I'm still alive

I haven't been eaten by a bear or a mountain lion. Everything is a-ok here. I've been too distracted by living life to report on it. Yep, I'm a bad person. This is the way to keep everyone (the two or three people reading this blog) updated on the goings on in my life.

Well, I'll tell you. There are a lot of things I like, but there are a few things I don't. No place is perfect. The first and most obvious thing is, I miss my friends from Illinois. We talk on the phone, but it isn't the same. I used to live 1/2 a mile from my best friends in the world, and now we live over 600 miles apart and maybe talk on the phone once a week. I miss them. I miss my other friends from the prairie, and my family too. I don't have any of that here. Now I won't be gone forever. Southern Belle and I will be going to Illinois for a visit in late January or early February. Still, it's a big change.

On the plus side, I found a game. That makes me happy, even if it is a 60 mile trip to get there. When you live in the mountains, you have to expect that. Fortunately the game is every other week. The cost in fuel would be prohibitive otherwise.

A few nights ago the sky was crystal clear and I went out to star gaze. No lights but what was coming from the house. I was able to easily block that by ducking behind some foliage (lots of wooded land around here). The view of the sky was breathtaking without all the light pollution. You just can't get that kind of view when you are in - or even near - a city.

That's the bonus of living here. The natural beauty. Having grown up in a small farming community, I don't have that need to have a city around me. I prefer the isolation of the countryside. Which gets back to my game being 60 miles away. Two sides of the same isolated coin.

Of course there is Southern Belle. She is so much a part of me now that I couldn't imagine being without her. For that reason alone this move was the smart move. I've no regrets. None. I may get homesick, but I will never be so homesick as to want to leave her. Georgia is home now, for all it's good points and bad. As long as I have Southern Belle, the good will always outweigh the bad.

One Month in Georgia

I've now been here one month. One month and one day technically, but who's counting?

People tell you to expect the shine to wear off once you are living together full time. So far the shine is still bright. We're both settled, the unpacking is done, the house is organized, and the dog has adopted me as her own. We've divided up the chores, and figured out how to share the single car between us. We are keeping our finances separate, but all the money is ours. We have a church we can call home, and Southern Belle even found an old co-worker who goes to the church.

I'm much more active here than I was back in Illinois. Part of that is out of necessity. The computer is upstairs, so I can't avoid climbing steps. That's a good thing, as stairs are good exercise. At least my knees are in good shape, even if my spine is not. Part of it is also by choice, as I am enjoying the increased mobility my weight loss is giving me. Ironically, I've had to start using my cane much more. I've found that using the cane relieves some of the stress on my back and allows me to do a bit more.

As far as adapting to life here in general, that's taking a bit of getting used to. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The mountains are beautiful. The kudzu is eerie. The people are friendly, but sometimes hard to understand. I'm sure they think the same about me, though. Finding a game has been the hardest task. The game community in North Georgia is mostly in the Atlanta area, and even there it's not that big. I'll find a game, it is my task and my destiny. But dang, I wish it was easier.

Time Gets Away From You

It has been a while since I posted something. I guess I've been too busy enjoying life to write about it.

There is a lot to do and get used to when settling in to a new place. Since I've never moved very far before from where I grew up, I didn't appreciate how much of an adjustment it would be moving to a totally new area.

Socially, I'm still trying to get things going. I've found a game store where they have table space to host games. That's the good news. The bad news is they don't have a consistent game group meeting every week. That is a problem, as I was hoping to make contacts at the store. I did meet one guy who seemed interested, but I haven't heard from him again. So far, anyway.

We've found a church we enjoy, and we've gone the past two Sundays. I'm very happy about that. It's important to me.

The unpacking is finished, and the stuff put away. Most of the reorganizing is done. At this point, the house is presentable. We've divided up the chores, with Southern Belle doing most of the cooking, but I will cook something on rare occasion. Usually breakfast, because that's what I'm best at.

Life is fine, and I'm incredibly happy here.

Easter Sunday

Southern Belle and I did something special on Easter. We took a road trip into North Carolina to see waterfalls and other natural beauty. We saw Talullah Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil falls. Loads of walking and today I'm paying the price for that, but it was so worth the pain.

