Road Warrior Week - 1

I just arrived home from my first business trip, it was long and hot and didn't have much time for myself. I left Tuesday morning and wore little due to lack of air conditioning (which provoked much honking from passing truck drivers). The heat indexes were in the 100's, I encountered storms in Cedar Rapids that produced some beautiful photographs and on my return trip as well. I'm sure people stay clear of me while I'm snapping photos driving 70 to 75 mph. (keep in mind, I don't look through the view finder, I just point and click, its a surprise as to what I end up with and sometimes well worth it).

My schedule consisted of 11:00 am training, an hour break and then to the location where we set up our displays of portraits and packages available to the church members. If we are lucky, we get a break, if not we starve until we tear down at 9:30 pm and are usually out by 10:00 to 10:30pm. Once back at the motel its study and homework time and to bed around 1:00am (and then repeat).

I way over packed and that was another learning experience. I found I can cut down significantly on the amount of "stuff" I take with me; clothes, books and food. Instead of the huge cooler all I need is my small lunch bag. However, having a van is a plus as I've acquired a significant amount of equipment. Two huge bags ( 30 x 40 x 5 ) of display portraits and frames, another laptop, a printer, a flat screen for customers to view their photos, a big box of office supplies and a cart to haul it (All of that takes up the entire back seat).

I've been passing through towns and sites I'd really like to visit and photograph however I haven't any time for myself (yet). Training is grueling, the amount of homework is too much, by the end of the night you are so tired you can't concentrate but I only have one more week and they cut me lose and no more training or homework. I was told if I can make it through the first two weeks, I've got it made.

On Friday night we stayed in Waterloo and after work we went back to the motel and had more training and after, our instructors ordered pizza and provided beer. Now I don't drink often and I had two beers and the next day I was the walking dead but we had a lot of fun and I'll not do it again until I know my job like I know my social security number.

Saturday I actually began selling. It was an odd day in Dike, it was slow, I only had four sittings but sold two of them on a package and ended up leaving early because I lived the farthest away. I did have a chance to survey the cute little town and photograph their old Fire Department building, it was no longer in use and the tiniest building, I couldn't imagine them being able to house much of anything in it. But I found it interesting and took a few shots. I've sent an email to info@dikeia.com to inquire as to the age of the building.

I definitely want to return to Cedar Rapids (where I'm headed this morning) to take photos of their courthouse which sits in the middle of the River. From what I understand its undecided what they intend to do with the landmark as it was damaged by flood in 2008. Whether or not I will have time to do so is undetermined at this point. I have a friend willing to take me on a tour of Cedar Rapids if I can just squeeze it into my busy schedule.

On Saturday after breakfast at the Happy Chef in downtown Waterloo, which by the way gets a very poor service rating by our entire party, we passed by the John Deere plant where my Father was frequently called to business. From what I understand, he designed some of the office and is comparable to the size of our Alcoa building which spans at least one mile. I'm sure if I'm wrong my cousin will comment with the correct information.

Today I am ready to head back to Cedar Rapids for Week 2 and then to Kensett, IA near the Minnesota border. I'm done for the week at 10:30pm on Thursday and expected to drive 4hrs 9mins back home (250 mi). I'm contemplating the possibility of staying the night again in Mason City before heading back, that's a long drive after such a long day.

It's now time to load the van and be on my way. Until next time....

Peace
Liz

In Honor Of Father

I couldn't let the day go by without saying something about my own Father. He passed away in 2005 and being a "Daddy's" girl, it was very difficult and occasionally still is. The Father's day before he passed away, I honored him with a poem. I worked very hard on that poem, he was an Architectural Engineer for John Deere & Co. and to make it special, I researched architectural terms and their meanings to incorporate them into the poem. Unfortunately, he didn't live to see it published, or the award won for it.

So here's to you Dad! I miss you!

Construction Site

I've never felt the board's sting against rebellious skin,
instead you took from me pleasures and privileges
for Mom to return the moment you'd gone.
This architecture of discipline, though un-engineered,
imposed height to a seemingly small spire.

Whatever guided or misguided venture I constructed,
you were a rigid structure of support. You encouraged me
to challenge even the boys at their own games.
I didn't care to "kick, pass or punt" but did because you asked
and I swam for the love of it as I pitched and double played--
catching red-velvet rocking chairs.

