Monday, April 4, 2011

The countdown begins!


10 days until we move to our new home in Florida!
 With our current home in disarray; tripping over boxes, the work bench and bead desk half packed, you know I am freaking out.
We sold our current house within 10 days of listing it and was approved for a new one the next week!
How crazy fast is that!?!?! 
We leave Wright City, MO. on the 13th, right after Mike receives his soliris treatment, and begin a 5 hour journey to Nashville, Tennessee. The next day we travel through Alabama (Hi, Marcie!) and Georgia for 8 to 9 hours. It is at this time I predict I will be stark raving mad, my sciatic inflamed and my mind fried from dealing with maniacs on the road. I will be breaking my fast of caffeine and chocolate at this point and if Mike is smart, he won't get in my way (Mr.Perfect, I am so healthy now, I don't need extra serotonin.). We rest and begin the last 5 hour leg of our journey on the 15th, traveling a total of 1,200 miles to arrive in Satellite Beach, Florida where we will take possession of our new home!
A long haul.
Nerve wracking but exciting!
We priced movers to come do the hard work for us while we fly us and the kids to Florida, but at $4,000 for the truck, labor and fuel, there was no way. 
I checked the money tree and it just wasn't growing that kind of bounty. :)
So with careful planning and many down loadable movies for the kiddos, we're doing it old fashioned.

We will need to close down the shop for 8 to 10 days from April 9th to the 18th. This is really hard to do, because it is our main form of income, but with all the handmade items I create, there is just no way to keep it going while I finish packing and travel.
Will you miss me?
 Or will you forget all about me?
What if upon opening, I have a huge sale and send free beads with every order?
This would be a very rare occurrence as I have strict principles about discounting handmade merchandise.
(Don't do it. Ever. Unless you need to feed your children. Which at this point, we will need to.) 

Believe with us for a safe, smooth journey and I will be back to post many pictures of our journey.

52 comments:

  1. have safe travels ...see you in florida.

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  2. That is amazing how quick your house sold. I am stuck in the house I am in now because I fear I will not sell it and loose my dream house or that it will sell and I won't be able to find something else fast enough.
    Anyway, I will pray for safe travels for you and your family. Believe me no one will forget you!
    Shannon C

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  3. Have a good trip and please send pics of the ocean. You will love it in the sun and warmer weather. I am sure we won't be forgetting you Shannon. Will look for your shop reopenning.

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  4. NO ONE will forget about you as you are unforgettable... what a fast turnaround... you guys will do it, as you do everything else you put your minds to... it will be filled with joy and difficulty - but all for a great purpose - getting settled somewhere that you all will thrive... just accept that you are shut down for now, and clear your mind of conflicting thoughts... you can only do what you can do - and thus far you have been no mere mortal... no one needs your body falling apart at this juncture... so take care of yourself and those you love... get there safely... and take lots of pics!

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  5. thinking of you on your new adventure, and sending you prayers and positive vibes:) You'll be traveling down through my homeland...wish I could go too! Relax...no one will forget you and will be back to your shop as soon as you say it is open :)

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  6. The ocean, warm sunny weather . . you must be very exicited.
    Have a safe trip!

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  7. I'm so excited for you and your family! What a fun adventure to a new life! Of course, we won't forget you, how could we! We'll be waiting anxiously to see your new home and the inspiration it brings you. I wouldn't want your children to starve so I'm ordering some supplies!

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  8. Take care of yourself and your beautiful family Shannon! I hope this move brings everything you need and want for your lives and that it will be the perfect thing for you all. Have a safe adventure together. And yes... we will definitely miss you!

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  9. Good luck, Shannon. You'll be waking up in the sunshine soon!

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  10. Oh Shannon already you are moving!! Wow you and Mike really are something! I hope you will show us a wee glimpse of your house when you can?! That is so wonderful my already green eyes are jealous! Im so happy for yall and I know the kids have to be jumping for Joy. How far will you be from the beach? I will keep you in my prayers for a safe everything journey. You will be missed. Have a great Trip! ox

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  11. Yep...you'll be missed.
    Nope...we won't forget about you.
    Also, have a safe trip and enjoy the road. Moving is bittersweet. I'm hoping that for your family it's all sweet, just as you've been for us.
    Bon Voyage!

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  12. have a good trip and try and enjoy yourself despite the hectic schedule. How exciting to move to a new place!

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  13. Safe journey! You will be missed!

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  14. Safe travels. Try to hold onto what bit of sanity you have left!
    Tari

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  15. Happy trails to y'all...and much luck in your new house!

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  16. Holy Cow! That's fast! A psychiatrist once told me that moving is #3 on the list of big, life stressors. (Right behind death and divorce.)
    So, when you start to feel freaked out, just tell yourself, "Well, who wouldn't be. It's number 3 on the list!"
    It sounds crazy and exciting and somehow you will all get through it and then live someplace warm by the ocean. No more wacko ice storm driving for you next winter.
    Best of luck, safe travels.

