Saturday, September 12, 2009

Another win!

I sold the bedroom set and 1 TV today. All I have left of import is the living room furniture, fridge, the washer & dryer, and 1 TV and I'll be able to leave GA! I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel! Now it's time to see if I can get a loan for a pick up truck and an RV and start looking for them.

My retirement luncheon went very well last Wednesday. We went to the Olive Garden and pigged out. We all had a great time. It was strange being the center of attention, mostly because I don't like being the center of attention, but also because I was the one retiring. I've been to plenty of other retirement functions but never my own...


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Antsy to be on my way back to Orlando

I'm really antsy to be getting back to Orlando to make my final purchases and preparations to head west and south to start my new life. One thing that's put a wrinkle into moving so far away is that my daughter Nicole and I have resolved our differences cause by my marrying Maggie and are now back together. I grieved over losing contact with Nicole for those years. She had a daughter about 2 years ago (MY GRANDBABY!!!) whom I'm getting to finally know. So how do you move so far away when you have a munchkin in your life??? Well I guess I'll have to get up to Orlando more often than I thought and, who knows, maybe they'll make trips down to see me.

I'm getting good responses to my furniture sale. Hopefully it will all be gone by next Monday. I'm putting an ad in the Atlanta paper this week announcing an estate sale instead of just putting it on Craig's List. I do have people coming this week to look at the remaining stuff so maybe it won't be necessary... But I have to cover all my bases. The extra $$$ in my pocket will be a great help in buying the last of my necessaries for the move.

I'm really looking forward to heading west and south. I'm still tossed over whether to buy a pick up/suv and a dragger camper or an RV and drag a pick up/suv. While I still have time to mull it over I need to make the decision by the time I do get back to FL. I want to be on the road before the end of October. I'm really looking forward to visiting family and friends in TX and AZ! Watch for me to pull up in front of your houses!

Today is my retirement luncheon in Atlanta. Who would have ever think that I'd be retiring??? In my early working years I planned to retire at 55. Well, we all know what happens to most dreams like that. But at least it's only 4 years late and not 10 like most people. Having a younger brother die unexpectedly sure puts your like in perspective. You realize that you never know what's going to happen tomorrow so you may as well enjoy your life today. So that's one of the reasons that I finally made the decision to do it. I figure that I've worked long enough and deserve to relax and have some peace in my life. I won't be stagnant though. I plan to bring my tools with me and volunteer with some of the church groups that come down to build/repair schools, churches, clinics, etc. But, if I'm enjoying what I'm doing at the moment, or have other plans, I can tell them no not this time. Plus I'll be taking trips all over Central America and also camping in the Belize rain forest and mountains. My tent, a fishing pole, a couple of books, and a handful of cigars will always be packed and ready! Remember too that my welcome mat will always be out so come down and visit any time!