I have gained wisdom from your vaulted mind
that you may have thought gone unheeded.
From your blueprint poured a solid foundation,
albeit rough and unrefined--
I will wear a red brick dress to dine.

Behind your new façade of old adobe eyes
and corbelled arch leans a pillar
I stand in its shadow as I swim-- I. M.
or butterflies, I dive into a pool of concrete
and water from the widower's walk, mitered at your side.
I am your cornice-- you have engineered that.

2005 - Ann Sherrick Award
2006 - Published "SAGA" Art and Literary Magazine, No 69A

by Elizabeth A. Hall
2004

I love this Doctor

I received this email (origins unknown) and just had to share it.....


Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise.
Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.
Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn.
And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient
mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken.
Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable).
And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one.
If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ...... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.
In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger.
You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:

'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other -
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and
screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'

And For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.
It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2.. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Reflections of the Unemployed - Week 15

It has been a busy week, beginning with meeting my future daughter-in-law's family at her Graduation party. All went well and I was informed I passed the "mother-in-law" test by her parents. I went as myself with peace sign earrings, tattoo in plain sight, and my camera around my neck with the idea that they would get a true impression of who I am right off the bat. I believe its important to "just be yourself" in all situations. If people like me, great, if they don't, its their loss because I'm a very kind and compassionate person. Which may have something to do with why, on Wednesday, I was informed that I got the job that I interviewed for last week.

On Monday, I found a gold mine of old friends on Facebook and spent Monday and Tuesday catching up with old acquaintances and some very close friends. One being my best bud from the time I was about four or five until girls started becoming gross. We talked about how I gave him a black eye with a baseball and beat him up in his drive way (I really am a nice person). I recalled camping out in our back yards and sneaking across the street to share popcorn in his tent and I'm meeting up with one my long lost friends on Monday for coffee that just lives up the street.

The highlight of my week came Wednesday when I got the call offering me the job. I calculate that the odds by how many interviews it took to land one job, is much better than the odds of actually getting an interview. 41 applications+ 2 interviews = 1 job. The key for me was to get the interview but with the internet being so impersonal, I didn't meet anyone filling out an application. There was no one to hand the application to; no one to get that "first impression".

Thursday I met with an online group I met on "Twitter". Quadsville.com is similar to other online communities like Facebook and Myspace but its our very own local, online community. Now that I am employed there won't be much time for that because I'll be on the road during the week. I hope that more of those opportunities will take place on weekends.

I started my orientation today and as I suspected, my trip to Des Moines was as liberating and my free spirit flew high. My radio station carried me 100 of the 168 miles (thanks F106.5). Although at one point, I swear I hear a "Twitter" chirp during one of the tunes. I must have been experiencing "Twitter" withdraw. I was astounded to find "Wi Fi" at the rest stops and if I didn't have a mission I may have been tempted to stop at each one to squeeze in a "tweet" or two. However I only stopped at one, to grab a snack out the vending machine and while there, I updated my status on Facebook, checked the radar and I only tweeted twice (I swear).

Another change but disappointing was the disappearance of "Stucky's"; an interstate Icon for road warriors back in the day. They have now been replaced by BP gas stations and "Adult Superstores" ( I wonder how they compare to "Walmart Superstores" are they a "one stop shop too"? can I get a gallon of milk there?)

I made pretty good time, despite taking the wrong exit (even if it was in familiar territory as I was leaving town). I discovered "rear view mirror" photography, without looking through the view finder and snapping random pictures (I was driving after all). It was amusing to see how they turned out and a few good ones.

Leaving Des Moines I was headed into a storm so I took my time, trying to stay behind it because I had a wiper blow out. Had I not been cleaning the windshield so much because I was taking pictures out them, I may have been able to avoid that.

I manged to stay behind the storm and arrived home without incidence. Next week I will leave Tuesday for Cedar Rapids, Iowa and return home on Saturday. And there in lies the transition from an "unemployed" genre to "Week 1 - A Travelog".

Peace
Liz

Sinsinawa Labyrinth

Beneath a row of pines, on the left side
of the silent road, rests the labyrinth.
I breach the broken bones of limestone lines
in search of a golden thread.

Instead, debris litters the pebbled path.
Dead things lay beneath my feet,
shed from trees above my head;
leaves crunch, twigs crack.

