free lunch

my first priority has been packing. it's pretty much all i've been doing. i'm really glad i gave myself an entire week to pack up the house. i feel like i've been able to pace myself and not get *too* tired. (i'm struggling to keep my eyes open right now, though.)

the mover is coming monday morning at 8am. i talked to him on the phone today, and i told him i'd pay all his speeding tickets if he managed to get my stuff to portland by the 18th. he laughed. i figured it's a good idea to be friendly with the person who is going to be caretaker of all my worldly possessions.

i have been taking a break from putting things in boxes by having lunch or dinner out with friends. (sometimes both lunch AND dinner out with friends.) and let me tell you... if you ever want a free meal, tell your dining companion that you're moving cross-country. people jump over themselves to pay the check.

free food is the most thoughtful going-away present i can imagine. these restaurant excursions allow me to pack up my kitchen items, of course, but they also guarantee i step away from the packing for a couple of hours and connect with other human beings. plus, this whole relocation process is so costly. i've heard millions of people say those words ("moving is so expensive!") but now that i'm watching the bank account drain at an alarmingly rapid rate, i appreciate the free lunch even more.