Boys and Girls Home Residential Treatment Centers http://www.boysandgirlshome.com/ my employer for the past 19 years, is expanding from our home office in Sioux City, Iowa, to Fairbanks, Alaska. I will be transferring to that office to work as administrative assistant to the president and to run the human resources component. We will be moving around mid-July. Needless to say, that means some major changes, both at work as well as home and church. We plan on renting a furnished apartment in Alaska, which we have been busy looking for on the internet at the local Fairbanks newspaper, newsminer.com.
The moving preparations are in full swing. Saturday we had a rummage sale with Sam, Camilla, Brian and Tom. It was a hot, steamy day; at least it didn't rain, as they had forecast. The forecast for the entire 3-day weekend was for rain, but the last rain we had was Friday evening, so can't use weather as my excuse for not getting things done. We didn't get rid of nearly enough "stuff", but at least it was a start. Most of my items were priced at .10 or .25, so I didn't reap much in $, but did begin to pare things down. Several boxes went to Goodwill, as some things I really don't want to look at again!
It is quite monumental going through 54 years of "stuff", and difficult to determine what to keep and what to let go. I went through an expandable folder that I had saved newspaper and magazine clippings and pared it down by about 99%. Most of the articles in there I can now find easily on the Internet, so the recyclers will receive all my discarded paper.
One article i found in a magazine was about where to donate stuff if you don't want to have a rummage, yet it is too good to just pitch. They include:
- donating interview suits, outfits, blazers or professional shoes www.dressforsuccess.com
- donating wedding gowns (gee - I have 3 to donate!) www.makingmemories.org/brides_against_breast_cancer.html
- baby clothes & supplies to Newborns in Needs www.newbornsinneed.org
- baby quilt to an at-risk infant or small child www.abcquilts.org
- extra personal care items (wrapped soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, clothing & blankets www.worldconcern.com
- eyeglasses to Lions Club drop boxes at Goodwill Industries, Lenscrafter stores or offices of American Optometric Association members
- doggy-gear donations for prisoners to train dogs to assist the disabled www.pathwaystohope.org
- books to http://booksforsoldiers.com/
It's interesting how much more effort it takes to sort through things and lug them up the basement stairs than it did to whisk them downstairs and plop them wherever!
Due to the nice weather today I also worked on some outdoor things. This past winter was long and wet, preventing us from getting outdoors much before now. That coupled with the plan to lease our home and be away for at least a year there are a lot of things needing attention. I pruned down the blackberry bush, rose bushes, and vines. Opened up a couple of totes on the south deck to see what needed to be dealt with (surprise!), pulled some weeds, picked up some rocks (which will look just great in the rocky area near our church parking lot), etc. Hmmmm wonder how much the rocks will be worth as a tax deduction? :-)
Well, while it's relaxing to sit here on the computer, this certainly doesn't get things pared down, so better get after it.
Please add a comment if you have enjoyed reading my blog and include any questions, if you'd like.
1 comment:
Thanks for this blog. It is interesting with all of the new questions of unknown circumstances in a new world to you. Just separating all of the stuff accumulated over the years. Good luck and keep us informed of any new news. I will still call you from time to time as I may want to visit when you are settled.
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