Talullah Falls wasn't that impressive as far as waterfalls go, but the park was beautiful just the same. Well worth the visit. The path through the park was paved with shredded tires, so it was very easy on the feet.

The park at Dry Falls was closed, but that didn't stop us and a bunch of other tourists. The barrier fences were trampled flat, so getting in was easy. At first Southern Belle didn't make the trek down, and I was a bit leery about it also, but I really really wanted to see those falls. I had caught a glimpse from the road and just knew I had to see them. Getting down was a bit of an adventure (it was obvious why the park was closed - it was in poor repair), but the falls were breathtaking.

Once I got to the falls, I regretted that Southern Belle didn't come down with me. A romantic moment missed! But when I looked up, I saw her at a landing regarding the falls and the slightly treacherous path down to them. I motioned her to come down, and she started out. Southern Belle later told me she hadn't seen me waving to her but had decided to continue on her own.

We kissed under the falls!

Bridal Veil falls was anticlimactic by comparison. It was nice. Not thrilling, but nice. The only cool thing about Bridal Veil falls is that you can drive behind the waterfall, but the lane to do so was closed. So it was a pretty "meh" experience.

It was a truly special Easter Sunday.

Settling In

It's now been a week and a half since my last post. I've been busy unpacking, sorting, and settling in. We haven't established a routine yet, mainly because of the upheaval in the house as we attempt to integrate my stuff into her stuff. Boxes, boxes, everywhere.

Still, we've gotten a lot accomplished. None of the rooms are finished, but already my presence is imprinted upon nearly every room. The bathroom has my toiletries and hair products (yes, I use product - sue me). The living room has some of my family pictures and my beloved chess set. The office is where my presence is most felt, with my computer, TV and entertainment center, globe, clock, bookshelves, books, and shelving units shoved into the closet which holds mainly my books, comic books, and general random stuff. Even the kitchen has my imprint on it because of a couple of kitchen appliances I brought (my microwave oven and toaster oven were newer than hers).

Stuff is important in a way. Not for being "stuff" in itself, but your stuff is a reflection of who you are. Having your stuff says "I'm here." Of course, it helps if your stuff has a place to be. Sitting around in unpacked boxes doesn't really cut it. The dining room is still a disaster area of boxes.

Also, I have met some of the locals. At Lowe's, we were helped by a friendly salesperson who directed us to a place where we could get what we needed for less cost. Of course, I was also struck by his appearance and how he talked. He was big and burly, with no neck. He talked with a slow heavy drawl. After we walked away to other parts of the store, I said to Southern Belle, "That was a good ol' boy." She said "Yep, that was a good ol' boy. You'll find a lot of people around here are friendly like that."

10 Hours of Sleep Later...

I feel so much better.

We got the truck unloaded yesterday. I did the near impossible and got that 16 foot truck maneuvered up to the porch and then got it out again.

The casualties: a front yard covered with tire tracks, two bent young trees, and a length of PVC pipe that marked a curve in the drive knocked down. The truck itself came through it all without a scratch. It was worth all the effort and collateral damage to be able to set the unloading ramp onto the porch! That saved SO much work.

Getting my monster of a TV and the entertainment center to hold it up the stairs to the second floor was quite a job. The TV is a 27" tube style. We had to roll it up the stairs, because it was too heavy to carry!

We got the entertainment center up the stairs successfully also, but with damage. Southern Belle says the damage is fixable, but it's a pain in the butt to have to do so.

The rest of my worldly belongings are stacked up waiting to be unpacked. The unpacking will happen slowly. We have to integrate my stuff into hers.

The Cylon head is banned from the living room, though. She made that very clear.

Today the order of the day is turning over the rental truck and going to the Social Security office. After that, we are going to go out to dinner. We may or may not start opening boxes, it depends on how we feel.

First Entry From Georgia

Here I am. What I've worked so long and hard for is finally a reality.

I'm not saying leaving Illinois was easy. I have very deep roots and friends I've known for 20+ years, plus loving and supportive family. That's no small thing to move away from. What I've learned, though, is that you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone to reach your dreams. Southern Belle is the woman of my dreams. I'm with her at last and I know I am home.

Today is the Day!

This Yankee is going to Georgia! Yeehaw!

The Day Before.

