And the Beat Goes On

Life around here has certainly been very un-retirement like lately-at least from my perspective.  Selling a house is a convoluted process, as I am realizing more and more.  I've been dealing with inspectors, contracts, making downsizing decisions.  I've also been sewing away, baking, planning for Easter and making plans for Denver.

As far as the sale goes, I'll share with you all just how cuckoo this has made me.  A few days after my previously mentioned home inspection, I received an email from my realtor.  She offered to come over a few days later to draw up an amendment on which items I would offer money for and which items we would complete on this end.   I then printed out the ENTIRE inspection list and my son and I began working, starting on those things we could easily fix (like the master shower handle being on backwards. I don't need cold water in the shower). I also got estimates on every repair, no matter how big or how small.  Sounds reasonable, yes? Just one problem in all this, which I did not realize until the realtor came over and we began wording the amendment.  I had never looked at the attached amendment on top of the inspection list.  The buyers were only requesting a fix on eight things in total.   I had repaired items that were not required or requested!  We learn as we go, as they say. And finally, the appraiser made a visit today. With a closing date five weeks from contract signing, things are hopping around here. I can only hope things continue to progress as smoothly.

I continue to work on the downsizing aspect of this relocation equation.  I'll say here that I am eliminating less than some folks have suggested.  This weekend is my so called "estate/moving cross country sale" has begun.  We've already taken somethings off the list that we had planned to sell.  I still plan to sell my appliances such as washing machine and fridge (they don't move well). I've set firm prices on some other items, deciding that if I get the asking price, they can go.  If not, well, then perhaps on the truck they go.  We're not moving by weight, we moving by size-and making decisions as such. It looks like a twenty foot truck takes a house with three bedrooms, and that is what we are aiming for at this time.

I'm realizing that many items can be re purposed according to need and lifestyle. Yes, my lifestyle is changing. I'm downsizing, going more casual, changing my style of entertaining and socializing, preparing to do some serious travel.  At the same time, I am a person who is hugely comfortable and anchored at home, and need that feeling no matter the size.  Many of my possessions, furniture and otherwise, can be adjusted an used in different ways. Using my large sectional as an example, the three seat portion can move with me. The chaise can be sold, and I'm undecided about the two seat armless section in the middle.  The two pieces could be separated and used in whatever configuration is needed.  By the same token, the little sideboard that is in my eating kitchen could be used almost anywhere-even by the front door in an entry way.  My son just reminded me that the pub table set shown is a keeper for a good reason-the table flips and the underside is a game table top.  Something that he can eventually take with him. At this point as I decide what needs to stay or go, I envision a small two or three bedroom home and patio-and rule out nothing that might not work inside or outside.

In order to get everything together, this non planner has made a list from now to the 7th of March everything that needs to be done, room by room.  I've also made another list of separate things that need to be done. There are local volunteer commitments to finish and to pass on, for example. Both my kids have had birthdays this month, with the accompanying celebrations. Tomorrow my daughter comes to visit to see what she can scarf up and take home to her patio apartment. I have quilts to finish in between times.  And finally, I'm trying to fit in a couple day trips before I load up the truck and drive north through Oklahoma and Kansas.

Oh, and my sister, bless her heart, says no hotel stay. My son and I and two dogs will stay in her little three bedroom home along with sis and her dog.  A single mattress and box spring will need to be purchased (son is six foot six and his normal bedsize is double to queen). Life will be interesting, but we are all looking forward to it.  We'll put our stuff in a storage unti, spend some time with family, return to Dallas for Easter, and return home to explore in the extreme.

LIfe goes on, things are coming fast, and the excitement grows.