Monday, 3 September, 2001 Labor Day

I gave notice on my rent house to be out by the 1st of September, but I'm still here. Who knew giving away and selling your entire life could be so hard? I have sold almost all my furniture, and had a humongous yard sale on 25 August. Took a lot to Good Will last Saturday, and gave my friends and roommate, Paul, the rest.

Told my ex, David (who graciously offered me attic space for my few remaining treasures) I'd have only 6 or 7 boxes to store. Try 11. Well, I did my best! I think taking the collections of a 45 year old pack rat down to 11 boxes is an amazing feat!

I'm having a incredibly intense time right now. I feel like I am grieving for the loss of my old life, but a new, sparkly feeling is slowly emerging, and an excitement that I'm about to embark on something new and wonderful.

Tomorrow is my absolute deadline. The carpet cleaners come at 5pm, and my things must be out by then. I'll stay with friends for the rest of the week, then plan to leave the country next week. At this time, I have no plane ticket, or destination. I want to go to Scotland first, but if my angels send me to Spain, then that's where I'll land. I haven't a lot of money to sustain me for the next 3-6 months, so I want the lowest fare I can get. One option is to fly courier, or standby on a regular flight.

Thursday, 6 September

OK, today. Today is the day I really really get it all out of the house. I promise. Yes, I've still got things over there, although I've spent the last two nights at my friend Tambree's house. I think my stuff is having sex and multiplying! The more I take out, the more there seems to be.

This picture is from the clip art gallery. I intend to see the original in all its glory!

Saturday, 8 September

I did it! I'm actually completely moved out of the house I rented on Harrison Lane. Big step for me. Today, my daughter Claire and I will have some one-on-one time. Her birthday is the 17th (she'll be 10) and we're celebrating today, as I expect to leave the country next week. We bought her present a couple of weeks ago--Polly Fashions. Perhaps we'll see a movie today.

Tomorrow I spend the day with my son Garrett (he's 12-1/2). I imagine he will want to drive the car. He's become obsessed with cars....am I ready for this?

Oh, and I still don't have a ticket to Europe. I'm looking for that "free" flight, still. Don't worry, I have faith.

9 September

Yesterday, Claire and I played with her Polly Fashions most of the day, then went out and got our nails done. I have flowers on my big toes!

Today, Garrett and I did drive the car. Well, he drove it. We took time out in the middle of our day to go see "Rat Race" at the theatre. Cute...funny...stupid. Garrett's becoming a very good driver. We even found a sort of private road in an industrial park that was deserted, and he got to drive a lot. Even cranked it up to 60 mph once. He's in heaven. Bet he'll be one of the best students in his driver education class, in 3 years!

Left the key to the house on Harrison tonight. Total severance of that part of my life. Feels strange, like I've forgotten something.