Crates, Updates, and Thanks

Over the last six months or so, people have been constantly asking if we're excited to move.  Truthfully, we've been so busy there wasn't time to get excited!  But, the crates have been built, packed and shipped.  Our manifest has been written with each item detailed and labeled according to it's earthly value. Some of you may go through this so I feel it necessary to impart my new knowledge on you.  The first task is to divide everything you own into things that you will need and can't live without (that are four feet or smaller in length and height) and those things that you can live without.  Then, label all those things that didn't make the cut for a LARGE garage sale.  We found it very useful to have friends help in this process as it is generally painful to let go of things for a nickel which cost you much more than that.  Now, the pile of things that you must have get sorted through again based on the following criteria:  1) will it break in the shipment 2) how much does it weigh 3) is it needed for every-day-life or is it 'special use' 4) will your husband get upset that you wasted space with it when you unpack it in 6 months.  Once all of those questions have been answered, then, you must pack into boxes everything.  Write a manifest of each item that is in that box (for example, Box #1 has...) and then weigh the box.  Remember, there is a weight limit WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE WOODEN CRATE included in that final count.  Then, all those boxes need to be moved to where your husband has build the crate.  After that, all the boxes need to be put into the crates (preferably in cold, dreary weather... it just sets the mood so much better).  Once those crates are packed, each one needs to be caulked and screwed shut (which is tricky when you have to put your screwdriver INTO one of those crates... conundrum).  Then, you need to band the crates with metal (or, if you can't find what you need, duck tape- everything can be fixed with duck tape, right?) and then wait for the shipping company!  Fax them your manifest and send another copy to the insurance department, and you're set!  It's all a wonderful and joyful experience... and you will be able to laugh about it, but not until you're done and the crates are shipped.  Then, there is a wonderful feeling of relief and freedom which I can't quit express... I'm so glad it's all done and I'm so glad it didn't kill me (believe me, there were moment when I truly thought this process was going to kill me) and my family is still in tact, so life is amazing... now.  Thanks for your prayers and help though all this!