Are you taking a plane? When will we FaceTime and just as quickly as it started, they were gone, kisses and hugs, see you soon. Then it was Poppa and La La’s turn, bye daddy, see you soon! Safe travels.

Then TRS came to pick me up with Miss S for breakfast, that was a treat, we hadn’t been out to breakfast, just the two of us ever and it had been a long time since we got a chance to sit and visit, it was great and I got hugs and kisses from Miss S! I love having a bunch of kids call me auntie!

A few hours of work, then off to the airport (I left my sisters house at 2:40 and arrived home t 11:58).
The flight was uneventful, sat next to a nice man, we talked about books, I finished my Carl Hiassen book and gave it to him, one less thing for me to take with me! I dozed off after takeoff, woke up just before the drinks, like clockwork!

So, coming home…
As I was getting off the train in Atlanta at baggage claim, I realized this was the last time I was “coming home” to Atlanta. The next time I travel to Atlanta, I will be staying with friends or at a hotel, I won’t be going to pick up my car, I will be getting a rental car. I got a little choked up as I was climbing the escalator realizing that.

For 19 years I have called Atlanta home, can you believe it, 19 years! I have lived in five cities, 6 different residences in that time. I lived in a house as an au pair in a McMansion in Sandy Springs when I first moved to Georgia, next was an apartment in Dunwoody with one roommate, then another apartment down the road in Dunwoody, with two friends (not anymore, when they say you shouldn’t live with your best friend, they weren’t kidding!) then my first apartment by myself in The Highland, ahhhh. Then buying my first house in Snellville, “Where everybody is Somebody” (I promise, that is the city slogan!).

Three years later, I moved farther out to Loganville (try saying that with a straight face!) where I have been for the last ten years, in a house that I have loved and a neighborhood that has brought me amazing amounts of happiness over the last ten years. I believe that a lot of my life would not have been the same if I hadn’t moved into the neighborhood, good and bad. I think it goes along with what I wrote about fate and coincidences.

When I moved in, I was told this was a “Leave it to Beaver” neighborhood, they could not have been more right! There were neighborhood parties, friendships, Halloween parties for the kids, parades honoring our veterans and patriots, we hosted neighborhood baby showers, if someone was sick or had someone pass, flowers and food was organized. The day I bought the house, there was an article in the Gwinnett Daily Post about this neighborhood with A PICTURE OF MY HOUSE! (I attached a picture) what are the odds?

I have to tell you, I was happy where I was and who I was with, but Georgia has never truly been my home, they say home is where the heart is, that is very true, my heart was with someone, so I was happy where they were. About a year after I moved to Georgia, I was ready to leave, I was either going back to NYC or the Peace Corps, I had my application in hand and then I met the wasband and I stayed.

After we separated, the house went on the market, I was ready to move on, make a fresh start and I would not have looked back. I had friends at the time that I was close with, but not as close as I am today. As time went on and the house did not sell, I began to settle in and get comfortable, in the house, my surroundings and in my own skin.

I formed new friendships and strengthened the ones I had had for a long time, TS, CKM, SDL, LK to name a few, the ones who were really there for me when I was going through a really rough time, my SLAH family, DF, SJ, SS, then as I started working again, I made new friends, RS, JCT, MB, SS, SD, and even recently at my “new” job, DL. I rekindled friendships that only got stronger, JT, BG, NB, MM, HNM, CTS, DG, I know I am just touching on my list, please know there are so many more who are near and dear to me. You and I know who you are!

Now, even though I know I will keep in touch with everyone, (I am going to do my darnedest to keep my promise!) with the amazing technology we have available to us and my love of travel, it’s really hitting home that I’m leaving. I am excited to be starting a new chapter in my life, I am moving towards something wonderful and I am excited to experience this with someone so important to me, we will have new adventures that I cannot wait to share with all of you.

