New Life in the Woods

I think we all hate being put on hold (especially when we have to endure horrid muzak). That’s a bit what I feel like now.

I am probably focusing unfairly on the negative aspects of life in the Bay Area, but that’s what is at the fore-front of my mind these days. I hate driving here, especially during Rush Hour when all the crazies (otherwise “normal” people, whatever that means, risking their lives (and others) to get home 60 seconds earlier) come out in droves. I hate how hard it has become to find decent, inexpensive food (something you learn quickly when you have no fridge for a week) in my neighborhood. I hate the noise and intrusiveness of my neighbors in this apartment complex… I could go on and on. Mostly I hate having to wait to begin the next stage of my life, although the last few years have certainly given me a lot of practice. The best I can do is try to keep busy and get things done while I wait.

Yesterday I canceled my internet, phone, and long distance services at my “old” apartment. I also set up a date to get a new phone installed at the cabin. Then I completed the second (and final) credit counseling session that the law now requires bankruptcy filers to complete. I got 100% on the quizzes at the end of both sessions, so I guess the problem wasn’t that I didn’t understand sound financial management. Heh

Today I will be packing up the final boxes and seeing how well all the remaining stuff will fit into my car. Tomorrow the bed and file cabinets (the “legs” of my computer desk) will go out on the curb and the car will be packed with the final items. And then I’ll be “homeless” for a few days, although technically not. I would love to drive up to the cabin and get some things done up there: string the new phone line to the proper place inside the house and install the phone jack, move all the boxes with books upstairs (plus the shelves), unpack my cooking stuff and dishes/utensils, and so on.

But I don’t think I can justify the expense of driving all the way up, only to return again Tuesday for the Creditors’ Meeting on Wednesday, and then making the final trip up next Thursday. Better to just wait and get stuff done down here. I am still building panels for my mom to paint on, and there are a couple big ones left to do.

I don’t expect any trouble at the Creditors’ Meeting, despite the tougher new laws. One glance at my papers should tell the Trustee (and my creditors) that there is nothing left to squeeze from me.

Then, on Thursday the 6th, I will make my final trip up to the cabin and the fun begins! I can’t wait.

I will continue to have internet and email access until then, so I’ll be checking in and may do another post at some point. I should have the new phone and some sort of internet access (dial-up for the time being) after the 7th, so I won’t be offline for long. I’ll email my new phone number to everyone once it is working.

I hope everything is well with all of you. Wish me luck next week!