Spacious Three Bedroom Ranch For Sale

Yep, it's up for sale. Not sure how we pulled it off so quickly, but we did. There's definitely a ton of stuff left to do and if folks looking at it judge the house by my closets then this place will never sell. I'm taking it one section at a time, not even one room as that is too overwhelming. Saturday, I worked on just the girls' bookshelf, which was filled with toys and treasures. From there, I took on the laundry room, where small items have been known to vanish from existence. Last week, I had given my mom a ton of wrapping paper and bags. Her collection is about to grow as I uncovered an entirely new stash behind a cabinet. It was like clowns coming out of car, the bags just kept appearing.
I'm also preparing for a garage sale (June 6, BTW). This is a monumental task. What goes to China, what is fit to sell, and what is headed for the dump has consumed my days. I spent four hours yesterday going through photos, artwork, report cards, greeting cards, hospital bills, school programs and awards. Evidently, I hadn't tossed any of that stuff out over the course of fourteen years of marriage. I told Larry I had enough photos and scrapbook stuff to keep me busy way beyond the three years we're slated to be over there.
So, if you know anybody looking for a lovely little home with big yard send them my way. Motivated seller!

A Wish Fulfilled

This past Sunday, I had one of the proudest "Mom" moments to date. Katie and I sang together at church. A couple of months ago, I reluctantly agreed to sing, but boy, am I glad I did.

Emotions were already running rampant with the news of our impending move. Mom and Dad came up to celebrate Mother's Day (and do a little home improvement work). My anxiety level level was high and add to that the fulfillment of a wish; I was a train wreck waiting to happen. Thankfully, my daughter took charge and made the moment extraordinary.

We'd been practicing the past couple of weeks, and honestly, I was a bit worried about some of the notes Katie was supposed to sing. I would sing along with her until she matched the pitch and we'd continue. But Sunday, she was amazing. Our time came to perform and perform she did! She marched up there with purpose, smiled beautifully while she sang, and hit every note right on key. I had decided that I would have to look at her because if I caught the eye of Larry, Mom or Dad I would be doomed. My heart literally cracked with pride as I watched and listened to her. I looked out into the congregation and people were dabbing their eyes and smiling. Then I saw Sydney and Sarah staring up at their big sister with hugh smiles on their faces. I'd forgotten to take into account the effect that might have on me. I lost it. We were on the last few notes when the tears came. Even though I stopped after 2 beats, Katie carried the last note to the end. I couldn't help myself from hugging her while we stood up there...relishing in a dream come true.

Could This Really Be Happening?

I haven't written much as life with the Whitfield girls has been more hectic than normal. Church plays, friends' birthdays and baby showers, golf lessons, and mediation over the constant bickering has kept me busy this past week. There is however, news...BIG news. See that picture to the right? That is the building where Sulzer Pumps has its Shanghai office (on the 21st floor).

Well, Larry received a contract offer this morning...I mean we knew it was distinct possibility, but to see it in writing makes it so much more real. We've been waiting for two weeks and, frankly, our nerves are shot. Both of us have been up front with folks about this move, to our detriment probably. Because now, wherever we go we are asked when, where, how and why. Our pat answer of "we don't have a contract" no longer is true. So tonight, Larry & I (and the solicited help from Mom and Dad) will be crunching numbers and looking at calendars. A big decision is looming...not looming..that's not the right word. It's kind of a no-brainer, but little details are coming to the forefront. Will keep you posted....

It's All About Family

Last week was both horrendous and wonderful. I caught a monster of a cold on the flight back from China, tried to recover from jet lag without any whining, found out a friend unexpectedly lost his mom, discovered I'm not the be-all-end-all of my office and will have to retake a class due to my worldly travels . I also watched Sydney and Sarah perform in their church play as a rabbit and skunk respectively, visited with cousins I haven't seen in five years and watched our children as they became fast friends, listened to countless stories from masterful storytellers, and remembered that my family is what really matters.

