I hate the nuisance factor. I'm with you on that.

That's great that your family is coming out to help. And driving with your dad should be nice. I'm glad you were able to work that out. I know you were worried about that. Also, it should be so much easier to pack with your mom. If your mom is anything like my mom, she just makes tasks seem easier...and it's nice to do that with someone...not so boring... My mom came and helped with my living room this weekend, and she took a somewhat daunting task and made it fun. We really had a nice time doing it. I hope it'll be similar for you.

In terms of domestic organization, etc., my mom makes Martha Stewart look like Roseanne Barr. Except, Mom is nicer than Martha, and a lot more snarky. Things may get a bit bickery from time to time, just because of the time pressure, but we usually work together pretty well.

Another thing we'll be doing is having a massive yard sale (which will be a living room sale if it's rainy). That's another area where I'll be happy for the help. I would probably set too-low prices and get bargained down on everything. I suck at sales. Mom, OTOH, is made of sterner stuff, and will see to it that I get the most money for my crap.

Your mom does sound a lot like my mom, Anne. Mom and I ended up packing up my last apartment in a weekend (I had to be out because of plumbing problems). I was AMAZED at how we were able to pull everything together. I don't know what I would have done without her.

Also, backflung.

Received, and reflung.

Once nice thing about having my mom help pack is that I've been able to deflect offers of help from various friends. My friends would be 'helping' with comments like "you're not getting rid of that, are you?!" (shock! horror!).

One, in particular, looks at the concept of getting rid of any books at all as a sort of blasphemy. Yes, I can be a bit of a book hoarder, but I honestly don't see a need to hang on to books I'll never read again and that don't have any sentimental value.

My mom came out to help me unpack this time and it was fabulous. Not only did it go much faster, but I found much less need to take break and it was really nice to talk to someone while working.

I have no problem getting rid of books. I just can't throw them away. I can give them to a person, an institution, an organization or charity. I can't throw them in the trash or recycle bin.

Anne, backflung one more time :)

I can't throw away books either. I'm trying to get rid of some on half.com right now, but frankly, that's taking too long. I want this stuff out of the apartment NOW. So, I'm probably going to take them to a used bookstore soon...or maybe the hospital. We'll see.

Poptarts:

Mmmmmm...poptarts. I wonder if I have any of those around here. That'd make a good breakfast.

Anyway, someone kick my ass so I'll get in the shower.

We want to have a yard sale before moving.

This involves talking to my neighbors however.

Day 2 of Completely Miserable Headache. Also, we are Teh Dumb. We had it in our head that we had until the P&S till they'd cash the 1K check we gave with the offer. Howver, NSM, it shall be deposited upon acceptance of the offer, i.e., yesterday.

I mean, I don't think it'll bounce (god, what a bad thing that would be)- I believe our bank will cover it and be mad at us, worst case scenario, but, god, that's such a stupid move. It is Classic Nora all over.

Nora...NO BEATING YOURSELF UP. This is not "Classic Nora." This is maybe not the most effective thing you've ever done, but not the end of the world. You're first-time home buyers...there are gonna be mistakes and bumps in the road. It's gonna be ok.

Can you call the bank and warn them? Let them know that it was an honest mistake and you misunderstood? Maybe they can make a note in your account... They're a bank. They deal with first-time home buyers all the time.

Also, I'm so sorry about the headache. That is not fun.