Disoriented, I wander the maze
as the center moves
farther and farther away;
lost in mounds of thought.

Abruptly I'm centered.
A feather enchants my eye;
from the marrow I'm given wings and vision.
I see there is not a golden thread;
I have not sown it.

No longer fearing the narrow path,
I acknowledge the dead things.
The obstacles seem quite small
compared to the length of lines I've walked.


by Elizabeth A. Hall
1/29/06

Reflections of the Unemployed - Week 14

Wow, Week 14! This week went by in a flash. I had my second interview in 14 weeks on Thursday; the highlight of my week. I heard from the company on Monday and it was a grueling wait. The job is very appealing, like nothing I've ever done before and "I want it bad". The job description would have me traveling throughout Illinois, Iowa and Missouri selling photos to church patrons who have recently had their photo taken for their church directory (photos are already taken, no cold calling involved...Phew!). The directories are free with an 8x10 thrown in (good deal). I would offer them additional photo packages.

I've never done this type of sales before but I believe if the product is good, it will sell itself. Fortunately I would have a base salary in addition to commission, otherwise I probably wouldn't consider it. Having worked in a call center, I had the opportunity to talk to many people from all walks of life across the country and enjoyed the uniqueness of each person and found them all interesting in their own way (oh the stories I could tell and just might some day).

In addition to meeting fascinating people, the job would take me out of the office and onto the open road and you can bet, I will take full advantage of the travel opportunity. The places I would visit, the people I would meet, the photos I would take and the stories I will tell. It feels liberating just thinking about it. The interviewer said it tends to get lonely staying in a motel, night after night and can be quite boring. That's if you aren't creative and enjoy spending your alone time writing poetry, blogging, reading, thinking and twittering. I responded as such but in not so many words.

I came out of the interview feeling very positive, despite the question on the application: "Have you ever been discharged from a job and why". I could not avoid being honest. The interviewer commented on my "likable personality" which is a plus in any interview. At the conclusion of the interview, she asked "what do you think"? I had to say "It sounds like a great adventure", as it does.

On another note, my son made it to the Army recruiter this week, only to find out that the day prior to his appointment, they received a letter advising them to no longer accept recruits with a GED. Fortunately my son was in the process of signing up for college and grants. He is now required to have 15 credit hours before they will take him, so I'll have him around a bit longer. He intends to fulfill those requirements and then enlist.

Also this week, I received a call from my friend, to whom I took photos for, of her new Granddaughter. It seems she had taken the disk I made for her to Walgreen's to have some of the photos developed. Walgreen's did not believe the photos were not taken by a professional photographer and she was made to sign a statement indicating as such. That is the second time I've taken photos for someone and they had difficulty. What a compliment that is for me.

My poetic muse returned to me in a quite obscure manner but none the less it returned. All in all making me quite a happy camper this week. And hopefully, soon I will be writing on the road, traveling with Classic Rock blaring on the radio with the wind in my hair and a smile on my face.

(Photographic Theme: "The Sky's The Limit")

Peace
Liz

"The Smell of Wet Dog"

Murky attitudes rein today like the smell of wet dog
Flogged and broken, thrown
Out into the storm’s dreary forecast.

Is it just the day’s foreboding future, casting a dark hue
On the water’s misty view?
Pacing with a whore’s luck.
I smell it in the deep of the basement
Pulling on the chain.

Illumination never comes. Starvation eats,
My jaw aches, from the gnawing on the leash.

by Elizabeth A. Hall

(I know it's a bit obscure, I'm not even sure what its about, I vaguely remember writing it...lol )

Laughing Is Allowed

I feel your pain primate,
(don't cry in front of the children).
There are things that no one can relate to.
I have so much fun and feel so alone.
Its nobody's fault.

I wander about my home on the verge of tears.
All the time is too much.
I'm satisfied in all ways but one.
I can put my finger on it, but it doesn't come up.
My desires are stiffing; impaired beyond comprehension.

Not so much as a pill can fix what ales me.
So I chill at night and pretend I'm fine.
Though its not - and there is no repairing its absence.
It goes beyond the realm of intimacy;
existing in separateness.
Behind different doors at different times.

No need to conceal secrets behind them.
We think but never out loud.
We understand quietly; in private.
What would happen if we were to speak?
I can't tear myself from the chair,
I find comfort internally and in “Times New Roman”;
unspoken words. Laughing is allowed.

