wrongful packing

Now that I am staying put for 6 months, I am unpacking the boxes that I had in my car for my journey out here, plus the three that I mailed.

In July, it was hard to know what I might need.  I didn't know where I'd be living or what kind of clothes I would need for work. I packed about half my clothes both casual and work and a suit and one pair of heels, 3 'sneakers', 2 flip flops and one flat.  I packed one plastic tote of kitchen items such as one small pot, 4 of each plate, cup, fork, knife, spoon and the few larger serving pieces, an apple corer, a few tupperware containers and a corkscrew.  I had two small boxes of electronics with camera accessories, a wireless adapter, Google ChromeCast, wires- lots and lots of random wires, a DVD remote (yet the DVD is in another box in my parents basement), a few small tools, some hangers, some scrapbook supplies, a tote filled with bathroom supplies, a small seat, and one throw blanket and one pillow and finally one tote of food and paper products.  I also thought that if I found a job and a place, that I'd have all my stuff shipped out to me via pod, so this was just to carry me through a few months.

On my first visit home in October, I packed two boxes and mailed out to me, snowshoes, hats, snow pants, scarves, gloves, 3 coats, my winter boots, more tupperware, another small pot and some cooking gadgets like a whisk, rubber spatula, one of those small immersion hand mixers, a few recipes, and a shower curtain.  These boxes cost about $78 to mail.  I carried back in my carry on some more clothes.  It was hard because I still didn't have a place to stay consistently, and I didn't know what I may or may not need.

My second trip home was in Nov ember and I just found out I'd be signing a 6 month lease so I shipped one large box for $48, with one suit, lots of hangers, three pairs of shoes, pictures, knee highs and socks, a picture holder and a few other various items like a few candles, shower curtain rings, and my St. Anne statue.  In my carry-on I packed a king size comforter, a humidifier, and 2 family photos.  The price of that box surprised me, but it was kind of big and weighed about 32 pounds.  For $50 I could have checked it at the airport and gotten another 10 pounds worth of stuff.

Obviously I didn't pack well at any of these times.  The first time was the hardest and I didn't use a lot of that stuff until more recently. It really just sat in a few boxes untouched in the back of my car for months.  I didn't use any of the electronics, only a few 'work' outfits for interviews, and only used the scrapbook stuff once.  The wireless adapter I just plugged in yesterday, I've used a few tools and many of the hangers, and the hat, gloves and jackets.

I am not sure I can give advice to anyone who wants to travel with just a car load of stuff.  I think some kitchen equipment is valuable - I still need to get a small frying pan, but I've used most of the kitchen stuff I toted along.  Various clothes are important - both change of seasons and work/casual.  Unfortunately I haven't found a job yet, so that didn't get much use, but other people may luck out faster than me.  The electronics & wires could have waited (minus the laptop, iPad, camera and phone equipment).  I used the small folding seat when I attended little league soccer games and would have along the way if I picnicked (which I did not).  The pillow and throw blanket were very handy, but not enough once it got colder.  The bathroom supplies tote I used some here and there and other items not yet...but you know, it is always good to have some medication or a thermometer around just in case...and I actually did use my ice bag when I broke my toe - so that was a smart use of car space.  Scrapbooking supplies was a 'luxury' but I figured I'd have a lot of free time and a plethora of pictures...yet I am working on 2013 still and haven't ordered or even uploaded many pictures from my trip yet.

And I have been out shopping to pick up both practical things and things to make the place look a little homier.

still no routine

Now that the excitement of the first week passed and a few days of a visitor...I am left alone.  I signed up for some meetups and went to trivia at a bar, game night at a girls house and a few hiking activities.  Other than that, I've been a little confused if I am allowed to have fun when there is the work of finding a home and job.

I've also been out for meals with a lady I met right before I moved who was also moving here.  I think I am going to adopt her two kids as my pseudo nephews.  And a girl I knew from high school.  My mother and a few other people also gave me the names and numbers to people they know in the area, but I have yet to call to make that connection, that is so outside my realm of comfort...and that realm has been pushed a lot since I've been here.

A few days ago I decided to give up on the hunt for a place to live, and continue to stay with the lady I met through airbnb.  She is more flexible with knowing that if/when I find a job, I want to live close to the job.  We aren't in a lease so I can leave when something comes up.  Only bad thing about living here is that it is sorta far away from a lot...which has been tough on my wallet and gas tank the last 3 weeks...but if I am driving around less since I am staying more put, then hopefully it won't be so bad.