Loquacious left not too long ago. She helped me clean up, and then a bit later her and "the Dude" dropped in to say goodbye. Not only did loquacious help me out by cleaning, she also took a bunch of stuff away... much to the Dude's good natured annoyance. Enjoy the VHS tapes and player! And hangars, and cleaning supplies, and pie safe, and silverware, etc.

So the cleaning is done, except for the vacuuming. Can't do that until all the stuff is on the truck. At this point, loading the truck is pretty much what's left to do. I had borrowed Susan's son's car after my car went kaput and I got rid of it. I return that tonight. This, of course, means that I have to do the shopping I need to do before then. Gotta get snacks for the road. So much done, and still more to do.

I ran into a bit of a snag as two people who had committed to helping me out had to cancel. Fortunately I grabbed two other people to replace them. Loquacious and the Dude volunteered their son for some hard manual labor. He'll love that, I'm sure.

This week drove home the fact that you don't really know the effect you have on others. I got going away gifts, cards, lots of hugs, and some tears. Three going away parties. Three! I guess people like me. They tell me they'll miss me and I know they are telling the truth. I will miss them, for sure.

Still, the most important person in my life is my Southern Belle. I will be in her arms very soon. That will be heaven on Earth.

It is done.

The packing, that is. I've got a bunch of odds and ends to toss into a box, and I haven't torn down my computer yet (obviously), but that doesn't count as packing.

My bed is already gone, and the space it used to occupy is full of packed boxes. The closets are empty, the cupboards are cleared out, and I have no idea how many boxes I have packed up. Somewhere between 15 and 20, I'd say.

Today is cleaning day. Tomorrow is moving day.

It's been a process, let me tell you.

I Think the Countown Motif is Played

...especially since I've moved up my departure day from Sunday to Saturday.

The living room is done. The bedroom will be done tomorrow. That leaves the kitchen and bathroom, neither of which will take long at all. I'm very close now to being finished packing. Another day or two of work and it will be finished.

I've talked about being scared, afraid of change, etc. Forget all that. All I care about now is getting to Southern Belle.

T -7 Days and Counting

It's down to the final week before I move. I am mostly ready. I've still got a few details left to attend to. A few boxes left to pack. Furniture to get rid of. I will be finished when it comes time to load up the truck in six days.

My week is planned out.

Today: Go to church, go to family party for me, go to bible study, then work on small things.

Tomorrow: Visit the Social Security office, mail out change of address cards, call Habitat for Humanity to come pick up the furniture that isn't already spoken for, and continue packing (maybe finish).

Tuesday: Work at volunteer job in the afternoon, continue working on apartment in the evening.

Wednesday: Another going away party, this time held in the community room of my apartment complex. Relax in the afternoon and go to my last game session in the evening.

Thursday: Another going away party, this time at the office I do volunteer work for. Work my last day at the office. By Thursday night everything should be finished, but if not then finish up.

Friday: Cleaning day.

Saturday: Loading day.

Sunday: Moving day.

T -9 Days and Counting

There are so freaking many details to this business of moving. I've been knocking them down as fast as I can and I believe I'm near the end of packing. Not much to report at this point, other than I'm starting to get a bit melancholy. I love the new life I'm starting, but I will miss the old life I'm leaving behind. A new start in a new place. I've never done that before.

T -11 Days and Counting

I'm getting tired of packing and such. I want this to be over with and I want to be there already. Southern Belle has come down sick with the flu, and all I want is to be with her right now. She needs someone to take care of her. She needs me and I'm not there yet. This sucks.

T -13 Days and Counting

I've been remiss at keeping my non-existent audience updated.

My library is packed now. 4 large plastic storage tubs full of books. Each storage tub weighs a metaphorical ton. Thank God for a two wheel cart.

Address change forms are secured from the post office and everything that could be done by phone and online has been taken care of.

Many old clothes are gone, and more are to follow. I've gotten rid of dishware I don't intend to take, and I have boxes and packing material to pack up the rest.

I've reserved the moving truck.

This is really going to happen. In two weeks I will be in Southern Belle's arms.