By Elizabeth A. Hall

House Sitting

Friday was a "what do I do with myself?" kind of day. There were so many options as to where I could park myself and work on my writing. I went from here to there and back again. The hardest part is not being able to smoke inside.

I ended up going for a walk and photographing the wildlife and then went into town for dinner. I had the tastiest Blue Cheese and Portabella Mushroom burger with fries and cottage cheese at the "Bierstube".

Saturday morning was comical. I think the dogs usually steal the show but they aren't here this weekend. These cats are not graceful like cats should be, knocking things over and I heard a "thump, thump, thump" coming up the stairs at 5:30 am. Tigger managed to climb upstairs with a sticky mouse trap in tow, complete with mouse attached. Once I pealed it from his leg, the sticky stuff stuck and everything he came in contact with was getting stuck to him. Including my morning paper as I was trying to read it.

I thought the mouse was dead but noticed it wriggling around, I couldn't just throw it in the trash like that. I don't know how long it had been stuck but I didn't think it was very humane to let it starve to death. It may sound gross but I took it outside and drowned it, quickly putting it out of its misery.

Now, I hear a lot about the mischievous corgis that live here, but they are out of town and I left the bathroom door open, thinking there was nothing the kitty's could get into (there were no mouse traps in the bathroom). When I came downstairs to park myself on the screened porch, I found the cap to my toothbrush. I wonder if they have a stash of treasures hidden somewhere in the house too. Ella, one of the dogs, has a stash under the master bed but that's another blog that belongs to my cousin: Ella's Cache.

After all the excitement, I decided to head to town, in the rain and check out all the shops I am always passing on my way here, saying "I should stop there sometime". I removed my books from my book bag and put my camera and extra lens in it (I didn't want to look like a tourist). LeClaire was very reminiscent of Galena Illinois, except I found the prices more affordable (My legs and feet were aching just like Galena too).

I'm a bit homesick but I've gotten a lot of writing done and will be leaving first thing in the morning. Well, maybe not "first thing" as I tend to be up around 5:00am, but shortly there after (I have to have coffee first). I never did get to take a nap in the hammock, its almost tempting to sleep in it tonight but I'll pass. Right now all I have on my agenda is to take a bath in the jacuzzi, I'd kick my self for passing that up too.

Peace
Liz

Liking LeClaire

I'm house sitting for my cousin in LeClaire, Iowa. I don't live far from here, just across the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois. It's maybe a thirty minute drive. Every time I pass through downtown, I tell myself that I should stop sometime and check it out. I'm a regular visitor to Galena, Illinois and its beginning to resemble Galena with all the art and antique shops popping up.

Well today I finally got around to visiting downtown LeClaire. I parked at one end of town on "The Great River Road", locally known as "N Cody Road" and walked up one side and back the other, hitting every shop in both directions. I had my eye out for a couple of things I've been wanting; a butterfly wind chime and a cabinet for the bathroom. I figured I would have better luck with the wind chime. Being on unemployment, even if I did find a cabinet I wouldn't be able to buy it.

As luck would have it, I found a tin crafted, butterfly wind chime hanging outside the third shop I think I went to, "LeClaire Antique Appraisers", only $10.00. When I entered the shop, there was a woman trying on a vintage, 1920's dress for a garden wedding. The ladies were discussing whether or not it was appropriate for a garden wedding. I thought it was perfect but went about browsing. I was a bit disappointed when she decided not to buy because she was afraid to have it cleaned.

I left the shop with the butterfly wind chime in mind and continued on. When I crossed the street at the opposite end of town, I needed to rest my feet. I walked down to the riverfront where a pavilion allowed me to park myself and take some pictures. I watched The North American Pelicans, they stop on the Mississippi as part of their migration every year and hang for a while. I've taken a full day before, hitting all the parks and dams along both sides of the River, taking pictures.

While I was resting, I saw the "Antique Archeology" van; a blast from the not too distant past. I had dated one of the Archeologists" a few times. Back then, they were being scouted for a show for "The Discovery Channel" and I sat through a few of the pilot episodes. It looked like they were doing well, they had a brand new van. They didn't make the cut for the cable channel but they now have a site on the internet where you can watch them make their amazing, antique discoveries.

