Wow, the moving day is fast approaching. I have plenty of last minute stuff to take care of and everyone seems to want to do something with me before I leave so trying to squeeze everything in is a bit daunting.
I was able to pay for two extra days for storage and this has pushed the moving day back to this Saturday. If I did not do this then I would be loading the truck myself. Now I have several friends who have offered to help. Yay!
However, I have so much to do in such little time, ahhhh!
29 January 2008
25 January 2008
The Tarboro Chronicles
This morning was freezing. I could not paint because it just wouldn’t dry very well and the paint probably was near frozen. The patches I did to the walls were still wet as was the caulk around the windows. I think my breath was freezing as it left my mouth and then fell to the floor and shattered. It was that cold.
Basically I cleaned everything up. I put all my tools away. I stared at pigeon shit. I paced the floors. I started thinking as to where all the furniture will go. I tried to light a kerosene heater, but all I got was soot… in my face. I thought about would my heaters be able to heat this place. I thought about how I will install air conditioners into the iron industrial windows.
I am heading home tomorrow. I have to figure out the move. Do I move everything now or do it later? There is so much stuff in the way of me getting my own stuff in I may need a month or so to clear things out first. Then I can return to Savannah and get the rest of my things.
The best news is I may stay in the house I am crashing in until May if I would like to. I think I am going to take them up on it for now. This means the cats and I will have a warm clean place to dwell. I can now work on the loft space at a more leisurely pace.
A few months ago I was so certain about this move, but not anymore. I’m still feeling disconnected from this whole thing. I am not sure why. I used to pick up and move all the time and not think twice. This time however I am so indecisive and removed.
Fortunately everyone here has been rather nice. Destin has helped me with moving things around and giving suggestions. Betty brought me lentil stew last night for dinner and a sandwich for lunch today. She’s such a mum!
Perhaps when the whole moving process and construction process and finding a job / clients process is over with I will feel much better about this.
Basically I cleaned everything up. I put all my tools away. I stared at pigeon shit. I paced the floors. I started thinking as to where all the furniture will go. I tried to light a kerosene heater, but all I got was soot… in my face. I thought about would my heaters be able to heat this place. I thought about how I will install air conditioners into the iron industrial windows.
I am heading home tomorrow. I have to figure out the move. Do I move everything now or do it later? There is so much stuff in the way of me getting my own stuff in I may need a month or so to clear things out first. Then I can return to Savannah and get the rest of my things.
The best news is I may stay in the house I am crashing in until May if I would like to. I think I am going to take them up on it for now. This means the cats and I will have a warm clean place to dwell. I can now work on the loft space at a more leisurely pace.
A few months ago I was so certain about this move, but not anymore. I’m still feeling disconnected from this whole thing. I am not sure why. I used to pick up and move all the time and not think twice. This time however I am so indecisive and removed.
Fortunately everyone here has been rather nice. Destin has helped me with moving things around and giving suggestions. Betty brought me lentil stew last night for dinner and a sandwich for lunch today. She’s such a mum!
Perhaps when the whole moving process and construction process and finding a job / clients process is over with I will feel much better about this.
24 January 2008
The Tarboro Chronicles
This morning I could not get out of bed, as my back would not cooperate. I have a back issue, which I never have bothered to have fully checked out. Apparently it’s a slipped disc. Anyhow I wanted to get up and out of bed, but my body would not cooperate so I stayed in bed ‘till I couldn’t any longer.
It was pathetic I had to roll myself off the air mattress and then get on my knees. I then proceeded with some Yoga exercises. With the aid of a wall and fireplace mantle I managed to stand up. I took a nice long shower and then proceeded to shave. That was an interesting experience! I had to spread eagle, slightly bend forward, prop myself up with one arm while using the other to wet my face!
I then made breakfast and hurried on out the door. I went to a hardware store to pick up a few items and then headed to the hellhole. When I got up to my level those two pigeons where hanging out in the area I just cleaned. You can imagine my distress.
I shooed them away and managed to get them out an open window. I then proceeded to close all the windows so they could not return. I feel a little sad for having to evict them from the building. They were paired together and I believe pigeons, like love birds mate for life. I don’t think they built a true nest nor did they lay any eggs yet because it is winter. However I am keeping my ears out for any peeping sounds. If I hear them the windows are going to be opened again. My love of animals and nature runs strong. I’m extremely empathetic. Yes, this means I am a sap.
However, I know it is for the best because I just can’t live with all the shit. Literally!
Today I managed do some repair work on the ceiling in the temporary living room / kitchenette. I patched several holes in the drywall. I hope it will all be dry tomorrow because I would like to get both rooms painted.
Working on a ceiling patch.
