The Network.

I think this is a good thing.  Time will tell.  I've started to make KC connections via LinkedIn and other social online networks.

I look at the connections of KC folks I already know and request connections to folks who I used to know years ago when I lived in Kansas City or who have similar interests/skills.

Worth a shot.

Jitters.

My realtor got out her dainty sledgehammer and pounded a FOR SALE sign into my front lawn yesterday afternoon.  This morning, I dropped off my sweet doggie at the vet to have a growth removed from her ear.  Thursday morning, I'm meeting with my staff to discuss having to cut 4.75 percent of next year's budget.  Home inspection is this Friday.  Photos of my home will be taken this week to upload for a Virtual Tour.

OK, so I'm a little jittery.  

I'm still moving forward.   

Don't Push.

Yesterday my sweet young neighbor came by to tell me that his house had sold.  Three days.  I think that is good news, but I don't take anything for granted.  

My house is exactly like my neighbor's house.  So, if several people were interested in buying his house (at least, several people looked at it), could that mean that one would be interested in buying mine?  

My house will sell.  At exactly the right time.

Of course, I'm anxious, eager, whatever you want to call it.  I called my handyman and told him I REALLY want to get those small house projects done so I can put my house on the market.  I'm trying not to be pushy and, boy, is it ever hard.

My house will sell.  At exactly the right time.  (new mantra).

Om, sweet om.   

Fear & Loathing.

I'm not good with money.  I don't have a lot, but I'm better off than many folks.  As I approach my retirement from my current job, and prepare to pack up and move to my hometown, Kansas City, I guess it's not a huge surprise that I feel a bit anxious.  Downright scared at times.

This morning I met with my financial advisor.  Her main advice?  GET A JOB.  She was serious.  She thinks everyone, especially women, should keep working.  And, she told me I should start looking for a job before I leave this one.  This is good advice from a career counseling viewpoint.

My problem is that I can only deal with a few things at a time.  No way am I a multi-tasker.  Right now I'm focused on getting my house ready to sell, packing what I can right now, looking at the condo market in KC, and worrying about everything.

So the thought of adding GET A JOB to my "to do" list is, shall we say, "daunting?"

 Time to remind myself: Forward.   

There.  I feel better already.

  

Mundane and Productive.

It rained and was a bit chilly for 90% of the Memorial Day weekend where I live.  And, of course, I washed my car on Friday when the weather was perfect.

As it turned out, rain is a great motivator to stay inside your house and pack for an upcoming move.  It was actually rather energizing.  I felt no pressure and what a grand opportunity to clean out drawers and closets to throw away things I literally have not used in ten years or more.

My next door neighbor's house is for sale and several people have looked at it.  Since their house is exactly or nearly exactly like mine, I'm anxious to learn what price they get.

Home inspector coming in a week for a pre-inspection.

Just keep moving forward, ok?  I'm telling this to myself.  So far, so good.

Keeping Up Appearances.

My realtor came by yesterday to talk about getting my house ready to put on the market.  This "pearl of wisdom" came out of her mouth:  "Jan, I personally LOVE your liquor displayed so extensively, but since it's the first thing you see when you enter your home, how about toning it down just a bit?"

She meant "a lot."

OK, so I like having a well-stocked bar on display.  Nobody likes running out of scotch at the last minute.  Or gin.  Or port.

So, today I went to the local (where else?) liquor store for some boxes to pack up my beautiful alcoholic beverages collection.

Of course, I still have a bottle of vodka chilling in my freezer.  

Inspire me.

I'm talking to myself.  Get inspired!  Do something!  Be productive!  Jesus, I'm still getting a paycheck (thank you) and I should be, yes, working.  But I cannot or will not concentrate on work.  I think about "When will my house sell?"  "Where will I live after it sells?"  "What will I do with my dog when prospective buyers come to my home?"  

You know, the big life questions.

So, I'm sitting in my office at work and I thumb through the latest issue of Fast Company.  The cover headline reads: 100 MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE IN BUSINESS.

And, I think maybe the headline is right.  I'm loving reading about all kinds of creative types and their business ideas.  I'm not envious, I'm energized!

Yeah, baby, inspire me!