So somehow I decided it was a good idea to go back to the USA right before the wedding. I'm sure it had good sense at the time, or not. Anyway, it was not the relaxing vacation on might expect, but it was good to see people I hadn't seen in a long time and to do a lot of needed tasks. One highlight was a wonderful Bridal Shower put on by my dearest friend Darcy. It was a fun combination of friends from various facets of my life and super fun to actually have a shower (It's not a custom in Peru). I got some super fun lingere that was a cool surprise and most of which has yet to be revealed! That time went by all to fast but it was so great to see people and spend a few precious moments together.
Another great moment was getting to see some former st jude "kids" who are all grown up now and living fantastic lives. My first kids are now turning 30, sheesh that is humbling. It was a great night at Red Robin with sharing of what they have been doing, highlights of life and future plans. I'm so proud of each of them. They are stupendous people. I'm so blessed to have shared time with them.
In general time seems to be moving by too fast for me. It may be because my life has slowed down so much that what was completely normal for me before is lightening speed for me now. So odd. I always want more time with people than I have and always feel like Peter at the transfiguration, let's build 3 tents and stay here. I always wanted more time with people than I got, but of course some is better than none and who knows how long it will be before I see them again.
Then it was off to Boise for 3 weeks. The first week was a blur as all I did was sort through all the boxes in my garage. This was a huge undertaking and exhausting. The blessing was that it was cooler weather, but it was long days as I was also still teaching my regular schedule as well. So that was physically and mentally exhausting to sort through things: what to bring to Peru, what to sell and ?? whatever else. The end of that week I had a huge sale for all the items I have accumulated in life over the years and it was quite a bit. It was a good less. The cash is always better than the item. Being single and having a little excess cash over the years isn't really a good thing. Detachment, less is more. It is a forever battle waged by those in the middle class. We like nice things. It's fun to decorate. I did save up too thank God, but I regret many of the impulse purchases over the years. It was hard to know what to part with and what to keep. In the end most of it was sold for some price and the rest is somewhere else but not in my garage.
It was another less in letting go on another level. Even though they are just things, they were MY things. They were purchased or given by a gift or whatever but each had a reason and a story and it there wasn't really time to care or think about it...just to let go and say goodbye. So, most of it is gone now and the rest well...it's for another blog entry. The day of the garage sale was my birthday. I guess making money is as good of a plan as any.
So then the next week, I continued to work teaching English over the phone, and then hit the tasks that I had to do, errands I guess you could call them. Go here and do this and that and running around stuff. On Thursday of that week was another highlight. My dear friends Clare and Molly and Miss B took me out for a Bachelorette Party. We went to dinner at Mai Thai, which I love and then went on the roof top of The Reef for mojitos and conversation. It was a fun time and some of which was recorded for posterity on video (and I have the copy!).
Then that weekend saw the largest family reunion we have ever had. Both my mom and dad's family in the area came over. We had a great backyard BBQ with great conversation and reminiscing. Richard even made an appearance via skype, which blew some of the older generations mind. However, again it felt like it went too fast and I there were too many people to really spend quality time with and then it was over! Phew. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great party. My Aunt Mary was also there from Kansas and she was an amazing help all week. She helped me work through the stuff left in my garage to pack, which was the next phase.
My precious neices were able to spend a few extra days in Boise. I miss them so dearly. It's reason enough to move back to the NW. It's not easy being away from them. I so enjoy watching them grow and develop into incredible people. Anyway, we had a few fun days together and I also began the task of packing everything into 6 duffle bags. They had to be packed for size and weight (under 50lbs). Thank you to Clare who helped haul them to the postal center for the final weighing. You're a trooper. Good friends that will literally haul your crap and give you a boost to get to the finish line. Priceless. I took the girls up to Spokane on Wed of that week and was able to find a little time to see my dear friend Laura and her daughters where were also in town visiting. It had been way too long since we'd seen each other in person. And an unexpected surprise, Fr. Spitzer was on campus and I was able to see him for a couple of minutes and wish him well. So yea that was a full-packed day.
Well that about brings me to the end of my time. Each night I was still finishing the packing and last minute deals to be ready to go back to Peru. That was also a story in itself. It was a very packed month. It was exhausting in many ways, but also filled with great moments. I'm thankful to all those who assisted along the way. It's hard to rely on others. I've never been good at that, but it is part of life I suppose and I'm blessed with amazing parents who have supported me beyond my comprehension and loving friends. People who made time to see me, to help me, to support me. Thanks!
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