Moving: Week 7 (A reading list)

We survived last week. 4 days of moving trucks, some heavy thunderstorms, one car breaking down on a busy road, one call from the police about a break-in (all turned out fine), 2 days of frantically getting the house ready for renters, realizing that the movers forgot to open one cabinet, and finally turning over the keys to our renters. Needless to say it feels as if we are still exhaling (although poor Adam really hasn't had the chance to do that yet with his crazy work schedule).

And here's the strange thing about last week: in the midst of all that the chaos I read more than I have in weeks. Prior to last week I had been in another reading slump. Everything I picked up just didn't click. I am sure it was my distracted, stressed state. I just couldn't seem to finish anything or get into anything. Until I picked up Unaccustomed Earth. Those tasty chunks of stories sucked me in and offered the perfect escape from the stress. I enjoyed The Namesake, but these stories hit me in an even more profound way. Themes of transition, identity, crossing cultures, relationships (building/maintaining/ending), and just plain humanity are interwoven with a memorable mix of diverse characters. The perfect collection for moving.

I started making this blog list in my head a couple of weeks ago. I was focused on finding books for the kids related to moving. Checked out the library selections and picked our favorites, but then in the past week the list evolved to include what I was also reading. Felt so good to get out of that slump when I least expected it. So here's our list for any and all who might be moving in the near future:

The Berenstein Bears' Moving Day
Annabelle's Big Move
It's Moving Day
Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I mean It!) Going to Move
Piper Reed: Navy Brat
Leon and Bob

In addition to Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth, I have also returned to two of my favorite mystery series. Both good beach/summer reads and as it turns out good for me in this moving state of mind (ie short attention span, craving escape, fun, adventure, and resolution):

Ayelet Waldmen's Mommy-Track Mysteries (also highly recommend her most recent work)

Laura Jow Rowland's Sano Ichiro series.

And one final recommendation: Material World: A Global Family Portrait. Nothing forces you to examine your "stuff" quite as much as moving...sorting through the clutter, dividing it up, packing it and finally watching it loaded up on the trucks. And just as moving gives you a unique glimpse at yourself via your belongings so does Material World. Intimate photos of families around the world with their belongings and images of their daily life. Truly fascinating for all ages.

Moving: Week Six

Movers come tomorrow (this pic was from our move three years ago). One set of movers will be here Monday and Tuesday for our shipment to Italy. Our belongings should arrive in Italy in September. Another set of movers will come on Wednesday to pick up the remaining items to be placed in storage for the next three years. Thursday and Friday will be spent cleaning and getting the house ready for the renters who move in next Saturday. A busy week, but there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. Can't wait until next weekend when we can finally exhale. We'll have a couple more weeks here to say our good-byes, one final eye doc appointment for Noah, and to prepare for the next exciting stage of moving: arrival in Sicily. Signing off for now. Not sure when I'll have computer access again.

The Power of Oops: Roadside Transformations

A quick early morning post. In addition to the packing and sorting, we have been re-habbing several of my roadside/garage sale finds. It's been a tedious but very satisfying task. Really is amazing to see what some paint and new fabric can do in terms of transformation. I wish I had taken some before/after pics but I can barely find my brain much less my camera these days. Just wanted to post a couple of thoughts on this while I had a chance.

This post is confirmation that I am one step closer to turning into my mother. As a kid I swore I would never be late and I would never stop on the side of the road to check out new loot. Never say never, right? I now set my watch fast in attempt to be on time and I pull over to examine curbside furniture while my children groan in the backseat. And I now realize my mother is a master. I have learned to appreciate her eye for good finds and her creative methods of re-purposing. She was doing it before it was trendy and lucky for me she is willing to share her wisdom. Here are a few things she's taught me in the just the past few days:

-Always check the "oops" section of the paint area. Just as with roadside finds, someones mistake can be your $5 magic transformation. And even more satisfying than the newly painted bookshelf is hearing your husband utter those magic words: "wow, you were right".

- If you are attempting to paint two bookshelves, one large stool, one chair, and two small tables while also watching two small children, you will be taking lots of breaks. During those breaks, wrap your paint brushes (still with paint on them) in saran wrap and stick them in the freezer. When you are ready to return to painting, take them out of the freezer, defrost, and get back to painting. Truly a very quick and handy way to take painting breaks without having to do major clean up each time.

-Paint bookshelves lying down. Not you, the shelf. Do several coats on the inside shelves before standing it upright and painting the exterior sides and tops. Prevents dripping, easier on the back, and much less frustrating.

-Let your mother and husband do the upholstery work. They are much better at it. (ok, this wasn't one of her tips, it's mine).

-When feeling overwhelmed and unsure, take a break and get some inspiration. We headed over to the local museum a few nights ago to see the Gee's Bend Quilt Show . Amazing women, beautiful pieces of art, and the ultimate examples of re-purposing and renewal: very inspiring and motivating.

Ok, I hear some wild monkeys waking up. Headed to start another busy day. I'll try to post some pics of our hard work after we get settled in Sicily. Have any stories of favorite roadside finds or dramatic transformations? Any tips?