what are you doing here? 9:19 AM

I'm over there.

peek-a-boo 2:33 PM

I see you . . .

One Week To Go 5:51 PM

Still plodding away, working on crating up my life, moving to . . .

Thanks to everyone who has been tolerant of me during this time period. Mom, Dad, Scott, Barb, Mike, Tim, Julia, and the neighbors who unknowingly were gracious enough to allow me to use their dumpster, I couldn't have done it all without you!

I Am Atomic 1:33 PM

I am taking a break from blogging until after I relocate. The blog will return in October, under a new name and URL. It is going to be more of the same; me rambling, raging, reacting, and reliving those moments that need to be written about. I shall return, recharged and ready to write!

Busy Days, Busy Nights 5:22 PM

It's getting closer to the move and I have finally started to see a dent in the surface instead of a scratch. With the books now gone, floor space available, Tim's help, all of the closets and shelves have been emptied, belongs sorted, packed, or disposed. Now the overwhelming pile of storage crates is mounding. More crating tomorrow, then the real work begins, moving furiture out, into storage. Once that is done, I will feel better, even though the most dreaded part of moving begins. . . cleaning the place up. Fun.

Change Of Address 8:20 PM

I've been to Florida countless times, talked on and on about living there, made numerous trips, thought long and hard, focused my efforts, made the decision, spent months preparing. Then one day something changed everything and I am heading in a whole different direction. Still moving Southeast, just not as far as originally planned.

Once Upon A Time 5:58 PM

I have spent more time going through my belongings and the memories attached to them. It has been quite an amazing journey. So many little things have such fond memories. It is hard to let go of many incidentals. I am disposing of much clutter and stream-lining, and didn't anticipate the stroll down memory lane.

Boxes Of Books 10:04 AM

I have 100s of books. What to do with them all? I am boxing the majority of them up and going to donate them. I plan on keeping a number of them, one box full. Narrowing them down is going to take some time, some thought, some effort. Certain ones I will definitely hold on to, especially The Book Thief, others most assuredly will be put in the box to be sent off. I didn't realize how many I really had until I started cleaning out closets and shelves and cupboards. There are books everywhere!

Completely Disorganized 8:36 PM

Not even close to being packed and ready to move. I just seem to be moving piles of chaos from one side of the room to the next at this point. Pulling things from the walls, shelves, closets, and creating piles. At some point I'm sure it'll come together and look like an organized mess, yet I just seem to create more and more piles. I am going to call out for help soon, moving is not something one person should be doing on his own. Help?

Deciphering 5:40 PM

I drifted off to sleep on the couch this morning. (For those of you who are wondering, I actually have been sleeping in my bed as of late.) I had a very strange dream which I will try to convey. I was attending a work(?) function at an old brown-brick school. The halls were decorated with balloons, streamers; pop music playing from the sound system. I was wandering the halls looking for someone. Everyone there was wearing party hats; people from past jobs, old friends, extended family; people I have known throughout the years. In each classroom there were clowns wearing popcorn bucket hats playing carnival games for prizes. As I looked for who I wanted to meet, I wandered outside, into a light rain, lit a cigarette, and watched moving trucks trying to parallel park on the street in front of the school. The leaves were off the trees, which were covered with lights and streamers. I asked people entering and leaving the building if they saw who I was meeting and the answer was whatever song was playing, as if they were singing it. I woke up at that point. It took me a moment to recollect where I was. Strange.

Feeling The Pressure 5:39 PM

I realize that I am not prepared for the move as I pretend to be. It is looming in the not so distant future and there is much to be accomplished in the next several weeks and I am confident it will all get done, just need to actually up the motivation level a bit instead of lounging about. Tomorrow. I am the living example of procrastination. Had quite a nice respite from everything, traveling, roaming, wandering, wondering. Several boxes of bubble wrap and a case of Java Monster should help get me going. Tomorrow!

Extended Play 2:12 PM

I am going on a vacation, some days here, some days there, some days inbetween here and there. Taking a break from the chaos and the serenity and going to enjoy the dog days. I shall return September 1st. Until then, be good, be safe.

Black Or Brown Cow 7:36 PM

While I have always enjoyed having one, this Summer I have been indulging myself with a nightly brown cow. What is a brown cow? root beer and vanilla ice cream. I prefer mine blended, but a float is just as delicious. I have been tempted to use chocolate ice cream, but haven't gotten to just yet. Then again, I am also want to use ginger ale in place of root beer, or even orange soda. There's still plenty of days of Summer left for me to create a yummy treat!

Rescheduled 8:25 PM

I am waist deep in boxes, bubblewrap, clothes, chaos, and books. I am making progress, but it still seems like I have way too much to sort through, pack or disregard. So what do I do? Plan a trip for 10 days! Oh well, it'll all be here when I get back!

The State Of A Fair 9:05 PM

Spent the day wandering the fair grounds with Tim and Julia. Stopped and ate our way through the fair, corn dogs, chocolate covered bacon on a stick, deep fried oreos, sausage on a stick with sauerkraut, buffalo burrito, mac and cheese on a stick, root beer milk, chocolate milk, blended mocha freeze, cream puffs. Interesting day of food, music, people-watching. Char was singing at the Budweiser Pavilion, got to see her sing, spending Saturday night hanging out with her at Shank Hall and the eastside last night wasn't enough I guess! Booked a trip on Amtrak for next weekend this morning before heading to the fair. Busy weekend, leading to another busy week of organizing and packing and cleaning and traveling.

Wall Space 5:42 PM

Spent much of the day taking down all the pictures and things hanging on the wall, wrapping them up and packing them. I'll continue with the process tomorrow. It is slowly starting to look barren even though there are boxes stacked everywhere, books stacked here and there, belongings pulled off shelves, etc. Eventually I will begin the process of hauling things to various outposts, Goodwill, Used Book Stores, and storage, narrowing down what is going with me to Florida. Of course I am torn by wanting it all, but knowing it doesn't all have to go with me. Picking and choosing is the fun part! At least I know the majority of winter clothes will not be heading out of state!

Special Delivery 6:51 PM

I was out and about, went to the book store (again), stopped by Mom and Dad's for a quick visit and returned home. Sitting by the door was a package. I hadn't ordered anything, so I was wondering what it could be. It was a box of dark chocolates and a coffee mug. Something unexpected, touching, and special. Thank you for a wonderful gift. Check Box 28.

(Un)Social Security Updated 9:54 AM

It has been two years in the making and still records have not been updated. The lastest report is somewhat encouraging though. One office located in Chicago has the correct information, but not the money collected from retaining my tax returns and rebate check. This information must be generated at the local office, which will be doing so within the next several months. Until this is resolved, there will be no more attempts to collect money I do not owe. All I can do is wait for the slow wheels of government to grind its way through the process.

One Day Just Like The Others 7:26 PM

Back from an extended weekend trip to South Bend Indiana, took Amtrak through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Toured the Notre Dame campus, the riverwalks along the St Joseph River, Hung out at the Chocolate Cafe, crab walked on the astroturf at the college footbal hall of fame, had lots of black cows,and good conversation. Shane is an awesome friend. After several delays in Niles, Michigan and Chicago, I made it back home. It is my birthday and it is just another day, but thanks everyone for the great birthday wishes!

Out Of It 9:20 AM

I'm actually getting away for an extended weekend! Hitting the rails and going through four states in four days. Let the journey begin!