I am writing this entry at 10:31 at night on a Thursday, which means that I close on my house almost exactly twelve hours from right now. Whenever you're reading this, have a glance at your watch and think of us signing documents that free us from living here, where we don't want to be.
We have spent the last couple of weeks packing, but the last three days have been the mad-rush, concentrated version, with the help of Jimbo, Matt and Lyla, and locally the Adams clan. We could not - and I bloody well mean this - have done it without them. You're sitting there thinking; "Ah, no matter what he says, they'd have pulled it off." I doubt it. I really, really do. So - proper thank yous go out to Jimbo, who drove all the fuck way here from Chicago in one day to help us out, and who brought the javelin with him. Special thanks to Matt O, who burped his way through the state of Alabama and in one surgical trip, brought all the moving blankets (and spaghetti) anyone would ever need (and we used 'em all), ate Chinese food, packed the library, and bound the curio cabinet - among other things - like a hostage for transport. The Adams (I'm avoiding 'family') folks, recent friends, who watched kids, cleaned, and secured goods for travel - thank you. And finally, Lyla, to whom I just said a fond 'good-bye' out in the driveway and saddled with a turtle. Wonderful, graceful, loyal, driven Lyla - you are a true friend. I appreciate you all. (Jesse; we're just swamped. We didn't forget you, just be patient. Peace at your 32nd.)
I am sitting on the floor of what used to be my office, with Jimbo's things all around, and listening to echoes bounce off my newly empty house. I am so tired my skin aches, and everytime I close my eyes, I drop into instant REM, little microdreams about someone called "Satellite Man." We have sold things, given things away, thrown things out. Cars are fixed and roadworthy. Arrangements have been made, and the ABF truck with most of my stuff on it left about five hours ago. Tomorrow is the day I've been waiting for since Winter of 2004-2005. In some ways, it has set in, but in others, not just yet. Excitement is the word of the day, just after logistics. There has been some last minute drama, (including new blog readers) but I think that the change of scene is going to be the best for everyone, ultimately. It's hard to let the past be the past when you continue to live it day to day.
I have to disconnect and move my computer, so it will be awhile, I suppose. Wish us luck.
It's now even less than twelve hours to go. I'm so short I could see up an ant's skirt.