You have been a pillar of strength for me over the years, so I am happy to lend an ear. Or just to "see" you here. I think it will be nice for you to be in Baltimore with sara and Lisa around and such a cute house.

Being in the midst of transition is always hard. I think this is why I kicked my parents out as soon as they dropped me off at camp. Or college. I'm here now! Moving on!!!!

If all works out I will have at least one week in the Baltimore house alone before a job starts. I plan to completely and fully break down and also drink.

Mac wanting to do it on his own is a good thing -- that's him taking responsibility, and overall is a step forward. This will allow you the chance to be gracious when he inevitably flounders a little and asks for help.

I had a nice chat with my cousin last night, and agreed to take responsibility for my aunt's collection of green glass objets (most of which you'd never use for anything practical like eating from) and the porcelain china that originally belonged to my grandmother. The china is pretty much going to stay boxed up, but I can figure out some way to cat-proof a display for the glass.

That sounds like a good plan, msbelle.

You too, Theo.

Mac wanting to do it on his own is a good thing -- that's him taking responsibility, and overall is a step forward. This will allow you the chance to be gracious when he inevitably flounders a little and asks for help.

Exactly this.

I am not upset about him wanting to do it on his own (although that generally means there will be no plan or coordination), but that he is being rude about it.

I guess I just do not accommodate when he contacts me last minute needing help or access. I've got too many plates spinning of my own.

If he got one friend to help we literally could have had his entire apartment moved tonight.

I think it will be nice for you to be in Baltimore with sara and Lisa around and such a cute house.

It will be nice for us, too! You've a lot going on, msbelle, and even the good stuff can be stressful.

tonight's packing is one tv (done), all my crystal (done), and enough of the lesser used glass items in my cabinets to fill a box (next up).

Everyday a little packing, everyday identifying something else I do not need to take - 2 vases and some dishes onto the get rid of pile today.

roll of tape ran out just as I finished up the box. it's a sign to stop for the night. 2 full boxes into the garage. a small bag to go to the office tomorrow and a small stack of new stuff to get rid of. Now a load of laundry in.

My hot packing tip for the night is that bubble padded envelopes make great wrappers for crystal stemware - one padded envelope per stem then wrap with a sheet of newspaper and it will all stay in place.

The kitchen stuff is not nearly as fast as books or art, but having an empty drawer and shelf area is visible progress.