Get Rid Of Stuff (A Moving Experience)

This isn't exactly a tale from the trail, but an explanation (apology?) to my readers and a few suggestions about moving.  Even if you aren't thinking of moving.

I often clarify that Original Tales from the Trail is based on  past travels, my journals and photos.

My most recent real travel--including flights, plane changes and all--was to test traveling as a handicapped person.

 

This photo of me at the Anhinga Viera Wetlands was one of the first photos of me using a walker... I usually shoved it out of the way, leaned on a wall,  sat in a chair.... you get the idea.  The entries about that trip will eventually follow. But this entry is an explanation for my absence...

I have accepted that I am handicapped (wasn't easy); I'll plan future travel around that (as I did the trip to Florida, where the above photo was taken).  I have more to write before I focus on travel for handicapped tourists.

But this entry, as I said, is an explanation and apology for the absence of posts.  My entire summer was consumed with moving -- moving to a flat condo with no stairs, to a home I can easily, safely and comfortably negotiate.  I learned a lot in this moving experience and I will share it briefly with you here.

Get   Rid   Of   Stuff.

You should find a good mover who has a good reputation.  You should plan carefully and allow time for packing and unpacking.   and you should  Get   Rid   Of   Stuff.

I *thought* I was good about keeping only what was important.  Hah!   Spend long enough in one place and you will accumulate things that make you repeatedly say,  'Why do I have this?'

Get   Rid   Of   Stuff

Don't wait to see if you will use it in a year.  Do you *really* need it?    Will anyone want it?

Get   Rid   Of   Stuff

Having cleaned out my parents' place some years ago, I ran out of the time I needed to really go through things.  So I moved a lot of their stuff with me.  I didn't get rid of it.  As I was packing for this move, I learned my mother was the same.   

I found my brother's and my elementary school report cards (I'm not saying how old they are but they were hand written).  I found college notebooks (again, not saying when I took those notes but trust me, no one can use them.)  I found all kinds of greeting cards that I had saved.  Why?  

Get   Rid   Of   Stuff

I admit there were a few (FEW) things I held on to even now (sentimental me) but I got to my wonderful, flat new place and as I began the arduous task of unpacking, I found myself asking,  "Why did I keep this?" (for example, dozens of worn bookmarks-- interesting thing to keep when I do most of my reading on a tablet).

So there's my explanation and apology.  My new digs are no longer totally chaotic. I'm ready to resume writing (which I have missed) -- writing marketing and PR material, writing my family's history, writing this blog.  

I am returning now to writing--- I will return to the Galapagos and write (consistently) about my trip there and to Machu Picchu.  I will follow it with additional trips and 'Tourist at Home' entries.  And   I'll write more about travel as a handicapped person.

And in between entries,  I will Get   Rid   Of   Stuff.   

Thank you, readers, for sticking with me.  

I welcome your comments, feedback and questions on any thing I write, including this apology/explanation.  

Next--return to the Galapagos.