Tick Tock Tick Tock

There have been all kinds of happenings, but no time to write about them. I've taken a bunch of pictures at various places but in the process of "cleaning off" my work computer I've removed all of my files, including pictures and put them on a mini drive, which is so mini, I can't find it (just kidding, it's in a purse, which is in a box, which is in the garage, which I try to avoid). These pictures are from Larry's trip in January and when he and I were in Shanghai in April. I copied them from his Facebook page.

Yes, the move to China is still a go...36 days and counting! The house is still for sale. I say that like it's been on the market for years instead of a few weeks. After many hours, blisters and sunburns we've decided to take down the "beloved" pool and give it to Larry's daughter, Nicole. She and her husband, Kenneth, have a great big yard in the country and will thoroughly enjoy it.

Katie is really doing well this summer in Girls' Golf. She's placed each week either first, second or third; and is the overall points leader at this point. Yesterday, along with two other girls, she was invited to play with the high school girls this morning. Don't have the results of that yet, but I'm sure I'll hear all about it this afternoon. Her coaches have commented on how sad they are to see her leave and the great potential she has. We have assured them her new school has a golf program, but we will certainly miss the program here.

All three girls are enjoying their last week at the YMCA summer camp. They swim everyday and have gotten a good work out as they stay outdoors ALL day. Needless to say, when bedtime comes around I get very little argument. A couple of weeks ago they had their first overnight camp out. I fully expected to get a call around midnight asking to come get them, but was pleasantly suprised to hear they loved it and want to camp out again. They did, however, come home that morning and take a five hour nap.

Larry had knee surgery, his last arthroscopic surgery, he was told. There's really nothing left in there to fix. The next step will be a knee replacement, but we're going to do our best to make this fix last a few years. My mom and her sister both have had knee replacements...that doesn't bode well for me. I guess we'll see what Eastern medicine can do for us.

Every so often it hits me that we are really leaving the country in a month. Leaving the only town Larry has ever lived in. I asked him the other night how he was feeling since he's been pretty stoic. He said that since this all started everything about it has felt right to him. We've always been ones to take that road less travelled, but I do believe this road will lead us to even greater adventures.

Where Did the Time Go?

Almost ten years has gone by since my first day as a Clemson University employee. July 9 will mark my ten year anniversary. Evidently, I will receive a pin and a pat on the back. Coincidentally (well, not really...I kind of planned it that way), July 9 is also my last day as a Clemson employee. As excited as I am about our big move, I'm a little sad to be leaving my job. Yes, I know I complain about it and I'm super excited about being a 'lady of leisure', but I've met some really great folks and I am really going to miss them.
This past Monday, New Student Orientation started. Larry makes fun of me every year because every year I say "This is the largest class I've ever seen". Well, he laughed again because I said it again. We are welcoming over 3300 freshmen and about 600-800 transfers. Our summer sessions are capped out. Students and parents are begging to get into sessions; some are even crying thinking that will help their case. After seven years of sob stories I don't cave for too many.
The picture to the right is our staff. After ten years, we get a staff picture taken. I've been in Student Affairs since 2001. Only one other person in that picture has been here since then as well, but in Housing. He is now our new Director. I love our newly staffed staff and know they will do great things. Let's see if we can get through these next few weeks and orient our newest Clemson Family members without me bursting into melancholic tears.

Pooped!

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I am glad the weekend is over. I need some rest. Saturday we had a Moving Sale, complete with signs made by the girls and bargain hunters showing up on our doorstep at 8:00 a day early wanting a sneak peak.

Katie woke up at 5:00am along with Larry and me. She wanted to help set things up and to see if the woman who showed up a day early came back. It was like a pack of wolves circling their prey. We could hear the cars driving up and down the street, just waiting for us to put up the garage door. And, BAM, no sooner had we lifted the door and the driveway was full. We did a majority of our sales between 6-8am, BEFORE the sale was supposed to even start!
What an experience. I've never seen anything like it. As much as I thought I couldn't possibly be surprised by what people did, I was. Cheap, boy, people are cheap. My parents spent hours upon hours pricing things lower than I ever would have and people still wanted it cheaper.

A couple of pieces were sold and I got all sentimental and misty eyed. I have a feeling when some other pieces go next month it will be full blown waterworks. I know it's just stuff, but it's OUR stuff.

Anyway....Not sure I can handle another sale.
By Saturday evening we were exhausted. Needless to say, Sunday was a wash. The girls were sleeping so peacefully I just had to snap these shots. Our little angels...mommy's little helpers all tuckered out!

Be True to Your School

Yesterday was a tough day. The girls spent their last day at Ravenel Elementary School. I'm having trouble writing this as so many wonderful memories are flooding my mind. Sarah and Sydney only spent one year, but Katie was lucky enough to have three years there. My parents have been up all week, helping us get ready for our garage sale (June 6, by the way). We all went to the awards presentation on Tuesday.

Mr. Farmer, the twins' teacher, gave each of the kids an award. Sarah received the Future Teacher award and Sydney received the Future Artist award. He also had a little slide show that induced a few tears.

Mrs. St. James, Katie's teacher, presented her with Outstanding Scientest and Most Creative Thinker. She also received an award from the principal, Mr. Bolger. Each year, he picks a couple of pieces of student artwork to hang in his permanant collection. Yep, one was hers. She and her classmate are proudly displaying their masterpiece.

We stopped by Mrs. Guill's class to give and receive some hugs. What a special lady. I'd sometimes get a little jealous when Katie would come home from school and accidently call me "Mrs. Guill". But I now remember it fondly and take it as a HUGE compliment. Mrs. Guill is the epitome of what a teacher should be and I'm extremely sad Sarah and Sydney won't have her as their first grade teacher.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for all of the teachers, administrators, and staff at Ravenel. They are the most caring, genuine, respectful and loving group of folks and I am really going to miss them.

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....