I wanted to visit the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum but passed, I had seen it as a kid but not in such a pleasant environment. I figured it was time for lunch instead. I stopped in a popcorn shop and drooled for a moment over the counter but passed on the chocolate truffles. As it turns out they came from Largomarcino's, which I love but we have the original Largomarcino's in Moline, just down the hill from my home. I passed on "Happy Joe's" Pizza, I've had that before; who hasn't if you're from the Quad Cities. I'd also been to "Sneaky Pete's" years ago but its just not the same if you aren't with someone wearing a tie (they'll cut it off of you and hang it from the rafters).

I found a little cafe' called "Lydia's" and had one of their specialty sandwiches, "Sierra Chicken" with chips and a pickle spear. I sat outside on the balcony behind the building, again it reminded me of Galena but with a much better view and the sandwich was great. I wish I could remember what the green stuff on it was called. Since I passed up the chocolate, I grabbed a chocolate, chocolate chip muffin to go and headed for the Antique shop to buy the wind chime. All that was left were art shops so I figured I'd make my purchase and go back to the arts and crafts just to browse.

The last of the shops were my favorite; pottery, unique jewelry and interesting gifts. I'll be heading back here around Christmas time for sure. Its not as far as Galena and the prices, I thought were more reasonable. And yes, there were a few cabinets for the bathroom, but the prices, though reasonable, were not cheap enough for me.


Peace
Liz

Links of interest:
http://www.visitleclaire.com/
http://leclaireiowa.gov/
http://leclairechamber.com/

My Favorite places:

http://www.antiquearcheology.com/ - Watch videos on how they find their treasures!
http://www.artsworkia.com/ - My favorite shop!
http://www.razzleberriesgifts.com/ - I loved their fishing lure jewelry!
http://www.riverpup1.com/ - For all your Corgi needs.

Reflections of the Unemployed - Week 13

I can't decide if week 13 is lucky or unlucky. I had my first interview and later the same evening, my son declared he was joining the Army. But that's another blog. I've had one interview out of 41 job applications. The odds don't look good and it turned out to be a part-time position at a wage of $8.00 an hour, ouch! I'm making more on unemployment.

I chalked it up to a learning experience. My face probably went white when I was asked about my attendance and how often I called off. I danced around the answer, explaining I really couldn't give them an accurate number because I had health issues, leading up to a hysterectomy and after. I had to ask myself after, if I should have been completely honest with them. After all, it looks like it was just a practice interview as there is no way I can take the job at that wage.

Should I have told them that I was "let go" because of attendance but had Doctors excuses for almost all of my absences with the exception of a few half days? And that it was illegal to fire someone for an excused absence but they did and that the man at Unemployment who made the decision that I receive benefits was appalled at their attendance policy? How can I be honest and tactful at the same time and not look bad?

I was present for the birth of my friends first Grandchild on Monday. Her daughter was in labor from 6:00 am to 6:10pm, they ended up doing a c-section because little Madison, wasn't so little. She weighed in at 8lbs and 13oz. and 21 inches long. I visited them when they came home from the hospital and took some beautiful photos for them. When I finished editing them, that itch to go back to school came over me once again. I can be content for hours just editing photos I've taken and wish I were doing it for a living.

On Tuesday my son informed me he was joining the Army and on Wednesday he announced he's getting married. Emotionally overwhelmed, I took a trip to the bank and my safe deposit box to withdraw my wedding set from his Father and my own Father's wedding band for my son. I've been on the verge of tears all week. Yesterday my son took us to lunch and I gave them their wedding gift, both myself and my future daughter-in-law became choked up. We had a great lunch and the ring looked like it was made for her dainty fingers.

Now I'm recovering, house sitting for my cousin, nestled in the woods. I've been keeping preoccupied with writing. I have a list of "To Do's", to accomplish this weekend online. I still have a lot of photos to go through. My 401k was issued to me, without my permission, they just sent it and charged me $50 just for withdrawing it. It wasn't much to speak of but it was enough to purchase a portable hard drive. I left my computer sit all week, backing up the entire computer. My impatience became unbearable and 3/4's of the way through and five days later I unplugged it so I could use my computer. Maybe this weekend I'll figure out why it is taking so long.