But it is still a little bittersweet as I drive down Ponce de Leon to Scott Blvd to Hwy 78, I’m not going to be stopping at Fellini’s for a slice and a coke on the way home from the airport, pull into the neighborhood that caught my eye and makes me happy every time I drive home because it is so beautiful and welcoming, pull into my driveway and look at this place I have called home for over ten years. I know it will be surreal when the truck is loaded and we head out leaving all I have known and what I have called home for almost half of my life.

{May 15, 2013} Saying goodbye is never easy…

But my friends made it fun and easy, thank you!

Today was a day of laughter, almost tears, smiles, photos and goodbyes. It’s really coming together, every day gets a little closer to the day I leave the place I’ve called home for NINETEEN years! I left the day after Mother’s Day 1994 and I’ve been here ever since. I know, I know, you’re saying, it not possible, you’re only 25! Ha ha! Ok, those of you who don’t know me, could think I was 25, so thank you, but I’m happy being 41, besides, I don’t think 25 was great for me, so I’m good here.

I went into the office for our monthly Anniversary/Birthday celebration. It’s a group that you can join at work, we all contribute $15-20 for the year, someone hosts each month and we honor/celebrate all the birthdays and anniversaries with the company. Everyone takes turns hosting, I’ve done it a few times, it’s fun, thinking of themes and getting food and decorating accordingly. I volunteered for May, what? Well, I am leaving at the end of the month and I won’t be here to participate, so I thought, why not? I started stressing last night when I still didn’t have food until I realized what I would get and it worked out perfectly!

I got a cake from Publix, I had them out “Happy May Everything!”, some Neapolitan ice cream and a fruit salad, it was a hit! Who doesn’t like cake and ice cream

We also had our ladies lunch, that was fun, we went to The Rose & Crown Pub, quite tasty and the company was great! We caught up, we laughed, had a good time all around, I’m going to miss those lunches.

After work, I headed to Violette, a lovely French restaurant I had never been to, I enjoyed it immensely. A few weeks ago, CKM asked me about doing something with “the gang” before I left, I said absolutely and what’s the next step? She said nothing, just pick a date! I didn’t have to plan? Awesome, thank you!

She went through and emailed just about everyone who had been on one of my past emails! There was a great crowd, most of my favorite people, not all, it was kind of tough, being in the middle of the week, I’m heading out of town tomorrow, so this weekend was out.

I really appreciate everyone who came out. CTS, I’ve gotten to eat two meals with her in less than a month, I think that was a record. I was so touched she came out, it meant a lot. BG and JT drove together, it was great having them both there! Two of my closest friends, I met JT at BG’s house and CKM at one of JT’s Super Bowl parties, small world! I’ve known BG since 1999, when I started working for Harbinger, when I mentioned Harbinger, DL said she knew it! speaking of…DL and her husband, ML, were there. I’ve only known DL for a little over a year, but we’ve grown quite close and I value her friendship.

RS was there (she goes by B, but I can’t refer to her as BS, which she would probably laugh at, so she’s RS. She looked great I a vintage jacket a friend fond for her and she was giving up watching American Idol for me tonight, I was definitely flattered!

My dear sweet friend, MB came! We don’t get to see each other very often and we worked together about two years ago and she’s one of the few people I am still in contact with from that job and I don’t think it took us five minutes to become fast friends. You know how everyone says we’ll stay in touch…that doesn’t always happen, does it? MB is still with me, just like BG and I know DL will be too. Makes me happy.

SDL and Miss A were there, it would not have been a party without them, color coordinated and all! It’s not going to be easy leaving them. SDL and I will talk, email, send pictures and have a Skype or FaceTime date, when we reconnected all those years ago, it brought or friendship back I know we will never lose that, she’s one of my besties! How am I going to leave my munchkin? Right now, I get to see her just about every other week, sometimes more than others and now, even though FaceTime is great, it’s not in person. I will miss the hugs, the squeezes, the kisses, walking together, see her in person. I know they’ll visit and I’ll visit, but I can’t tickle her tummy to get that great laugh that of her through a piece of technology, as good as it is!