I managed to butcher a door, but I did get it hung. What can I say? The jig saw went right when it should have gone left! I also caulked the windows and added some weather stripping though I think it’s not going to be too effective. The windows are old iron industrial windows.
I also need to replace each pane of glass because they are currently opaque, which is to say you cannot see through them. There is one window that has a few panes of glass, which are clear, but I would like them all to be the same. I also think it’s important for the cats to be able to see outside.
Having this view has been keeping me going.
My plan was to head home tomorrow, but it looks like that’s not happening. I have way too much to do so I will stay until Saturday if I must. Like I mentioned before I still need to paint.
The weather has been progressively getting colder since I’ve been here. Tonight it’s supposed to go down to 22F and tomorrows high is only going to be 35F. This should prove interesting since the paint can states you should not paint below 50F. I have to paint anyway because this all needs to be completed before I leave.
I miss Nora-Grace and Tabitha. ☹
It was pathetic I had to roll myself off the air mattress and then get on my knees. I then proceeded with some Yoga exercises. With the aid of a wall and fireplace mantle I managed to stand up. I took a nice long shower and then proceeded to shave. That was an interesting experience! I had to spread eagle, slightly bend forward, prop myself up with one arm while using the other to wet my face!
I then made breakfast and hurried on out the door. I went to a hardware store to pick up a few items and then headed to the hellhole. When I got up to my level those two pigeons where hanging out in the area I just cleaned. You can imagine my distress.
I shooed them away and managed to get them out an open window. I then proceeded to close all the windows so they could not return. I feel a little sad for having to evict them from the building. They were paired together and I believe pigeons, like love birds mate for life. I don’t think they built a true nest nor did they lay any eggs yet because it is winter. However I am keeping my ears out for any peeping sounds. If I hear them the windows are going to be opened again. My love of animals and nature runs strong. I’m extremely empathetic. Yes, this means I am a sap.
However, I know it is for the best because I just can’t live with all the shit. Literally!
Today I managed do some repair work on the ceiling in the temporary living room / kitchenette. I patched several holes in the drywall. I hope it will all be dry tomorrow because I would like to get both rooms painted.
Working on a ceiling patch.
I managed to butcher a door, but I did get it hung. What can I say? The jig saw went right when it should have gone left! I also caulked the windows and added some weather stripping though I think it’s not going to be too effective. The windows are old iron industrial windows.
I also need to replace each pane of glass because they are currently opaque, which is to say you cannot see through them. There is one window that has a few panes of glass, which are clear, but I would like them all to be the same. I also think it’s important for the cats to be able to see outside.
Having this view has been keeping me going.
My plan was to head home tomorrow, but it looks like that’s not happening. I have way too much to do so I will stay until Saturday if I must. Like I mentioned before I still need to paint.
The weather has been progressively getting colder since I’ve been here. Tonight it’s supposed to go down to 22F and tomorrows high is only going to be 35F. This should prove interesting since the paint can states you should not paint below 50F. I have to paint anyway because this all needs to be completed before I leave.
I miss Nora-Grace and Tabitha. ☹
23 January 2008
The Tarboro Chronicles
Today was my first day working on the space. The loft, the studio, the HELLHOLE! What the bloody hell am I doing? Why am I here? WTF?
No, no. I know why I am here. I know what I have to do. It’s just not sitting right with me. Perhaps it’s all the work I must do to get this place habitable. Perhaps it’s because I am in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps it’s because it’s all unfamiliar. I think it’s all of these things. Though when I was younger I would not have thought twice about it.
Okay, let me take a sip of my bourbon and water. Ah… that’s good. When I got up this morning I had to return the U-Haul trailer. The return place was in what more or less I would describe as “The Hood”. It is a storage place and there are a few U-Haul trailers outside in the parking lot. There was no sign of an office. I had to enquire in a fuel station where a rather large, pregnant looking teenager with stringy greasy hair and acne greeted me.
“You’re not from around here”. I replied; “No mam, I’m from Georgia.” Georgia? What you doin’ here?” I finally get a word in … “Yes, Savannah, Georgia and I am relocating here.
“Why you moving here? No one moves here. Everyone leaves.” She starts to cackle, “Get out while you can!” I finally get to inquire as to where the U-Haul office is located and she points across the street. This “office” is located in the rear of a house and it had no signs. Anyhow I returned the damned thing late, but the smoking lady with the no smoking signs did not charge me extra. However I did have to drive back across the street and unhook the trailer myself.
So today I began working on the space, but I did spend about an hour freaking out about why I am here. Seeing the space now for the second time I discovered some more “issues” that are going to make it more of a challenge. I started to think about actually moving to Florida instead! Y’all know my opinion on Florida.
There are two pigeons flying about on my level. Now how do I get them out? At one time there were quite a few pigeons and so there is quite a bit of pigeon shit EVERYWHERE!
