Monday, June 22, 2020

Time for a Break

So far, summer is hot and stressful, my focus scattering, evaporating like water droplets sprayed from a hose. 

We're moving soon – fingers crossed! It's been a huge, messy process for many reasons and even though it's far from over, I'll take whatever progress we make, whenever we make it, one step at a time, one packing box full of bubble wrap at a time. 

I'm still writing, but focusing on brainstorming and shorter projects. I'm still reading, because believe me, you don't want to be around when I don't get to read. My husband is still keeping me from totally melting down. And the tortoises are still . . . tortoise-ing. 

Since the tortoises are the sanest ones around here – I swear having shells has something to do with it - I'm going to listen to their advice about taking a blogging break until some time in August. I'll still be around, popping in and out, but no new posts for a bit. 

Take care, everyone!

*****

How's your summer? Is your focus scattered or sharp as tart lemonade? Any packing/moving/getting settled tips? Any advice for an anxious introvert about meeting new neighbors and not appearing like a total wackadoo? 

32 comments:

  1. All the best with the move. It can be such a mess. I hope you enjoy your break. Enjoy it😉

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    1. Thanks, Murees! I don't know that I'll enjoy the break, but hopefully I'll get some good stuff done. :)

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  2. I don't know if my original comment went through. I was on my phone and it got a little glitchy.

    My favorite tip for moving is to pack one box with essentials. Every time I move there's so much to do and it's a hassle to hunt through a hundred boxes for a toothbrush or a pen and pad.

    I pack one box with whatever I might need to carry me through a night and day. In my box, I pack a set of sheets, towels, toiletries, meds (for man and beast), kitchen utensils and tools, paper plates, and one skillet.

    A tip for neighbors: If they're good neighbors they won't bother you for a couple of days until you get oriented. But if they show up right away, keep paper and pen handy. Give them your phone number and name and ask them for theirs. This way you have at least one contact when you need the name of a plumber or garbage collector.

    Good luck! Post pictures once you get settled.

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    1. Just the one comment came through, Maria, and it's a good one! :)

      This is all great advice - thank you! The tip about keeping pen and paper handy for names, etc makes so much sense. In "normal" life, I always have scrap paper and pens around but during a move? Forget it.

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  3. Good luck with the move! A blogging break is a good idea.

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    1. Thanks, Alex! I'm hoping a blogging break will help me focus on the things I need to right now and also keep me off the computer more and away from news, social media, etc. Maybe I'll return refreshed and rejuvenated?! :o

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  4. Good luck with the move. I have no advice - I've only moved twice in my life. Once into a small flat and had barely anything to take with me. And then back into the street I grew up in, so I already knew all the neighbours :-/

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  5. Blogging break is a good idea - we all need to just let it be sometimes. Especially now, when things are so volatile and nasty.

    Moving tips:
    1.Take a sharpie and write on the outside of the box what is on the inside of the box.
    2. If you don't love it, haven't used it, give it away, don't pack it.
    3. Pack one box or suitcase for each person (one should do for both tortoises) with essentials you'll need for two or three days and take it yourself, as opposed to putting it with other stuff being transported.
    4. For the first few days/weeks paper products and carry-out or delivery is your friend.

    Can't wait to hear about the new digs and writing room!!!

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    1. I'm definitely trying to keep as far away from "volatile and nasty" as possible.

      Great advice, Lee! We've been doing a lot of decluttering so I'm hoping that will help with the packing. However, I do think Mrs. Larry would prefer her own suitcase - a pink, sparkly one. :)

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  6. Hope your move was successful! You'll do fine meeting new friends and neighbors.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! Still in the process of packing, etc but soon, soon - fingers crossed! :)

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  7. One step at a time is how we should look at everything. :)

    Good luck with your move!

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    1. Yes! Even if they are, as in my case, verrrrrry tiny steps. :)

      Thanks, Chrys!

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  8. Good luck with the move, Madeline! I'm hoping to have a productive July, now that I'm mostly done with teaching.

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  9. Give yourself a specific number of boxes your are required to pack in a day...or unpack as the case may be. Then stick with it. How about bringing your new neighbors a batch of cookies...it's a reverse of how it is supposed to be, but still a good ice breaker.

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    1. Great idea about the boxes. I usually either push too hard and do way too many or I do none.

      Believe me, no one wants me bringing anything anywhere that I've baked. Bringing store bought ones, though, maybe. :)

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  10. You can be a total wackadoo and no will notice. Masks are so helpful that way.

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  11. Congrats on the move. I hope it brings you a sense of peace and place. I moved so many times growing up, I dreamed of that cottage with the white picket fence. Didn't happen. I married a man who loves traveling as much as I do. We can't rattle suitcases at our house -- or we're gone! Actually, now that we're retired, we've slowed down some. I vote for the chocolate cookies, new books to read, and new vistas to explore and cherish. PS Moving is also a good time to let go of clutter.

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    1. Yes on the books and the cookies! And we've been in the process of decluttering. Progress is slow but we're getting there. :)

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  12. hi,
    Moving is always hectic, so I can relate very well. Now my sister and her husband are in the process of moving and it is one thing after another. Wishing you all the best with the move.
    Take are of yourself and take some downtime to read.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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    1. Moving in the best of times is hectic, but now, with the virus and the FL summer heat it's even worse. But we're hanging in, and I am definitely taking time to read. :)

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  13. Moving is traumatic.
    Wackadoo? I say, just hide behind the mask.
    I hope the move is a smooth one, Madeline.
    Take care.

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    1. Maybe I should get a mask that says "wackadoo" right on it? :)

      Thanks, Michelle!

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  14. Enjoy your break. :) My summer has been flying by. My focus on most everything is hazy, but writing has been good, strangely. I'm just going to flow with it!

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    1. I'm too stressed to enjoy much right now, but hopefully things will calm down soon...fingers crossed!

      Excellent on the writing!

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