My days have not yet found a routine, which is hard.  Hours are usually spent researching jobs or writing a cover letter.  I try to go to the library, but that is restrictive if I get hungry, thirsty or need to use the restroom.  Today, as I type this, I am sitting outside on the patio, a nice change and I am loving the fresh air I would miss if I was at the library.  I am a homebody, so not leaving the house is usually fine with me...but since I am living with someone, I want to make sure she has her time too, that I am not always around.

I'd love to tour the state a little bit...but feel guilty to spend money I don't have.  But now is the time...I don't have a work commitment.  And truthfully, it would be a little research like too, since I'll know if I should apply for jobs in towns on the Western slope.

So that is it...the postings will probably slow down quite a bit...maybe even go back to real time.

no tears

Day #31 of being here is the first day my eyes didn't tear and I didn't cry.  I know, that sounds insane coming from a mid-thirties woman...but sadly, the stress and emotions of doing this has been very difficult.   Not all the tears were from the move, one day it was from a book I read, many other days was thinking about ManFriend...but today, today shockingly there were no tears most likely because I was distracted at my friend's family's house.  Even in my private time before I sleep, sometimes tears come since I am super depressed.  Maybe I just cried them all out the day or weeks before.  But it is a stepping stone.  I hope once I find a job and get more 'settled' here, that the stress will start to fade and I can be happy.  Let's see if it continues.

finding an address

Today, I realized I probably needed a temporary address.  As I am applying for jobs, many ask for an address. I don't want to put my NY address because then it won't seem like I am right here.  I don't want to use the temporary address I've been staying at for the last 2 weeks because that isn't right, it isn't mine.  My host suggested to get a PO Box, I have one at home and thought that would be good.

But it isn't good because to open a PO Box, the worker reminded me I needed to have a valid Colorado driver's license/ID...which I don't have because I don't have a home.  Too bad too because they were doing 3 month boxes for only $18! The worker suggested I try one of their competitors, like UPS store.

So I plug that into my GPS and go to the one a mile away.  I inquire about their policy for obtaining a mail box and indeed they were less stringent about my license, I just needed two forms of ID.  The thee month box however was $60 plus $20 set up fee.  $80 for a mailbox that won't get a lot of mail and is really just so I look local.  But that is a small fee for if I land a job!  The only problem with this is that I might not be staying where I am for 3 months....so getting to it might be tough, but the guy said that they can always forward my mail.

didn't take into account....bank

One of the things I did not take into account before I left was my bank.  I've been banking with them for almost 9 years and since they are so huge back in NYC, I figured every major city would have branches...but when it came time for me to take money out, there was no bank.  So, I looked to see what banks were around and picked one that is back home too.  I went there and opened up an account, which was easier than I thought considering I don't really have a home/address yet.  The bank will receive my debit card and when it arrives, I'll just go there to pick it up.

the meltdown

I was not prepared for the traffic in Denver.  Sure Colorado is booming, more people are looking to appreciate the mountains, the lifestyle, and the marijuana.  Apartments and houses are going up all over the place, yet to find a vacancy is quite difficult, especially when you are looking for something ASAP and don't want a full year lease - that is another post.

So with all the building, and more people living here...the roads are congested, even if they are 4 or 5 lanes at times.  It took me 40 - 50 minutes to get from downtown Denver to Englewood, a 6.6 mile ride.  I was so frustrated by the time I got to the area, I didn't even want to look at the places...so I turned around and sat in traffic for over an hour to get back north of Denver.  I burst out in sobs, I left New York to get away from traffic...I don't want a long commute, I don't want traffic, I want a happy life near the mountains.  I wanted affordable housing...but with the housing boom...things are not so affordable.  I started to doubt that I made the right decision.  Was I crazy to be doing this?  But I thought, once I find a job then I will intentionally pick a place to live where I don't have to worry about this horrible traffic on an everyday basis.  

When my car beeped at the 2 hour mark - I was shocked that I spent over two hours in the car to go nowhere.  I was so frustrated.  I stupidly answered my phone when my parents called, and sobbed to them about how frustrated I was with the traffic, and the horrible extended stay hotels.  They assured me after such a stressful period in my life, it is completely normal to have this breakdown, now that I am here...the reality is setting in and it is flooding my emotions.  Did I want to go back home they asked?  After 2 days here, no way!  I need to give it at least 6 months.  So, I need to be prepared for a very difficult time for the next few weeks/months until I get adjusted.  I really didn't think this far through back home, as a planner it is so hard to not know what is coming, where I'll be staying, where the job will be; with so many unknowns I think it is normal for a meltdown.

to a new beginning

And so, that is it.  I arrived in the state I am hoping to call home soon.  I clocked 4,139 miles getting here and had an amazing trip.  The route changed a little bit along the way.