My uncle, Bruce, turned 70 this past weekend and his wife Marie threw a great party inviting his family and close friends. It was really nice; yummy food, bottomless drinks, great weather, and happy moods. One of the best sights was seeing my dad, Uncle Bruce and Uncle Dan together. Three brothers, laughing and reliving raucous times from their childhood. Larry gave Bruce a bottle of Chinese vodka that he'd brought back from his January trip. The girls gave him a bottle of ketchup and a t-shirt that says "Everything tastes better with ketchup". He and Sydney are from the same mold in that regard. My cousin Beth's daughter, Elaina, was such a trooper. Never once became visibly annoyed by my endless talker, Katie. Rick's (my other cousin) boys didn't get too overwhelmed by the Pink Tornados. Evan and Sarah were thick as theives by Saturday night; waltz lessons and massages were said to have taken place.

The weekend jaunt was exactly what I needed at a time when I thought I didn't want to be around anybody. Being with my family, my parents, cousins and other folks who were friendly and funny was just what the doctor ordered. I guess the point I'm trying to make, if to only myself, is that no matter how yucky the world may seem, it took about ten minutes of being around family to make me realize what matters. We are all replaceable in terms of our jobs, but my family is not. Let's not wait another five years before we do this again, OK?

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

So, this has been a long, rough week...and it is only Wednesday. I am recovering from jet lag and suffering from an airplane induced cold. Not that I'm complaining because I'm really not. Larry and I had a great time in China last week. I mean who wouldn't be thrilled to celebrate a birthday and anniversary in a foreign land. Well, I guess lots of folks...but I digress. I will write more about the trip later.

I was surprised a few moments ago when flowers arrived at my office. FOR ME! "What's this?" I wondered. This cute little nosegay was from my office mates. Upon further investigation I realized it's Administrative Professionals Day (Secretary's Day, people!). My peers gave ME flowers, the folks who have worked tirelessly, shorthanded and with minimal complaints (most of the time). Honestly, you guys, you are the ones who deserve the flowers and so much more.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

I've been hesitant to write anything for fear of jinxing it. But the reservations have been made, passport and visa have arrived, and the bags are being packed. Larry & I are going to China...yep, China!

We fly to Shanghai on Saturday for business (and pleasure, how could it not be?). Larry has been offered a 3 year contract position as part of the start up team for a new manufacturing plant in Suzhou, and we are exploring the possibilities. No contract has been signed yet, but this trip will most definitely decide it for us. The folks over there won't let Larry sign a contract until I approve. Gotta love that.

The girls have been telling all of their friends and teachers and complete strangers that they are moving to China. I've been following behind them with our official statement, "no contract has been signed." They will be spending the week with their grandparents. The fact that we won't be together on Easter is heartbreaking to me. This will be our first holiday apart from each other. Thankfully, the girls are excited to be hunting eggs in Mimi and Papa's house as there are more rooms to search. I apologize in advance, Mom and Dad, if in their haste to find eggs things get broken.

Hold That Thought...

So much is going on right now, I'm having a hard time focusing on one thing. My mind is jumping from task to task, event to event...

Our office coordinates the New Student Orientation and yesterday online registration opened. Clear, concise information and directions are spelled out for our newly accepted angels. Our angels (and their parents) don't like to follow directions or read evidently. Don't get me wrong I truly love talking with them. Most are so excited and are friendly. You can almost feel the glow coming through the phone from parents who are beaming about their kids. There are those who choose to make this experience as difficult as possible for themselves and everyone they have to deal with. I enjoy those folks, too. It's like a test to see if I can turn their attitude around. The fee increased substantially this year so I imagine my work is cut out for me.

Class work is piling up due to my persistant problem of procrastination. The girls are busy with Easter performances and plays and being little girls. Other life events are unfolding...and consuming my thoughts...wrap all these things together and you have Melissa, a big bundle of exposed nerve endings. I'm taking deep breaths when I can and letting the chips fall where they may.