I’ve gone past cabin fever into full-blown Spring Fever. There are so many things I want to do, need to do, or have to do, that I just don’t know where to start.

I’ve decided to make a list. Spring cleaning needs to be at the top, but it will have to wait. We just bought a new house. Well, it’s new to us, anyway. So the Spring cleaning will have to be totally re-vamped into an all out rake out, toss out, haul off and pack to move cleaning.

Did I mention how much I hate to move? We’ve been in the present house 23 years! There are still some boxes I haven’t unpacked from the last move. At least this time we won’t be under the gun with a time limit to be out. We own the present house and are not planning to put it on the market until the real estate market recovers in our area.

Now, back to my list. Hummm, so, number one on the list has to be preparing to move. The previous owners painted over wallpaper and this beautiful pea green and cream color scheme is still peeking through more than four coats of paint! We took up the tile also. Will post the after pictures as soon as it is after. LOL

Number two is throw out some of the junk that is piled up in my office. I mean it, toss the junk out.

We are remodeling the new house, added hardwood flooring—real old-fashioned planks throughout the house. We took the second bedroom on the main level, tore out a wall and opened it to the master bedroom to make double walk-in closets and a big master bath. Then we had to tear down wallpaper that had been painted over throughout the house. Also we are removing two small closets in a bedroom upstairs to make the room bigger. We’re changing all the toilets in the house and revamping the hall bathroom into a more modern looking guest bath. All of this is on-going and about halfway done. The crew we hired is doing a great job so far. My office is on the main floor! Yes, no more falling up or down the stairs. Everything I need is on the main floor. We're having the cabinets painted an antique cream with chocolate glaze which will match the cabinets in the new master bath.

Number three, make a plan—start with one room at a time—make piles—yard sale, trash, and keep. The things in the keep pile will be packed and the boxes marked by content and room.

Number four—this should be number one—find time to write.
This is my new office. Notice the step down? We had the floor moved up level--no more step down. The hardwood will be much warmer than the tile was. Also had the electrical outlets moved up to about six inches above the height of my desk, hubby did that for me! Isn't he the sweetest man? No more crawling under the desk to plug up my laptop.
Did I mention I fell out the door again and turned my ankle? Walking with a brace on my left ankle—so I should have time to write, since I can’t stand for long periods. Another reason for moving the floor up level, I'd be sure to turn my ankle here.

Number five—is to get back into the habit of meeting regularly with my critique partner. You didn’t really think I’d make a list and not put the important stuff on it did you?

Number six—write everyday.

Number seven—complete the WIP, which is a vampire story.

Number eight—get on with the move.

Number nine—throw a virtual housewarming party and invite all my fuzzy friends! After all the Scarlet Pumpernickel knows how to throw a party!

12 comments

  1. Mary Marvella // April 5, 2010 at 1:12 AM  

    Wow, Scarlet. You will have a beautiful new home soon! Glad you put me on your list!

  2. Barbara Monajem // April 5, 2010 at 6:45 AM  

    You're writing a vampire story? Cool!

    I sympathize... I've been trying for years to go through everything so moving (when it happens) won't be so insane. Not much success, I'm afraid.

    I'll be there at the party...

  3. Judith Keim // April 5, 2010 at 9:13 AM  

    Scarlett, I've moved 17 times!! so I know what you're going through. Each time is exciting and hard, hard work. Enjoy! It looks like a lovely home is about to be yours...Congratulations!

  4. Patrice // April 5, 2010 at 9:54 AM  

    Scarlett, your house looks lovely, and your plans for remodeling are great. I wish you much happiness in your new home, and many book sales from that new office of yours. Hope your ankle heals quickly too. What a way to get out of lifting!! Hee-hee.

  5. Nightingale // April 5, 2010 at 11:44 AM  

    Congrats on the new house! I'm sure it will be a work of art. I'm packing to move too, but I don't have any redecorating to do. The place is just as I want it. So here go two Fuzzies into a moving adventure. Nice long list of to-do's. Sorry you feel. Hope it heals soon.

  6. Nightingale // April 5, 2010 at 11:45 AM  

    That sorry you feel is actually sorry you fell. Monday morning fingers aren't awake yet.

  7. Mary Ricksen // April 5, 2010 at 12:57 PM  

    Good luck with the wonderful new home! I really hate packing to move, so I hope you get through everything without turning another ankle!
    When is the party!

  8. Josie // April 5, 2010 at 3:08 PM  

    Beautiful home, Scarlet. I wish you and your family much happiness.

  9. Scarlet Pumpernickel // April 5, 2010 at 4:16 PM  

    Ladies, thanks so much for all the good wishes. The ankle is doing better as long as I wear my brace. The house is coming along slowly and we're beginning to tackle the big job of getting ready for the move. That party will be coming soon!

    Ciao,

    Scarlet

  10. Autumn Jordon // April 5, 2010 at 6:03 PM  

    Good luck in your new home. It's beauitful. You inspired me to fill some garbage bags this week. YEAH!

  11. Joelle Charbonneau // April 5, 2010 at 9:43 PM  

    Good luck with the move, Scarlet. I love moving...it forces me to chose between keeping things I don't really need and moving them. It is a great way to purge the excess from life:) And you're going to have a stunning new office!! How fabulous is that!

  12. Scarlet Pumpernickel // April 5, 2010 at 9:54 PM  

    Thanks Autumn and Joelle, we will have one smashing virtual party as soon as the work is finished! Can you tell I'm trying to psychic myself up for the purge?