CKM was there, of course! She was so wonderful to set this dinner up and find a place she knew I would love, I’m such a Francophile! She got the best card, it was touching funny and just right, got everyone to sign it and make me laugh. As odd as this might sound, it feels like the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz “I think I’m going to miss you most of all!” We talk almost every day, sometimes several times a day. We’ve even spent a few hours together and then talk on the way home! So knew we had so much to talk about! Who are we kidding?

Thank you to CKM for putting this evening together, thank you to my friends who were able to join us and thank you to the friends who wanted to come, but life got in the way, you were there in spirit and if you were wondering what that hysterical laughter and snorting was…yours truly!

I value each and every one of you and I am so honored to say I know you, let alone be lucky enough to call you a friend. Thank you for allowing me to be your friend, my life is truly richer for it.

http://violetterestaurant.com/

{May 14, 2013} Happy and a little sad

It’s official! My house is “For Sale”!!! Ok, now someone come and buy it!

The realtors came today and looked at the house and were actually amazed that I got as far as I did! There is nitpicky stuff left to do, but for the most part the house is ready to be sold! I will take pictures very soon to show you.

They were amazed at how big my master bedroom is! (Yeah, without all that “stuff” all over the place!) I like it, it’s just kind of empty, nothing on the walls and the walls are off white, for someone who is artistic, this is a blank canvas, give me a paintbrush, wait don’t!

They helped me stage the living room while they were here, it looks nice and my friend, SDL’s artwork is displayed prominently! The office is done, CKM’s photography is featured there! Come one friends, who wants me to display their fabulous artwork?!

So, after a walk through, we went to lunch, a girl’s gotta eat! I’ve known this couple for quite a few years so it was nice to sit down and chat with them, very relaxed. We usually see each other at TS’ house for a party, so this was fun. The only time we talked real estate at lunch was when I inquired how business was, the rest of the time was, well, everything else!

We got back, talked price, less than we originally talked about, but there is a house up the street that’s bigger and for more money, so we’re not much less, just a few thousand (wow, I sound so…blasé about a few thousand!) and we talked about how low I’ll go on the price.

While N and I worked on the paperwork, thank goodness it was less than the refinance! BC trimmed the trees outside, now that’s what I call service!

I do have a backup plan! The property management company for the neighborhood works with agents who do rental property, so while I would rather sell the house, if it doesn’t, I am going to rent and I know the house/property will be well taken care of, they are a bit nuts, so as a landlady, I want that, what a contradiction! Keep your fingers crossed for me my friends!

I love finding out that people read my blog. This morning, MM texted to thank me for writing about the St Joseph statue! He couldn’t remember what it was called, happy to help! My dad called me this morning and said “guess who reads your blog? LD’s new daughter-in-law, TD!” That’s awesome, I’m flattered! He was talking about some of my exploits and she said she knew, so, TD, thanks for reading!

All good things so far, so here’s where the little sad comes in. I took Bella to her new human today. JS has always liked my cats and when I said I was looking for a home for Bella, he said I’ll take her, so, when he came over a few weeks ago, they met and seemed to get along, I think he fell hook line and sinker for her! She is hard to resist, especially when she sits next to you and puts her paw on your leg or hand, just a reminder that she is there and if you felt like petting her, you could.

So, I lured her into the carrier with treats, I know, bad mommy but I didn’t know how else to get her in there, when she saw the carrier come out, she headed for the hills, but she is such a sucker for a treat, I caved. As I was driving, I called DCM for reassurance I was doing the right thing. I know, I know, I have complained a out her doing her business in the dining room, but she really is a sweet cat and I really did try to make it work. I know she will be happy, no other cats around to bother her and I know my two will be happier, no competition.

It was still bittersweet. I kissed her goodby through some tears, made JS promise to send pictures and updates and headed home, calling CKM and KB to tell me I was doing the right thing, for everyone. I was calling more to let them know that she was with JS as they have listened to me kvetch about Bella more than once.

I know this is a good thing, I know this is a good thing..there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.

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