T -18 Days and Counting

I got rid of my car today, and canceled the insurance on it. I will get a nice refund of installments already paid. No housework got done today, and no packing either, but I did get a few loose ends tied up. That was good. More loose ends to tie up tomorrow. I'm hoping to get some work in tomorrow night. Wish me luck!

T -19 Days and Counting

So much for posting every day.

I've been away for three days visiting a friend in a nearby city. It was good to get away for a few days. After I got back today I reviewed what is left to do, and it really isn't that much. I've drastically reduced what I have, and I'm taking very little furniture. It shouldn't take me long to finish up. I hope.

T -23 Days and Counting

RIP, 1994 Buick Lesabre.

The car is not beyond repair, but it will cost almost as much to repair as the car is worth. Not one brake line is bad, but FOUR are bad. Argh. So much for that. I told my step-daughter (from my first marriage) that if she wanted to foot the bill for the repair I'd sign the car over to her. She was delighted with the deal. I want nothing more to do with that car. It's a money sink and I'd be worried the whole trip to Georgia about what else would break. Stick a fork in it, it's done.

I haven't made any progress on packing today. I've been making phone calls and doing calculations. I have one last trip to my weight loss surgeon in Indianapolis, but I will just rent a car for the day.

Maybe tonight I will get something done.

T -24 Days and Counting

I've called some relatives I've had only intermittent contact with over the years. My father's side of the family, for the most part, are people I really want nothing to do with. There are a few exceptions, and today I called some of them. It really drove home to me how remiss I've been by not keeping in better touch. But, they were extremely happy for me and thrilled with the positive developments in my life. They won't be able to make it to the wedding, unfortunately.

I also took my car to the garage today. A brake line blew. The repair will likely be in the $100 range. I didn't need the expense, but it's manageable. Better for the brake line to blow out now than somewhere in the mountains, that's for sure! All I need is for the darned thing to get me to Georgia. After that, it can fall apart if it wants. Just last long enough to get me to my Southern Belle!

Finally the packing and tossing. A little packing today and a lot of tossing. Another bag of trash out and another box full of junk gone. I'm staring at a mound of papers that I have to sort through, and trying to avoid thinking about it...

T -25 Days and Counting

I'm getting it into gear, baby! Packing, throwing out stuff, giving away furniture... I'm all OVER this!

Well, sorta. I'm finally realizing just how under the gun I really am with time, so I really am getting motivated. I've done a lot today. I've got much more to do, but I'll get it done. Southern Belle says that I am at my best when facing a deadline. Heh. It's true.

I'll try to post every day from this point until I leave. You have to keep me honest out there!

More Wedding Planning and More Other Stuff.

Plans proceed apace. The venue is chosen, which was the biggest question. It is a beautiful hall in Seffner, Florida. Seffner is a suburb of Tampa. Sis has it already decorated in her mind. Southern Belle has the dress materials for the maid of honor and bridesmaid, and she plans to make the dresses herself. She bought the wedding dress, and already has it. The menu for the reception is still in flux, but we've got time. The friend who offered to cater the reception, whom I will call "Red" in this blog, has personal issues to deal with right now so she's not thinking about what to serve. We've got time, though, and Red will be on board once she gets things sorted. The honeymoon is already planned and booked. Woohoo!

Packing. Ugh. I've been making no progress lately.

As for moving, I'm now planning to rent a U-Haul trailer and trailer hitch for my car. My car has a 3.8 liter engine, so it's up to the task. March 30 can't get here too soon.

Root Beer

Let it be known, I love root beer. For as long as I can remember, I've loved root beer. I consider myself a root beer connoisseur. So when Southern Belle suggested using root beer for our wedding toast instead of champagne, I reacted with joy and amusement.

Sadly, my sister would probably have a myocardial infarction if we suggested it. So, sparkling grape juice for us.

A man, a woman, a wedding planner.

Did I write "hilarity ensued" in the description for my blog? Well, planning a wedding from such a distance is not hilarious.

My sister is our wedding planner, as I've mentioned before. I've spent this evening on the phone talking to Sis and Southern Belle. I spent the afternoon cold calling places in Florida about reception sites.

I'm in Illinois, Southern Belle is in Georgia, and we want to have a Florida wedding. Sis lives in Florida, at least. Wedding planning isn't easy, and this being a "destination wedding" is making things more difficult. There have been a few times I've come close to pulling my hair out because of the stress of this.

