Thinking, thinking, thinking...

Man, sometimes there's so much in my head I think it will come apart at the seams. Thinking about the garage remodel, thinking about the house cleanup, thinking about getting the library and computer lab ready for my replacement, thinking about STAR TESTING (yikes). Thinking about the move to Maui, thinking about leaving Futura Way.
I think of the loss of my last sister, Linda at the end of March (my other sister Roberta died in 1987). I think of the loss of my favorite aunt, Ilene who passed away a week after Linda. It's a comfort to believe in life beyond this mortal life, yet it does bring one face to face with the importance of enjoying each day. In a way, the passing of loved ones is a gift of those of us still here slugging it out on earth because we realize that our time is limited so we better get busy.
I'm not sad to be leaving Santa Rosa - not sad to leave my friends. It is the sweet experiences I've had here that are galvanized into my heart that cannot be erased by time or distance. And...nearly everyone Skypes or Facetimes these days :)
I'm excited to think about moving to Maui. I'm excited to think that I will be with my friends there, my ward family, and meet new people. I'm excited to think of a new place to serve.
I'm thinking about the time that's coming for Robert and I to be back to "us". It's been awhile. I will miss having at least one of my children drift through my day to day life but I think of the life that lies ahead of each of them and thrill at the possibilities.
So, now you know what I think. Maybe by putting a few thoughts down on virtual paper I can clear a space in my head for some more thinking. Maybe I should just give it a rest.

                                                        My Sister Linda       Auntie Ilene

I knew this wouldn't be easy.

This has been an adventure thus far. I'm beginning to remember why we haven't moved in 34 years. Had the yard sale Saturday and got rid of some stuff. The rest is being picked up by a church in Sebastopol who is having a rummage sale next week. Tick mark next to Yard Sale. Next...someone is coming to look at the leather reclining sofa today. Tick mark next to last piece of furniture to sell.  Wow, this list is still pretty long...
I have to say, though, through all the hard, hard work, through all the trials with the tenants in Maui, we have been so, so blessed in the process. We found what seem to be stellar tenants for our home in Santa Rosa and they're not opposed to John living on the premises. Kaylen has secured a place to live at the Hardester's in their cute little cottage. John's happy about attending the J.C. and being "the property manager". So many, many blessings have come our way and my heart is full of gratitude. It is difficult to deal with people who see you in a negative light - I guess everyone can't be happy with us, but it's important to stay focused on the positive. And so much is positive right now, I can't feel too sad.
The excitement for a change in life is beginning to settle in and the future looks so bright.