Before - Planned Route

After - Actual Route

I was lucky enough to have great company for the first half, and the second half was filled with a lot of internal reflection and learning even more about myself.  I am proud of myself for doing it...taking the risk.  I hope it pays off, only time will tell.

The Route

This is the route I selected.  A sine curve (sort of).

not straight at all...but that shouldn't surprise you, I tend to do things different or more complicated than they need to be.  What it boiled down to was I couldn't decide between the northern route and the southern route...there were things I wanted to see in each place.  Why should I have to pick one or the other?  It isn't like I am rushing to a job or anything.

I am a pretty organized person.  Based on this route, I created a binder of each stop and the information about it...hours of operation, fees, address for the GPS, etc.  However, what I did not commit to was hotels/accommodations.  The reason for that primarily being how much was I going to drive in one day?  What if a stop takes way longer/less than I thought?  I don't want to be stuck leaving to make it to a hotel - so I thought it would be best just to wing it.

I am really looking forward to this trip.  I am hoping that it will dull/delay the realization that I am moving.  This gives me something fun and exciting to do everyday until I get there, wherever there is.

making sure it fits

The day before departure, I starting to figure out what I can actually fit in the car.  Some of the boxes I originally packed, wouldn't fit right for maximum space, so I began to unpack and repack for a fourth time.  I even cut a big box down in height because it fit my vacuumed sealed clothes perfectly in length. 

Mostly the items brought along were clothes, a few pairs of shoes, beauty/bathroom supplies and some miscellaneous things/papers.  Everything else stayed behind.

I could have fit more in the car, but I decided to have someone join me for the first part of the trip, so I needed to make sure I left enough room for her bags and her.  All which will be 'free' space half way through the trip. I wanted to be able to see out of the back window, so I didn't pile up as high as I could have either.  I also purchased the crossbars for the top of the car, so I considered getting a cargo case, but didn't really want all that and the noise resistance noise for the whole trip and still wanted to be open the moon roof and see above.

left half back seat for friend's stuff

After everything was in I bungeed the bags so they wouldn't slide too much while driving.  I used two small blankets to cover up the stuff even though my back windows have a slight tint to it, making it harder for people to see what I was toting along.

I stored food and a cooler bag on the back ground, easy access.

It wasn't the best packing job...I am sure I could have gotten a lot more in if I tried harder...but I'd be living in a hotel/out of my car, so how much stuff did I want to bring that I wouldn't even be using?

Picking up the new car

It was time to pick up my car.  Cutting it close, with getting it less than a week before I depart.  After our purchase agreement, I emailed the sales agent asking her to have the cross bars installed (sure, I own crossbars from my last car, but this saves me from having to order and spend the time doing it myself) and then the day of the pickup I asked if they would be able to have the remote started installed as well.  This was a much more expensive option - but when I called the place where I had my father's car done, they did not get back to me about a final price since he was unsure if it would be an extra $100 or not.  Again, pressed for time, I just had the dealer do it.

I arrived on time to pick up the car.  I handed over my plates and then met with the finance guy.  He asked about the extended warranty, but didn't push it or sell how important and great it is.  I declined.  We went over a few numbers...and that was it.  In and out of his office in 3 minutes.  Really easy.

Back to the sales lady, we chatted she gave me papers, brought me out to the car and showed me many of the functions and confirmed the extras I purchased were in the car.  She even synced the phone for me and showed me how the blue tooth worked (helpful since this is a first for me).

I drove off the lot 40 minutes after I got there.

going away party

My parents really wanted to throw me a going away party, but since I am not handling the goodbyes well, I really didn't want one.  But once we talked about it and agreed for something very small and casual, I agreed.

The party was held the day after my last work day, about a week before I departed.  My aunts, uncles, cousins and my family were invited, and most of them showed up to wish me well before I head out.  My aunts told me how proud they were of me of my courage and strength to pick up and leave.  My cousins offered some tips on the long journey and sleeping in the car or camping.  They all gave me a card and some money or gift cards, which was unexpected but of course very much appreciated.