Tonight Sis imparted some wisdom. Sis is a wonder and there are times I feel completely inadequate compared to her. She would slap me and tell me to shape up if she heard me say that, so let's keep this between us, shall we?

The sibling wisdom was, "This wedding is for you and Southern Belle. It's not about money, it's not about how pretty it will be, it's not about any of that. Give me a budget and I can take care of the rest, but you need to keep in mind just what this is all about. The both of you are preparing for your life together. That's what really matters."

I called Southern Belle back and we talked about the dirty details of money. We settled on a number, and I called Sis back. Sis said she could work with the limit given, and is sure she can bring the wedding off under what we've given her to work with. Then she told me to relax and let her take care of things.

Did I mention I love my sister? No? How remiss. I do love her a lot. My hair is now safe from me. If only it were safe from the ravages of age...

My Car and Other News

My car update won't take long. It was a loose battery cable. Funny the tow truck driver didn't catch that when he went to jump start the car.

In other news: Packing. Or more accurately, sorting through the papers, old bills, and other stuff that have piled up in my notoriously disorganized filing cabinet. I hate it. I want to be able to twitch my nose and have it all done. Too bad it doesn't work that way.

More other news: Wedding planning. This phase of planning may best be titled "The Search for a Venue." We've struck out twice so far. It is especially difficult to do so with me in Illinois, Southern Belle in Georgia, and the venue somewhere in Florida. Fortunately my sister is a wedding planner, lives in Florida, and is dedicated to making this work. We'd be lost without Sis.

Yet still more other news: This weekend I will put everything on pause to play staffer at the Winter War 36 game convention. Follow the link and see what it's all about!

The First Farewell and a Bump in the Road

I visited my gastroenterologist, Dr Claudia Nugent, yesterday. This was my last visit, and it made me sad. I have liver disease, you see. For the medical people, my condition is called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. For everyone else, that means cirrhosis that wasn't caused by alcohol abuse. This means that I've seen Dr Nugent a lot, and we've come to know each other. She has seen me go from a 370 pound medical basket case on the verge of death to a reasonably healthy 260 pound person full of life with a wonderful future. Her nurse nearly broke down in tears when I told her the news about my engagement and moving to Georgia. When Southern Belle was visiting last November, we ran into (not literally) Dr Nugent in the grocery store. So when I told Dr Nugent my news, she was immediately happy, but also showed a tinge of sadness. When my appointment was finished, Dr Nugent hugged me and told me she'd miss me. Good thing I'm a man, because a woman in my place would have broken down in tears.

Okay, you got me. I got a little misty eyed.

The bump in the road came after I left the clinic. I went to start my car and nothing happened. Literally nothing happened. Not even a solenoid click.

Houston, we have a problem.

I called for a tow. God bless AAA, because I would have spent more on that one tow than I spend in membership fees per year. The driver was very sociable, and he opined on what might be wrong with the car. He originally thought "battery," but the battery is charged and in working order. When the jump start didn't do anything, he then figured it might either be the starter or something wrong in the electronic ignition system. I don't think it's the starter for two reasons. 1 - No click. If the starter was bad, the solenoid would at least click. 2 - The starter is relatively new, having been replaced about two years ago. That leaves the electronic ignition system, which could vary greatly in cost depending on which part is broken.

I'm left with an unsavory possibility. The possibility of it being fixable, but too expensive to be worth fixing. The car is old, one of those "run it until it drops" kind of cars. My cousin is coming by tomorrow to look at it and see what my be wrong. He is a mechanic and my "go to" person for car issues. I hope it turns out to be nothing major.

Let the Packing Commence!

I want to say up front that I hate packing.

So I am starting the packing process. At this time I am dealing with a big ol' pile of comic books. Yes, I buy comic books. I love 'em. I also have too many of 'em. I have seven boxes designed to hold comic books and probably need five more. Since they are unsorted, I have to sort them before I can pack 'em up. I've been doing this for a couple of days and I'm sick of it. I'm going to try to find a dealer who will buy most of what I have, and hope I can get a reasonable price.

