Packing

With the bulk of my work project complete, this weekend I hope to spend the weekend readying the house for listing. My desire to leave this area is bordering on desperate. As projects slowly get ticked off the to-do list, the possibility of our move becomes more of a reality. The next few months will be busy but exciting!

Scott is going to spend the weekend finishing up some small painting projects. We are not repainting the house, but the bathrooms and Timmy's room both need attention. While he is busy painting, I plan on tackling the basement. Once I have that cleared out, we can start packing and moving boxes. 

Things are getting real!

Painting

 After nearly a month of gorgeous weather, yesterday we were met with grey skies and heavy rain. Somehow, the rainy day felt perfect. It was nice to have an excuse to not work outside or 'take advantage of the weather.' Sometimes, just staying inside is exactly what you need.

While I was engrossed in a huge project for work, Scott didn't let the rain discourage him from his house preparations. Instead of focusing on the yard he repainted our bathroom. It is amazing how a few coats of paint can completely transform a room! I *almost* feel inspired to stay here.

We aren't going to repaint the entire house because we lack the tools, talent and interest. Instead we are being very strategic about our efforts. Unless a realtor can convince us that painting the entire interior would significantly increase our return, we are going to contain our painting efforts to the bathrooms and Timmy's bedroom. With one bathroom done, I feel like we made significant progress towards our goal.

100 days

 Yesterday I learned that the final words my brother heard before he was shot were filled with racial hate. I am not terribly surprised to learn about the racist recording that was captured on the body cam footage, but the news still brought me to my knees. The tragedy of Jae's death continues to compound. Trying to find a silver lining, I am holding onto possibility of hate crimes may be added to the mix of charges that the police officer is facing for murdering my brother. 

Of course, we will have to break through the 'blue wall' first, and that feels absolutely impenetrable. The establishment is designed to protect the police and all those involved. I may never break down the wall, but I can make a hell of a lot of noise around it!

On a positive side, yesterday marked 100 days until Christmas. My Countdown Snowman, which has become quite the tradition in our family, is now proudly waving in my living room. Be warned, because time is going to fly between now and Santa!

Weekend Wrap-Up

 Saturday morning I woke early and headed to pick up Robby. He asked to come home for the night because he needed more 'supplies' from his room and he wanted a home cooked meal. I love that he is only 80 minutes away. The close proximity makes honoring these requests a lot easier!

Even though he was only home for 30 hours, it was wonderful having a full house again. Saturday evening we built another fire and roasted marshmallows around the fire pit for hours. Robby has already accumulated quite a few experiences and stories during his month away. It was fun hearing him and Timmy exchange school stories. 

Yesterday evening Scott drove Robby back to school while Timmy and I went out on a special date for cheese fries and sodas. (He is still a very cheap date.) By the time Scott pulled back into the driveway the fire pit was blazing and more marshmallows were being roasted. Unfortunately the rain is supposed to roll into the area today so our fire pit will be out of commission for awhile.

Between spending time with Robby and cooking his favorite foods, we managed to get a few more boxes packed. In order to keep everybody focused on the goal, we have decided that we are only packing right now. We are trying to abstain from acquiring anything new or bring anything out of storage until we move. I did break one self-imposed rule by unpacking and setting up my Countdown Snowman. 

Who knows? Maybe he will be plugged into an entirely different house by Christmas!