I'm thankful at this point in my life that I am unemployed, I would not be able to enjoy these special moments, being able to drop everything and celebrate them as they arise. Taking in the opportunities that I may have missed otherwise. I'm sure I've said it before but I believe everything happens for a reason and these significant milestones in my childrens lives are much more important and I'm thankful I'm there to share in them now.

Peace
Liz

A Stuffie Situation!

I read an article in this mornings paper about the effects of our parents' deaths and the material "stuff" that gets left behind and it reminded me of my own situation. My Parents' Parents had all passed away and they inherited much of their "stuff" and in return, my own Parents passed away leaving me with my Grandparents "stuff" in addition to their "stuff".

When the author of the article mentioned how overwhelming the "stuff" can become, I could relate to that on so many levels. Granted, my Parents got rid of a lot of "stuff" prior to their deaths, but were collectors of antiques. My Mom collected Hall China, she had six china cabinets packed full of china, three bookshelves and then there was the miscellaneous "stuff" from "Jewel-T" which distributed Hall China from horse and buggy long ago. Everything from cooking utensils, rugs, mops, wall hangings of advertisements and items picked up at Hall China conventions.

Just the china itself was overwhelming. One auction alone held all the Hall China, then throw in Dad's dozen tubs of Life Magazines from its inception through World War II that nobody wants and his studio of electronics (Dad loved electronics) and I end up with boxes full of just the cords alone and have no idea what piece of video equipment goes to what cords. There was a TV in almost every room of their house, it was ridiculous.

I called a local auction house and they came and picked up all the china in addition to other antiques including Dad's coin collection. All in all there were three auctions. Another auction company refused to come get the rest of the unwanted items so the day prior to having to be out of their house after it was sold, there was a rummage sale up the street so I just started throwing things out in the yard and what was left from that went in the trash or I gave it away to customers and goodwill.

I hung on to what was left that my brother didn't want and what was left were two storage units, a garage and attic full of "STUFF". I divorced shortly thereafter and found an apartment with a "Big" basement and left some of the "stuff" behind, planning on picking it up at a later date. I had one small rummage sale after having moved that didn't make much of a dent at all.

Last spring (2008) there was a flood at my marital home (still on the market if anyone is interested) and I lost all my Tupperware, my Grandmother's antique pump organ and some other "stuff". The flood took care of some "stuff", making it just a tad less overwhelming but then in the summer, the sewer in the basement of my apartment backed up, flooding the basement that held the remaining "stuff" of my Parents', with 8 inches of sewage. I lost photo albums, antique record albums, several boxes of the Life Magazines (thank goodness), a couple of computers and it damaged some of their oak furniture that I didn't have room for upstairs that they had just had refinished prior to my Mother's demise in 2003 (Dad followed in 2005).

Because the "Stuff" was so overwhelming, I was not bent up over it much. I had a bonfire at my daughters for the damaged "stuff" that would burn and boxes and boxes of paperwork (some of it 50 years old, dad saved everything). I figured it was Gods way of saying "hey, you've hung onto this "stuff" and not done anything about it for too long so I'm taking care of it for you". Of course it only helped a little. Some stuff, I have no idea what happened to. Some, I have no idea what to do with, for example; what do you do with torpedo shell used for practice in WWII? But I can't part with it.

I moved again and in the process, I gathered what was left at the river house, obtained yet another storage unit and have a basement full of furniture and "stuff" at my new house. Out of the kindness of my heart I left my x-husband with some of it but mostly because he whined; he felt like he deserved it for having helped take care of my Dad. He even felt like he deserved the antique clock that belonged to my Grandmother because he fixed it, go figure (no way Jose'). Some "stuff" I just won't part with.

Those of us who find ourselves in this predicament usually end up getting "stuck", according to the article and I am one of those people. I've become so overwhelmed with "stuff" just the thought of having to go through it, sort it and have another rummage sale just sucks the energy right out of me. There was nothing in the article that was helpful on how to cope with the "stuff" once you get it. No numbered or bullet list of motivating ideas to help kick start me, aside from having someone give me swift kick in the A## (my own brilliant idea).

I'm open to suggestion at this point. I did find myself downstairs a few days ago. I went through three boxes. OK, there's a start, on average that's one box per month. Not so overwhelming. If I went through one box a month, I might have it finished in a year or so. My kids will kill me if I die and leave them with this mess!

Peace
Liz