While I've been at this Sisyphean task, I've also been kicking around what it will take to pack the rest of my stuff. I'm leaving behind much of my furniture. It's bachelor pad quality stuff, if you get my meaning. Southern Belle has a very tastefully decorated two story house. My crappy furniture has no place there and I give it up willingly. The exceptions being my entertainment center (which is very nice) and a few bits of furniture that Southern Belle is interested in doing something with. She's quite a crafter.

The rest is the big question. How much "stuff" to take? Some of it will be given away and some of it will be thrown away. I'll take all my dishes and see what can be of use. What can't will get tossed.

Decisions, decisions.

Did I mention that I hate packing?

I'm a Lucky Man

I was talking to Southern Belle on the phone a few hours ago, and I never cease to be amazed at how understanding she is. I can be a total doofus sometimes, and it just eases off her back when it happens. This Yankee can't wait to get down to Georgia, before that amazing woman wises up and finds the man she really deserves.

To My Southern Belle

Blackmore's Night
"Wish You Were Here."
Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Knight

Wish you were here...
Me, oh, my countryman,
Wish you were here...

I wish you were here...
Don't you know, the snow is getting colder,
And I miss you like hell,
And I'm feeling blue...

I've got feelings for you,
Do you still feel the same?
From the first time I laid my eyes on you,
I felt joy of living,
I saw heaven in your eyes...
In your eyes...

Wish you were here,
Me, oh, my countryman,
Wish you were here...

I wish you were here...
Don't you know, the snow is getting colder,
And I miss you like hell...
And I'm feeling blue...

I miss your laugh, I miss your smile,
I miss everything about you...
Every second's like a minute,
Every minute's like a day
When you're far away...

The snow is getting colder, baby,
And I wish you were here...
A battlefield of love and fear,
And I wish you were here...

I've got feelings for you,
From the first time I laid my eyes on you...

I Found This "Yankee or Dixie" Online Quiz

Obviously I have a problem.

You Are 70% Yankee, 30% Dixie

You're so Yankee, it's possible you've never even been to the South!

Are You a Yankee or Dixie?

Thoughts on the South

I'm sitting here missing Southern Belle and thinking about the three weeks I spent in Georgia last month. Three weeks isn't enough to really get a feel for a place, especially since I spent more of my attention on Southern Belle than I did the surroundings. Even so, I did get some preliminary impressions.

The first and most obvious impression is that where she lives (and where I will soon live) is remote. I'm used to small towns. I grew up in a small town and I live in a small town. I've also lived in the city, and I prefer small town life.

Southern Belle doesn't live in a small town. She lives about 8 miles from a small town in a pretty remote part of the north Georgia mountains. It's a good thing I like the country, because a city person would be lost there.

For those of you who may be expecting me to say the area is hick-land, it really isn't. Oh there are hillbillies and rednecks. No question. There are also people who seem to be no different than yankees except for the accent. I have a feeling they would be insulted by that description, but no insult is meant. I just can't think of any other way to say it.

My interactions with the hillbillies and rednecks have shown them to be people like any others, though with (quoting Jeff Foxworthy) a "glorious lack of sophistication." I have to admit, the pickup truck with a camper top built out of plywood made me do a double-take. On the other hand, the sight of a Confederate battle flag will probably always make me scowl. It's give and take.

That's all for tonight, folks. Tune in tomorrow for more random cogitations.

Grocery shopping

In the store today, while poking around the bakery section, I noticed a person rummaging in the donuts. He was pulling donuts out of the display case and shoving them into a box like they were the last donuts on Earth. That would have been merely odd, if I hadn't noticed that he wasn't using the tissues provided to handle the donuts. He was pulling out donuts with his bare hands.

GAG!

If I had any desire for a donut, it went right out the window. I hope southerners are more considerate.

And he's off!

Hi everyone, this is the opening post of my new blog. This Yankee is still in the north, but within a few months I will be relocating to Dixie. I've met a southern belle, and she's all that and a bag of chips. She's wonderful enough to motivate me to move to a foreign land. Er, I mean the south.

You will bear witness to my preparations to move, the move itself, and afterward to me adjusting to my new home and life. It will also be home to random musings, pontifications on root beer, and whatever else might crawl out of my addled mind.

I'm done for now, but don't worry... I'll be back.

Take care,

John