Good evening,
Rachel and I have been living in this new home for just shy of three months. During that time, I taught three classes; volunteers from the BOH kept Rachel company while I worked. As much as I think this word is cliche, this crew of Rachel companions is really amazing.
I have also learned an awful lot: anything from pruning a bush, washing organic matter from basement walls, carefully mowing my lawn with Rachel placed within eyesight, to setting up automatic mortgage payments for the new house.
I do love this new house. I often will catch myself thinking or saying aloud to Rachel, “I can’t believe we get to live here!” That one step into the home – aided by a simple ramp for Rachel’s wheelchair – gives me peace of mind for sure.
Now my attention narrows in on two fronts, one slightly bigger than the other: getting the old house on the market and getting prepped for the fall semester.
I was really hoping to have the house ready for sale by August 14. I had hired stagers to come that day. That did not happen.
Last week, I hired a handyman and his crew to do things that were beyond my generous volunteer crew. The BOH has done enormous work, but was time to yank out the ceiling lift, fix bathroom fixtures, possibly fix a stain on the wooden floors, etc. They assured me that it would get done by 8.14.
Without going into details, a large miscommunication ricocheted between workers, handyman owner, and customer. The blowback caused a delay in achieving the deadlines I had hoped for.
The renewed plan?
The handymen should complete their work in the next day or so. I have my mom coming over on Thursday to watch Rachel; I will go over to the house and empty out anything left behind that doesn’t belong. I believe it is Saturday or Monday when I will have Ardy’s Closet do some deep cleaning. Then, the stagers will be in by August 30th. Perhaps we could see a for sale sign by August 31st? Dare I dream?
Did I want all this to happen earlier? Of course. It is what it is. This Bus is doing all it can to keep it moving forward.
Please allow me to highlight instrumental folks like Dylan and Ali, who spent many, many hours during evenings and weekends changing the basement into a gorgeous space; Pastor Loren, who, at the doorstep of his retirement, put in a dropped ceiling that is showstopping; Mike Wood, a man who’s put in copious time, muscle, (and patience) removing items from old to new house, helping to clean original windows from 1963, (something Jim deemed impossible and never tried it,) helping me clean stains off the garage floor, among other things; Seth Reid, Emily Anttila, and Leila and Oliver, who tackled painting projects galore – I even convinced step-grandson, Oliver, get on a ladder to remove debris from gutters; Dan Darling and Sarah Clowes from Normandale came out and did weeding AND painting; former MCTC student, now a Doctor of Biochemistry, Andrienne Gelbach, who helped Mike Wood with lifting equipment and furniture from old to new house. Mike Colestock came in on a Saturday to paint. Evelyn Antilla and Lisa Preston also helped by keeping Rachel company all weekend while I was at the old house helping the assembled crew. Of course, Emily Colestock is a partner and kindred spirit, lighting the way by living by her credo, “we are women who can, Melissa and Rachel.” She is right, but she is inspiring us with her constant presence… She pulls me out of the “I can’t” to “I will.”
Let’s also mention Susan Foster, whose guidance as my realtor has been instrumental and key to getting to where we are. I confess, there were times I felt like giving up or not doing X, Y or Z because, as I said to her, I feel like I’m rolling that rock up the hill, only to have it roll backward!
But she does two things: supports me, directing me up and onward as she pulls from her years of experience as an agent. Thank you, Susan.
I am sure, SURE, I’m forgetting someone. If you are reading this, and I haven’t thanked you, do forgive me.
That is where we are. When we get the staging done, pictures snapped, and links made, get ready to help by sharing the listing with everyone you know.
Reach out to me with any questions or thoughts.
And now, I should at least attempt revising syllabi and deadlines before I hit the hay.
Hands at ten and two,
Melissa