My road trip journey out there

My nieces and nephews helped my parents and sisters with the decorations.  They  turned the dining room table into my road trip, complete with matchbox cars, road signs and mountains.

They turned empty boxes into luggage decorations and put maps on water bottles.  They did a really cute job and make the party more 'fun' than serious.

My sister read a short story and pulled out matching products as the word was said.  Like, 'we ALL (laundry detergent) wish you well', 'i hope you find a job that pays a 100 GRAND (candy bar)', etc. The story flowed well and was really cute.  Some items were practical for my trip...and others, well I gave back to her to either return or to keep and eat.

As people started to leave and said their goodbyes, I cried...even though I knew I'd see them again at holidays and other family functions.

Cute little luggage decorations

did I really just quit my job?

Today started like any other, aside from waking up at 4 am.  I took the train, went to work, did work and then at 2:00 pm there was a little going away party for me.  My boss gave a really great short speech about why everyone is going to miss me highlighting some memories from the last two years and then I started to cry, it was very touching.  I thanked everyone for coming and it was because of them that I liked my job and was able to succeed in my job by working together.  I cut the cake and then people started to come up to me to say goodbye and the tears just didn't stop.  It was very touching.  And I started to think....did I really quit my job?  Is this really no more?  Will I ever see anyone again?  The last three weeks have been so busy wrapping things up at work and at home but it hasn't really set in that I am moving.

After the party I head back to my desk, wrap things up, deliver all my electronics and building pass to my boss.  I hug him goodbye and then give him a card and a bottle of wine.  Then I left 30 minutes earlier than usual.

I walked to Grand Central, making sure I absorbed New York City one last time and took the train home.

the 'best day ever'

Aside from saying goodbye to friends, I have my family, which is even harder.  I've been trying to spend a lot of time with them in the last few weeks, absorb it all before it ends.

I took one of my nephews to Playland where we spent eight hours going on ride after ride.  The place was empty, so we had no problems going on the same ride over and over and over again, in the front seats.  We went on almost all the rides, with the plunge, dragon coaster and the log flume being his favorites.

I am not a huge amusement park goer, but it is Playland - there is nothing too crazy there...and for him, I would have gone on anything, even the 'scary' ones for me because seeing his joy and excitement means the world to me.

The bad aunt I am, I allowed him to have ice cream, cotton candy and an Icee.  After seven hours I started telling him we should wrap it up.  He wasn't so pleased...he could have continued to ride the same few things over and over again but I was getting wiped out.

On the way to the car, he asked if we can still see a movie.  That was the original plan, but I wasn't counting on staying at Playland for so long.  But, I figured my sister could use a little more time to do what she needed to do, and I needed the time spent with him.  So we head over to the theater to see Malificent and have a little popcorn.  I am not an Angelina Jolie fan, but I loved the movie, great story.

When I dropped off my nephew at the end of the night, he said it was his "best day ever", which I still took as a compliment because he is eight and he has had some great memories.

But the best thing about him being eight, is that he will remember this day as will I.

deciding on a car

My car died about a month and a half ago.  I knew I needed to purchase a car before I left so it was time to start thinking about what I wanted.  My last few cars have been really old used cars with problems, but they were cheap which I needed.  Now, my priorities are different, I won't know a mechanic out there and I wanted something that I wouldn't worry about on my drive.

For the last few years I thought I would purchase a Subaru....and that was before I knew how awesome of a car it was.  So that was the only easy decision.  Most of the time, I can be quite indecisive over 'silly' things or when there are too many choices. 

I know I am not a minivan person, and SUV...it would be nice, but I am so used to smaller cars.  The first time I went to the dealer I asked to just sit in a used Forester.  I wasn't too worried about driving the car because it couldn't be any worse than previous cars I've driven.  It was nice, but I worried it was too big.  So I thought the Impreza hatchback would be ideal.  I did a lot of research new versus used and went back to the dealer with my brother-in-law to check it out and for a test drive, and of course it drove fine.  The brother-in-law suggested to drive the Forester for comparison, and I left thinking I would purchase a new Impreza.  More research and calling/emailing other dealers for prices.  I looked at both new and used and options but I wasn't really finding the right combination.

