We're moving WEST - yeeeeeeah!
It's literally been in the works for over a year now. Just praying. Constantly praying. Taking one step at a time. One.Step. It's been a long process, but we're starting to close in on the final stages. Of course, these next steps will probably be the most challenging....like, where do we live? Jobs? Daycare? Full-time work? Part-time work?
I remember this conversation with Neil last summer and it went something like "what are we waiting for? Let's just make plans, and go for it." If you know Neil, he panicked. But I know Neil, and I started to come up with a plan regardless of the panicked-husband. Mind you, we are a family of faith, and knew all of this was tentative according to His plan and expected the possibility of doors shutting.
First up: Yard sale.
We just had too much unnecessary crap. Cindy (MIL) also wanted to get rid of stuff. (She's moving too, yay!) We decided on a date, and moved forward. We literally had 2 weeks to get things in order for this sale, and with it being the end of yard sale season here in Erie - we weren't too hopeful for a good turn out. Oh, and did I mention it was a 2-day yard sale???? My garage was PACKED to it's fullest. I did my best effort at organizing, taking things out, putting them back in, making sure all things were marked with a price...and then had to re-price Cindy's items...the sweet woman went to a website, and took terrible advice and priced things way too low. What I learned from my girl Nat, when it comes to pricing, think logically - think about what you paid for the item, how much use did you get out of it, and then what is it worth to get it out of your home. It's basic, it's genius.
Okay moving on.....we set the time for the sale at 8am. Opened our garage at 6:45am to start moving stuff out. Guess what? People were at the end of our long driveway 10 minutes later. Really? At one point, we had people up in our garage drooling over stuff and claiming things. (The things people will buy!) Well, by 10am, non-stop selling, bartering (arguing) for 4 hours straight, more then 1/2 of the stuff was sold. Yep, you read that right. Now, if I could paint you a picture as to how much stuff we had, you still wouldn't believe me. Our driveway is very long, and it was covered on both sides (to leave walking room in the middle of course) front to back...insanity. By closing at 3pm, 75% was sold. Blown away. The following morning was a bit more relaxed, got some donuts, coffee, chatted w/the neighbor who also brought stuff out for the day....and about 90% was sold by end of closing time. Amazed. Blessed. Sunburned. Exhausted.
The following photo was taken at some point during the 1st day, a TON has been sold already...
As much as we loved our cozy little home....
....didn't mean others would...how fast would this sell? Our realtor is a childhood best friend of Cindy's - and with 100% certainty if it wasn't for her, this house wouldn't be sold. Within 5 weeks, we were in a contract, with a "close" date of Dec. 7th. (We ended up not closing until Dec. 14th, due to the new owner wanting to put more money down...) After packing up our very 1st home, all I could do was smile and feel blessed by the time spent there. I mean, I had some breakdowns and like a million tears....but lets not get into that....
Josephine was born in this home, many parties & backyard BBQ's were hosted here....It all seems like a dream now....
After the house sold, Cindy was gracious enough to let us live with her until we move, and it's been quite entertaining. We have 2 dogs running around, an almost-2-year-old who doesn't get her way - but thinks she can...(she's funny)...and I have to say, it's been great! I miss my own bed, and my own space....but I really can't complain. We are so blessed with this little family we have....
One of the most difficult steps: Tell my job I'm leaving.
I work for the Authority of Erie County:
Final step: Move. Like, physically move.
Where to?
Um, I could get into the last couple of months where we were set on the Phoenix/Scottsdale area of AZ, where Neil was going to try a different profession....but I won't. I'll just jump to the part where Neil came up to me last Thursday during work and said "let's just try California, screw it!" The next day, as he was at Wayne Elementary (where he worked for 3 years), getting a referral letter from the principal - where he ran into some of his old students, who were beyond happy to see him again. It pulled on his heart strings, and it was a confirmation to him that teaching is what he's supposed to do. Can any of you picture him in an office setting? I can't. I never could. Since he is ready to go in CA, and certified, it's our best shot. He may have to sub for a couple of years, but it'll be worth it.
I am beyond excited!!!!
I'm going to crave the changing of the leaves....
but isn't that what Big Bear is for????
This California girl is moving back home....
I can't wait.
My mom....
Salty beach air, warm days, cool nights.....
Now - we needs jobs, and a place to rent!
Neil is flying out in a few weeks to check out rentals...
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