DAYS 11-9 - Goodbyes, Bagels, and Our Last Movie...
The days are flying by, I can't keep up!
DAY 11: Friday
I made a drop-off at my mom's house of an extra TV, some cat things, and cosmetics while picking up cat pheromone collars to calm them. We also set a date for our last meeting.
From there, I washed our car and took it to CarMax to see what they would offer for it. It's an okay offer, not offensive, not knock-my-socks-off, and we did agree to sell it to Ethan's girlfriend, Lilly, at the CarMax price, so we'll have that conversation with them soon! They are moving their big things today, Nathan's helping as I type.
Zach came over for dinner, I made chorizo quesadillas, my own concoction - easy and no special tools required. Nathan and the boys are big into movies, specifically superhero ones, although I hear the quality has suffered the past few years. Regardless, the three of us went to see "Deadpool & Wolverine", which will most likely be the last movie we see in a theater. There isn't a movie theater on the island, although I presume there is one on the mainland..? I prefer to watch movies at home so it's not a huge sacrifice for me. However, I will miss the snacks!
U-Pack texted me a link to track our trailer, which is a relief; while it has basic details only, our trailer is in El Paso, TX!
DAY 10: Saturday
We made a date with my dad, my Aunt Joyce (mom's twin/my Godmother), and Uncle Keith to meet up at the We-Ko-Pa Resort and Casino in Fountain Hills. My Aunt and Uncle moved to Mesa 7 or 8 years ago, from Michigan. Our most common meet-up is at the casino; they are also fans of gambling, and there is a casino halfway between our homes. They never had children, and are the extended family I have always been the closest with.
My dad was home (Detroit) for his sister's ex-husband's funeral two weeks ago, and was one of many Delta casualties; he was due back in Phoenix on July 19th; his re-booked flight on the 22nd was canceled, and he actually returned on July 25th, seven days later than expected. The absolute stuff of nightmares for me at this moment...!
We used room comps so everyone could have some beverages and still be safe; we tried our luck at some games - I had to give "Heidi" a final spin, a tribute to my mentor I lost in 2021 - it was her favorite game! The actual name is, "Heidi's Bier Haus".
My Uncle Keith tore it up, he collected a nice array of mid-sized jackpots, nothing that he'll have to claim on taxes, but enough to make for a fun trip!
Normally, Nathan and I spend the night, and when we get up, we go home - at night I went through "goodbyes" with my Aunt and Uncle, and it was clear they wanted to see us again in the morning...it was tough! They are such sweet, caring people - always been a positive in my life. They have been the most vocal about coming to see us of our family. My dad started early with the, "...this could be the last time we see each other...", and that weighed heavily on me; any time could be the last time you see someone you love, so I tried to downplay it.
It was a rough night of minimal sleep.
DAY 9: Single Digits Now...!
I started Day 9 in awe of the fact that we're entering our last calendar week of U.S. citizenry.
We went down to the casino and played a bit, meeting up with Joyce, Keith, and my dad. My dad was the first to pull the rip-cord, at least they didn't all hit me at once. TOUGH.
We went home. And then I made a salt stick.
Salt sticks are oblong bagels with poppy seeds and kosher salt, from a bakery in Detroit. Maybe a few of them, I have never been a part of the bagel procurement, only the bagel enjoyment! They magically show up when someone goes to visit, or comes this way on a trip. Yes, we ferry across the country the most basic of breakfast staples, we're not fancy people!
Dad had a few dozen ready for his originally scheduled flight home. When it was canceled, he ate some of those, left some with his sister, and acquired a new 5 dozen order to bring home. He brought me some to the resort, and I barely made it home before firing up the toaster to enjoy one!
That is Shadow's reflection you see in the top of the second photo - he is a butter slut!
Nathan and Zach went to help Ethan and Lilly move - they were renting a U-Haul today to move their big pieces. Clayton was also helping; that poor man has spent four of his last 10 days now helping people move. In July. With temps in the 110s.
I'm jamming out laundry and finished my continuing education to renew my real estate license - I have submitted the renewal and my broker will approve it tomorrow.
Also tomorrow, our sofa from Living Spaces will be delivered to Jhimel with Belize Freight, in Houston.
We have a very, VERY busy week coming up, I'm going to try to keep my thoughts positive and not get too bogged down in the "see you laters...".