I spent a fair part of my day cleaning up pigeon shit and tomorrow I shall do the same and probably the next day too. Don’t worry I am wearing a mask. Those nasty droppings have particles that can cause blindness and I don’t want that. Who ever heard of a blind interior decorator?
Insulating the windows is going to be a bit of an issue too. Temporarily I intend on using that stick on plastic, which you shrink with a hair dryer, but I am not sure it will stick to the iron frame of the windows because there is very little frame to begin with.
My intention is to build storm windows out of wood and Plexiglas, but this is too expensive for me now. I may have to figure out away to do it anyway.
I did manage to cut an entrance between the two rooms I will be living in. It was quite rewarding using a reciprocating saw. I actually lost myself in it and didn’t think about my insane life for about 30 minutes. I also was able to vacuum years of dirt, dust and cobwebs.
It turns out I don’t have to stay in the building while I am working on it. My friends’ mother has a sister who purchased a house next to hers. It is a renovation project as they live in Florida. You see, I just can’t get away from Florida people! Anyway I am staying in this home. It is a wonderful house. It has a fabulous wrap around porch with Corinthian columns. The original house was built in 1895 and there was an addition added in 1915. It has been completely renovated with new wiring, windows and kitchen. The hardwood floors have been refinished too and there is an instant hot water shower, but most importantly there is HEAT!
Well, I’m off to bed. I believe tomorrow should prove equally interesting.
No, no. I know why I am here. I know what I have to do. It’s just not sitting right with me. Perhaps it’s all the work I must do to get this place habitable. Perhaps it’s because I am in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps it’s because it’s all unfamiliar. I think it’s all of these things. Though when I was younger I would not have thought twice about it.
The face of trepidation, anxiety & exhaustion.
Okay, let me take a sip of my bourbon and water. Ah… that’s good. When I got up this morning I had to return the U-Haul trailer. The return place was in what more or less I would describe as “The Hood”. It is a storage place and there are a few U-Haul trailers outside in the parking lot. There was no sign of an office. I had to enquire in a fuel station where a rather large, pregnant looking teenager with stringy greasy hair and acne greeted me.
“You’re not from around here”. I replied; “No mam, I’m from Georgia.” Georgia? What you doin’ here?” I finally get a word in … “Yes, Savannah, Georgia and I am relocating here.
“Why you moving here? No one moves here. Everyone leaves.” She starts to cackle, “Get out while you can!” I finally get to inquire as to where the U-Haul office is located and she points across the street. This “office” is located in the rear of a house and it had no signs. Anyhow I returned the damned thing late, but the smoking lady with the no smoking signs did not charge me extra. However I did have to drive back across the street and unhook the trailer myself.
So today I began working on the space, but I did spend about an hour freaking out about why I am here. Seeing the space now for the second time I discovered some more “issues” that are going to make it more of a challenge. I started to think about actually moving to Florida instead! Y’all know my opinion on Florida.
There are two pigeons flying about on my level. Now how do I get them out? At one time there were quite a few pigeons and so there is quite a bit of pigeon shit EVERYWHERE!
I spent a fair part of my day cleaning up pigeon shit and tomorrow I shall do the same and probably the next day too. Don’t worry I am wearing a mask. Those nasty droppings have particles that can cause blindness and I don’t want that. Who ever heard of a blind interior decorator?
Insulating the windows is going to be a bit of an issue too. Temporarily I intend on using that stick on plastic, which you shrink with a hair dryer, but I am not sure it will stick to the iron frame of the windows because there is very little frame to begin with.
My intention is to build storm windows out of wood and Plexiglas, but this is too expensive for me now. I may have to figure out away to do it anyway.
Ah, satisfaction!
I did manage to cut an entrance between the two rooms I will be living in. It was quite rewarding using a reciprocating saw. I actually lost myself in it and didn’t think about my insane life for about 30 minutes. I also was able to vacuum years of dirt, dust and cobwebs.
This will be the temporary living room/kitchenette.
It turns out I don’t have to stay in the building while I am working on it. My friends’ mother has a sister who purchased a house next to hers. It is a renovation project as they live in Florida. You see, I just can’t get away from Florida people! Anyway I am staying in this home. It is a wonderful house. It has a fabulous wrap around porch with Corinthian columns. The original house was built in 1895 and there was an addition added in 1915. It has been completely renovated with new wiring, windows and kitchen. The hardwood floors have been refinished too and there is an instant hot water shower, but most importantly there is HEAT!
Well, I’m off to bed. I believe tomorrow should prove equally interesting.
22 January 2008
North Carolina
Today I am heading to North Carolina with a load of stuff. I have a rather large armoire in the trailer, but most of the items are for creating a habitable space in the “warehouse” area of the building.