With only ten days left, I headed back to the dealer with my uncle and mother and re-test drove both the Impreza and Forester, with the Forester going first.  This time I took both cars on the highway and I was really trying to observe the noise, sights, dials, etc.  I was more pleased with the Forester's outside noise but was still hesitant about the size.  But then I really looked at the measurements, and the length was less than an inch different. The real difference is that the Impreza sits lower to the ground at 5.9 inches and the Forester is higher at 8.7 inches.  That ground clearance could be beneficial in my future lifestyle, but the Impreza while lower would be easier to access the roof and anything that is stowed up there.    The Forester of course has more cargo space because of the lines of the back door/hatch...but would I really use that space aside from the move?  I am not sure.  Also a plus for the Impreza is the gas mileage but the Forester has a better safety rating.  Tough decision.

For about $3,000 price difference, I went with the Forester. Even a harder decision was picking a color.  I thought I wanted a white car...but I wasn't sure I wanted the Forester in white, seems very common and a little plain.  I also wanted a light interior so that eliminated a few colors automatically, but I didn't want black, dark blue, green, bronze, silver or light blue.  So that didn't leave many choices....red - but not bright red, but more of a dark berry.   It took the dealer about a week to get the car in...which cut it close to my second move date.

exit interview

My organization has an exit interview prior to leaving to get feedback on your experience and areas they can improve.  I filled out the form before my appointment and handed it to him upon my entry into his office. I sat down in the chair and we started to chat, going over my responses and why I ranked something lower and we even discussed all the high ranking responses too.  I stressed that I liked my position, the work and how great my department was.

Then he asked about my new position, if it was something similar or not.  I giggled, it stated right on my paperwork that I gave my notice because I was relocating and that I do not have a job lined up.  So, I reminded him of that, and he asked if I was sure I wanted to do that...give up a job, that is quite the risk.  But this isn't the first time I heard this, many people over the last week have asked that in a variety of ways.

Yes, now that it is sinking in and getting closer, I am starting to wonder if it was the right decision.  But yes, the answer is yes...I need this.

Towards the end of the exit interview, he explained that paperwork will be coming to be about health insurance, life insurance, investment accounts, etc.  There will be a few things to close up.

All total, I was probably in there 15 minutes.

sinking in

Little by little people at work are finding out about my resignation.  I've had a lot of people ask me questions about where I am moving, why I am moving and wishing me luck.  It's been nice but hard at the same time.  While I've been thinking about moving for a while...I really sunk in that it isn't a dream anymore, it is happening, and it is happening soon.  Very soon. Almost too soon that I am getting overwhelmed.

What I find interesting is that so many people are telling me how brave I am for moving when I have no job, no man, no friends, no place to stay.  Sure, when I write it, it does sound a little crazy...would I ever tell a friend that is a good idea?  I don't know.  As scary as it is, I know deep down that this is what I need to do.  I am not worried about failing because so what? I move back here?  That isn't the end of the world.  Sure, I've sold an apartment...but I wouldn't want to live there again.  I gave up a job...but hopefully I'd find another.  Most difficult is giving my family...but they are only a plane ride away and I will visit and with technology...who knows, maybe I'll talk to them more!

I do think it takes courage to do something like this, and I give credit to the many people who have.  It was a difficult decision, but it will be worth it in the end.

I have about three weeks left.  And I'll be working for all of it.  That isn't a lot of time left to pack, visit with friends for the last time, buy a car, get all the mail straightened out, organize my belongings, help my other sisters who are moving, plan the trip out and most importantly spending as much time with family as possible.

I am thinking about not leaving so quickly...but that means I won't have road trip friends in the car with me...but that also means that my road trip out can be as long as I want.  Tough decisions.

giving notice

Once the closing was official, I was able to give my notice.  I am required to give a minimum of three weeks notice if I want my unused vacation days.  The delay in closing pushed me back a week or two...but it is what it is, I still don't know where I am going anyway.

The morning flew by, and I knew I needed to tell my boss.  I made an appointment with him for that afternoon, and as non-nervous as I was, I stumbled and rushed through my explanation and then I teared up.  I was shocked how emotional it turned out to be, but I really love my boss, he has been so wonderful to work for and I find that is a rare occurrence.

He was shocked, the color drained from his face.  I told him I was moving out west and for that he was not surprised, he knew how much I've enjoyed all my trips out that way.  He said so many wonderful things about my work, how timely I was in completing assignments, how long it took to find me to fill the position and how hard it would be for him to fill my shoes.  More tears came down, and I was a little embarrassed about it, but at least he was able to see that I really did like my job, and I was not leaving for another position.  I told him I was still unsure of my plan but hoped to drive out there...well after I buy a car...and he was cute, he joked that if he bought me a car, I could stay here.

