Yesterday we took everything out of Thor's room except the bed, the dresser and the bookcase full of books. Even the dresser drawers were emptied. And put everything in the dining room, which I had just thoroughly cleaned. It was wonderful yesterday morning, sitting by the open window, a pleasant and fresh breeze blowing in, eating my cinnamon toast and drinking my coffee...
Two hours later, the dining room was thigh high in three years' accumulations of rubbish by a teenage boy. It was a disaster area.
We sorted all his clothes, partially loaded his dresser (he still has an partially empty drawer!!). We sorted through all the games on his shelf, ditching about a quarter of them. We sorted endless piles of Legos, random bits of games and toys, school papers, notes, video game magazines and manuals.
Late last night, past 10 pm (I had to take Zach to the eye doctor so Thor got a slight respite) we dealt with the last things...He has everything he wants in his room, one rubbermaid bin of stuff he wants to keep, and four bins of legos still in the dining room -- I haven't gotten them to the garage yet.
He threw away, gave away and recycled an amazing amount of stuff. He is so happy about this! He was excited about getting rid of all the drifts of debris that had collected in the corners and the bins and the drawers.
My parents arrived today, to stay with Thor and Tess when Zach and I leave for Italy on Sunday morning. Since I forgot to buy groceries before they got here, I realized when Mom mentioned lunch that I have no bread, some potentially iffy lunch meat, and a few smashed Dortitos left in the bottom of the bag...So we had to go to On the Border for lunch. The kids were definitely okay with that.
Since then I have been doing laundry, trying to do a little more cleaning and organizing, and making supper...and hanging out with Mom and Zach and talking and planning about Italy -- where we will be, what we should pack, what we are going to see, looking at the book about Michelangelo, checking out the photos of the Sistine chapel. Which I will get to see IN PERSON very soon. I am really excited about that!
Whoa. I am exhausted. And getting really excited. And trying not to think about everything I have to do between now and Sunday at 3 am...
I can't believe this is the 3rd time I've written a message! Finally got to see your blog and I couldn't get registration right. Now here I am!
ReplyDeleteNice blog and great photos! Can't wait to read the rest.
The colazione e spuntino menu has been sent today. Please get yours back to me asap. R U packed yet? I can't decide which suitcase to take. I still have to get out to the commissary, costco, bank and your house.
When you get your place cleaned out, come by mine . I still have stuff boxed up from our move here going on 3 years now.
Love ya,
Hey!!! Vickie!!!! You are here!!!
ReplyDeleteI will call you Wednesday am, since I am going to the commisssary and Costco and stuff...and to discuss suitcases!
ooops! I always post as THor when I use this other computer, since I forget he uses it to access his gmail account...
ReplyDeleteIt'sa me! Julie!!!
Yep, it'sa me. Unlike U, I went to bed at a decent time. U know, we should get some shuteye earlier than normal, but I'm so excited about this trip it's hard to go to sleep.
ReplyDeleteCall me when U R ready to shop!
Gotta feed the dogs now. bye...
Wow, Italy! That's on my list. My bucket list. Italy and Germany and the Languedoc, in France. Have fun. Take many pictures and post them all.
ReplyDeleteHectic days ahead!
ReplyDeleteWell never mind, Sunday when you walk in that Italian sun, think of me?
I have the feeling that you're going to be so close! I'll think of you too!
*throws herself at julie's feet*
ReplyDeletePlease take me with you!!!
*sobs in a pitiful manner*
Really I'm so excited for you. How fun. I can't wait to see the 6,000 million zillion pictures you take with your fancy camera.
Sorry you missed the question thing - but you know 92% of the answers anyway! ;)
Not going to see any Italian sun on Sunday (really long flight), but Monday bright an early we will! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've been busy!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to LOVE the sitine chapel, I saw it when I went on a trip in high school. I will never forget it!
Hope you have a great time on your trip!!
I am small... I'll fit in a large suitcase.... I wanna go, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, and once you finish your house, then finish at Chaos' house, mine is available for cleaning if you've still got the cleaning frenzy bug. It's a great excuse to visit Texas! :)
OK....here's the deal.
ReplyDeleteI'm certain there are internet kiosks in Italy. I know you'll be having fun...I know you'll be busier than a one-legged man in a....er.....rear-end kicking contest.
But I think I speak for us all that we would really like a little (just a little) live-blogging from Italy.
Just like my live-blogging from my in-and-out two day golfing trip to Vegas...oh wait....I didn't live blog at all.....anyway, I'm back.
My mom only let me out of my room for school, choir concerts, meals and bathroom breaks during the summer between my junior and senior years, until I cleaned it up. It took 2 months. And then I moved out anyway, 5 months before graduation (I got a real good deal on a granny flat, so she emancipated me...it was probably easier on her)