Well, it's been some time since my last post. I really never imagined
how busy I could be in this transition to "retirement." Yes, in quotes. I
was told during my early discussions with the boss, Doris, you'll never retire.
He couldn't be more right. I have been inclined to keep much of the
same routine. I go to the gym every morning; then, come home to my desk.
It's instinct that prompts me to greet my co-workers (we use instant
messaging to communicate) in other office locations just to wish them a
good morning or check in with them on something I may still be working
on. Old habits are just hard to break. But I'm getting there.
In my first post, I had 10 items that I listed as my primary focus. The first item was about family. That has been my focus over the last few weeks; more specifically, the notion of preparing for and conducting an estate sale at Eddy's mom's house. Mr. Moody passed away in May of last year. She is very much alive folks, but is no longer able to live by herself. So for the last few weeks, I have been at the house trying to organize and price the furniture and items that remained in the house. We have taken much of what was there from furniture to keepsakes and the grand kids have done the same. But it was time to clear out the rest. My sister-in-law Margaret joined me in this effort and in time, we got it done. We took out an ad in the paper and posted the sale on Craigslist and the sale happened on Friday and Saturday (March 8/9). By the time we got through those two days, we were physically and emotionally exhausted. Thank God for those who helped us facilitate the sale (my sisters Janie and Catherine, cousins Patsy and Cecilia, and of course, my husband, Eddy and his brother, Steve). We had a few goods left but we felt that the sale was successful and that so many items "found a good home." Now the house is still for sale but the exposure we received was very good. I am including a photo or two of some items I came across as I went through every area of that house (including the attic). There was a bottle of "gum turpentine" too but it sold and I didn't get a photo of it beforehand.
I had many conversations with my father-in-law as I perused old bibles or hung up his clothes or cleaned out his workshop. The whole experience was filled with emotion but it is done and for that, I am thankful.
Yesterday I had a much needed day of rest. It was difficult to even get out of the bed, much less go to the gym. I was glad when my phone went off at 5:30 with a message from my workout buddy saying not going to the gym. Brushing my teeth at that time, I pondered what to do. It didn't take me long to make that decision. One can sleep very well even after one's teeth have been awakened. :-)
As for today, I am still playing "catch up" but I am continuing to pursue the unclutter effort in my own house. Why, you ask? Well, there is a yard sale like no other coming up to benefit the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 6. If you have contributions, let me know. I can assure you that you won't be sorry for making the trip to this sale. All proceeds benefit the Foundation. There will even be remnants of the Moody Estate Sale there as well! Oh, and I must give a shameless plug for our next event called Strike Out Ovarian Cancer. The event is scheduled for April but registration is closing on March 15 (as of today's writing). Learn more about both of these events by visiting the Foundation website.
I would be remiss if I didn't report on the status of our little Sofia scheduled to arrive on June 12th. All seems to be going well and she is growing and bouncing around already. Luisa and Jonathan report that she likes to wake up about the time she goes to bed. Maybe she'll get her days and nights straight before she makes her grand appearance. I have been doing a little shopping and am looking forward to continuing to enjoy the role of expectant grandmother. I suppose I need to decide just what I would like to be called as a grandmother. That's important because she'll be "setting the standard" for all future grandchildren (God-willing).
Congrats to our oldest son and his wife (Matt and Sarah) who have purchased their first home and moved in this past week-end. It is the perfect home for them and we were so glad to be able to visit already and try to help in small ways. It so brings me back to the days of our first little 4-room house and how exciting it was to get out of the world of apartment living. We are looking forward to spending time in their wonderful back yard soon! (I understand there are pix on Facebook but since I gave up Facebook for Lent, I'll have to wait and look at them later.)
Daniel is continuing with his school work and should be on track to graduate in August in Therapeutic Massage. I am so proud of him for maintaining his focus while also working during his "off hours." If he can ever find me sitting down, I might be able to benefit from his knowledge and expertise!
I wait with great anticipation today as the Conclave begins in Rome to elect a new Pope. I continue to pray for these men of God and for the Church. I pray also for our country. Technology being what it is, I thought I would provide you with your own bird's eye LIVE view of the 'smoke-cam'. Wow!
Hopefully my next post will bring with it some exciting news having to do with one final accomplishment of my "working" life. For now, I will close and wish you all a very meaningful Lent and a blessed Holy Week.
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