Before I leave work that day, my boss pulls me to the side and asked how I feel about working remotely. I was speechless, that is not something I considered.  He told me I had until first thing the following morning to let him know.

For 15 minutes I thought about this, it would be a fantastic opportunity - the ability to live in a more remote area, knowing I would be moving with a job and that I am extremely comfortable and capable with the work.  I would be a fool to pass an opportunity up if it really would work, although I was hesitant.  At my initial interview the HR department told me that my position was highly visible and that a body was needed in the office. Working from home would require some changes, but everything eventually becomes routine.  Nonetheless, the following morning I told my boss that yes, absolutely, I would be willing to work remotely.

Unfortunately he told me that the higher-ups would not approve this.  I completely understood...if it worked that would have been amazing, but I certainly didn't expect that offer.

Even more wonderful was that my boss likes my work enough that he would have wanted to continue to work with me remotely than replace me.  A real compliment.

the closing

On Friday when I was in the car on the way to the airport, I emailed my attorney for an update...hopefully by then we would have heard if they were going through with the purchase or if I would have to relist the apartment.  He said they have the money and hope to close Monday morning.

All day Monday I kept checking my email for notification if they closed...or perhaps didn't show up again.  Finally, I received the email I was waiting for...they closed that day.  It is done. I am glad I signed over power of attorney so they were able to do this in my absence and that I didn't have to be there and see the buyers that caused me so much stress and delayed giving my notice and moving. I am so happy that it is over and done with...but yet, I really can't share my good news with anyone here.  Mountain Man left early Monday morning otherwise I knew he would have celebrated with me.  Of course I messaged my family right away!

On a break, I went up to my room to call and re-turn off the electricity.  The last order of business for the apartment.  So...it is done.  I can now move on with my life.

yard sale

Since I moved into my temporary housing, I've spent my evenings and weekends sorting through my stuff trying to decide what to keep, what to sell, and what to throw away.  I have quite a bit of stuff, way too many clothes and shoes and just random things.  When it is all in an apartment or in storage, it doesn't look like a lot, but when it is just sitting around...it is overwhelming.

Since I can't take a lot with me, since when I first get to where ever I am going will be temporary, I am not bringing a lot of items.  Once I settle into a place, then I will have my items shipped or I'll come back for them.

So to lessen the need to move things that will eventually sit in boxes in the new place, I needed to have a garage sale.  9 AM - 4 PM on a Saturday.  Even with getting up at 5:30 AM, it was a struggle to get everything done.  Had to get everything outside, had to finish pricing, had to put signs up locally, responding to a few inquires via forums...it reminded me of the last time I did a garage sale and said I probably would never do it again.

My sister surprised me and came over at 7:30 AM to help get ready, and it was a huge help to get it all out because I had quite a bit of early birds stop by.  The morning was very busy.  Next thing I knew my mother said that my other sister was on her way over.  She is in the process of moving, so she brought a car load of stuff to sell (but by the time she got here, it was about 1 PM).  In the mean time my other sister's family came to help/hang out.  I was shocked by how many family members came to help on such a beautiful Saturday.  

The sale was worth it.  Some items I was shocked sold and others I thought would sell didn't.  All together I sold about $650.  I have at least two more big items to sell- a desk for $325 and an elliptical for $240, maybe a fireplace for $400.  Combine that with the scrapbook stuff I sold on eBay last month, that is about $2100+ that I will be able to put towards new furnishings after I move.  Still no where near enough...but at least it will help!

the walkthrough

The apartment has been stressing me out.  I've been out of it for about 3 weeks, waiting for a closing.  But I can't let delays get to me, that is all out of my control and even though I have a work trip coming up...I know everything will work out.  So I need to be better about not getting boggled down with it.

With a closing date/time not set, we had the walk-through.  It was just me, the buyer and his real estate agent.  I arrived at the apartment, and as soon as I opened the door, I remembered back to the first time I saw the place.  The apartment was empty (well, mostly) and the light coming through the windows...it is a cute little place.  The buyer arrived a few minutes later, so I walked him through so he knew I fixed the holes in the wall, that the fridge worked and how to use the ice maker.  We turned on the stove and microwave, I showed him how to change the thermostat and the drawer full of all the papers from the manuals, remote controls and other things that belong with the apartment.  I was selling him my couch so he checked it out gave me a check.

Everything went smoothly and in 10-15 minutes we were all done.  We walked out together, so I didn't really have last thoughts upon exiting...but I was the furthest thing from sad or emotional.