Of course, this is the week of cold weather in N.C. It supposed to warm up a bit after I return home! I truly prefer cooler weather to warm or hot, but I like to be personally warm with the cold around me. Therefore, this should be interesting.
Also according to the directions on the paint cans, it states one should not paint when the temperature is below 50F. That’s just great. It’s supposed to stay below 50 degrees until Saturday. I have to get the painting done so I am going to do it anyway. I need to get as much completed as possible before the bigh move on the 31st.
I have my tent, sleeping bag, and blankets, camp stove, etc. all packed. Yes, I will be camping… in a tent… in a warehouse. Heh, heh, this should be fun!
18 January 2008
Moving
This past month has been an emotional rollercoaster, but no more! I am tired of it and quite done with it. Thanks to all for the kind words and support. It is appreciated.
Anyhow, I am about to make a big change. I have decided to definitely move to North Carolina at the end of this month. I have been busy trying to get things together for the move.
One of the best things I have done is to have let the people in charge at the storage place know I will be moving my belongings out at the end of the month. I have had the storage unit for over five years!
I will be moving to the town of Tarboro, population 11,138. The town is an hour east of Raleigh. I will be living on the third floor of a 19th century former Belk department store building. The mother of my friend, Emma, owns the building. She said I could do whatever I wish to third level. Therefore, I shall.
I will be turning part of the 3,000 + square feet into an incredible loft! It will take a long time, but I am up for it. I still miss the loft I had in Atlanta many moons ago so this is rather like reliving it.
The only thing is it is a bit rustic. Perhaps that is an understatement. It truly is rustic. Yes, I will have to admit that. Essentially, it is going to be rather like camping for a while, but I enjoy camping!
I will be heading to Tarboro next Tuesday to prepare the space for habitation. Much needs to be done to make it livable. Therefore, I will be spending a few days working on it. Then I will head back home and finish gathering the rest of my belongings for the final move on the 30th.
I am going to try to document the process with pictures and possibly video. In addition, there is a chance I will be moving this blog to my .Mac account because I can utilise all the services I am paying for.
Below are some photographs of the place I am heading to.
Enjoy!
Anyhow, I am about to make a big change. I have decided to definitely move to North Carolina at the end of this month. I have been busy trying to get things together for the move.
One of the best things I have done is to have let the people in charge at the storage place know I will be moving my belongings out at the end of the month. I have had the storage unit for over five years!
I will be moving to the town of Tarboro, population 11,138. The town is an hour east of Raleigh. I will be living on the third floor of a 19th century former Belk department store building. The mother of my friend, Emma, owns the building. She said I could do whatever I wish to third level. Therefore, I shall.
I will be turning part of the 3,000 + square feet into an incredible loft! It will take a long time, but I am up for it. I still miss the loft I had in Atlanta many moons ago so this is rather like reliving it.
The only thing is it is a bit rustic. Perhaps that is an understatement. It truly is rustic. Yes, I will have to admit that. Essentially, it is going to be rather like camping for a while, but I enjoy camping!
I will be heading to Tarboro next Tuesday to prepare the space for habitation. Much needs to be done to make it livable. Therefore, I will be spending a few days working on it. Then I will head back home and finish gathering the rest of my belongings for the final move on the 30th.
I am going to try to document the process with pictures and possibly video. In addition, there is a chance I will be moving this blog to my .Mac account because I can utilise all the services I am paying for.
Below are some photographs of the place I am heading to.
Enjoy!
This is the side I'll be living in. The top row of windows are mine.
This will be the main living space. Ceiling is low, which will be best for heating.
Taken from another angle. I need to construct a wall in the open space and create a door.
Looking through and back into the large open space. Oh look, there's Emma.
This old office will become my bedroom.
This is looking out one of my windows.
09 January 2008
Fighting The Funk
I have been in such a funk far too long. I have been fighting it and with the help of good friends, I have begun to feel better.
It is amazing how life's little quarks, which are totally out of ones control can mess you up. The best thing to do is go with the flow, bend like the reed in the wind. However, it is not always easy to do so. Our nature or at least my nature is not to budge. I dig those heels in, those hoofs and will not move. Ah, to be a Taurus.
Anyhow, I finally release it all to the Universe. It is out of my control. It will take care of itself. I decided to take a Doris Day attitude. Kay Cera Cera, what will be, will be.
It is amazing how life's little quarks, which are totally out of ones control can mess you up. The best thing to do is go with the flow, bend like the reed in the wind. However, it is not always easy to do so. Our nature or at least my nature is not to budge. I dig those heels in, those hoofs and will not move. Ah, to be a Taurus.
Anyhow, I finally release it all to the Universe. It is out of my control. It will take care of itself. I decided to take a Doris Day attitude. Kay Cera Cera, what will be, will be.
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