My gear is spread all over her exercise room. I do what I can while I wait. I'm really good at the dishes. Not bad at keeping the floors clean. I even threw some laundry in the washer. Harley and I walk or hike every day. I made soup and muffins. My friend smiles when she comes home from work. We are playing house and she is grateful for the company and contributions I offer for my stay. Yet, every day I stay, waiting, we are putting off the good bye. It started out as an 11 day wait. It is now day six, five to go. It's slowly becoming more intense. Nobody wants to say good bye. It's an uncomfortable, emotional, sad and happy thing to do. It seems almost cruel to have a departure date so far away. I thought I would need more time to tie up loose ends.
While running errands through town I inevitably run into folks I know. "Are you still here?" "Yes," I say, with an understandable nod. There has been lots of talk about this woman who quit her job and sold everything to voluntarily live in her car when our beloved country is in an economical crisis. Yet she is still here, is this a hoax? No. It's not a hoax. Be patient. I am leaving. But leaving is a process:
First, down size; sell, donate, throw away, or store it. Check.
All that is left is what you are taking with you. Pack. Check.
Turn all bank and summary statements from paper to e-statements. Check.
Open a bank account that is more accessible in the lower 48. Check.
Cancel Netflix, Full Circle Farms, phone and electric. Check.
Cancel Post Office delivery. Leave forwarding address. Check.
Pay any and all over due library fees. Check.
Clean your home for the next inhabitants. Check.
Leave your home. Check.
Spend quality time with friends and family. Tell them you love them. Check.
Allow them to throw you a party, or two, or three.
Only then is it safe to go. Leaving is a process. One does not want any regrets on the road.
Yes there were and still are lots of smiles:-)
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