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  17. 'when you follow your bliss...
    doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors;
    and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else.'
    ~ joseph campbell

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  18. Am I crazy? I think your process of moving sounds like fun. It will be a memory for life. An adventure! I envy you. Wish I could do something like that too. You will be right in the middle of life, in the eye of the tornado. That is living! Enjoy it!

    I will miss you, but I kind of always do anyway in a weird kind of way. ;-p

    I wouldn't be bothered at all with a 10 days delay. I think you could keep your shop open anyway, just informing about it.

    So from me to you: a great big kick in your butt for your new life in Florida. Good luck!

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  19. I am so excited!

    !
    !
    !

    Let me know if you need any help unpacking or anything! Seriously, or just where things are at, I'm happy to help!

    my capthcha word is prosp......sort of like prosperity...it could be a sign!

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  20. Well, things are coming together for you rather quickly. I hope and pray for a safe and uneventful journey.

    Forget you? Pffffft......couldn't ever forget you dear!

    Take care!

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  21. A transition is always challenging! Your family seems to work together so well, you will make it all the way, Shannon! What! No coffee and chocolate? Me too, it's miserable, but rewarding :) Be careful if you re-indulge, it can get nasty. I checked out the Satellite City link, looks beautiful. You're going to have a whole new outlook and creative spurts! Travel safely.

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  22. Oh the universe is an amazing thing! Get that laser focus going and watch how it all falls into perfect order with perfect timing - been there, done that more times than I'd like to say.

    It's exhilarating and horrible and delicious and scary and thrilling and awful all together, but amazing.

    Congratulations and safe travels.

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  23. Have a safe journey and happy homecoming!

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  24. Stay safe. Be well! I am going to be praying that there will be many wonderful miles on your journey. Your path seems set and all the stars are aligning. 10 days! That is marvelous (considering it took us 12 months to sell our house). You know I will be waiting for you when you get back. Stay safe. Be well!
    Enjoy the day along the way!
    Erin

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  25. Very exciting times. Congratulations on it all happening so fast - I do imagine your head is spinning a little. And who could forget you?!!Traveling mercies.

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  26. You will be missed while you are traveling!!! I admire you so much, to be able to pick up and live out a dream. Hopefully you can still update us on your journey through your blog!

    YAY!

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  27. In the midst of everything, bet it will be fun too!! !

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  28. Enjoy your adventure - and you sure will be miss.
    Travel sfe.

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  29. good luck! spring seems like it is never coming to my corner of North America, so Florida sounds wonderful.

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  30. This is such an exciting time for your whole family. Consider the drive an adventure and take in all the sights around you. I admire your courage and excitement! I will never forget about you or your shop and look forward to it opening when you settle in. Praying for your safe travels.

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  31. There will be ups and downs - I grew up in a military family and am in the military myself - I can tell some crazy moving stories that always get us laughing, even if at the time it wasn't the best moment. The end goal will make it all worth it!

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  32. A wonderful new start for you all - Good luck with it and enjoy that sunshine! Safe trip, and we look forward to posts re your new adventures! Vicki :)

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  33. Good luck with the move. I did it once again just coming up on 6 years ago when moving from NH to WI(no kids but with a mom & a brother in tow). I think I have moving down to a science.
    Will miss you...but good luck with the moving & driving. Safe travels.
    Michelle

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  34. BE SAFE! Don't forget to eat your veggies... maybe DIP them in the chocolate? No. That is major ew.

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  35. Safe wishes and easy journeying winging your way! Enjoy yourself on this adventure, and know that we will miss you and be excited to hear you are back!

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  36. Have a safe and fun trip!! It will all be worth it when you get to beautiful, sunny Florida!! I am already daydreaming about seeing your work in person and going on a shopping spree...I will be saving up until then! Stop in and see me at City Hall if you need anything at all!!

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  37. Shannon and family, we wish you a safe and speedy journey. Doing it the old-fashioned way is waaaay too underrated, as we think you are doing this just right! Satellite Beach is not too terribly far from Punta Gorda, so we hope to connect sometime when you are settled.
    We are excited for your adventure.
    Jeff and Bonnie of POBBLETOES

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  38. Hey, welcome to Florida, I hope you will teach some classes- there are some great bead stores around FL.

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  39. safe and happy journey. Enjoy it...keep it as a beautiful memory to look back on. Stop and smell the roses!

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  40. Wishing you a safe and sane journey! Yes, you will be missed! The items I ordered from you arrived this week and I love them. A house warming sale would be fantastic! Best of luck in your new home!

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  41. Oh.. congratulations on the quick house sale. Here's a prayer for lots of luck and easy going you all will need for your move. I'm sure the trip will be an adventure to remember and your new home will be wonderful..you deserve it..:)..and could never be forgotten! As everyone else..I'm anxious for news..
    Mary Anne

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  42. Good luck Shannon! Packing up and moving to another state (not to mention "state of mind") is exciting but terrifying. We did this 13 years ago, moving from Utah to San Diego, basically just because we were sick of winter. It turned out great for us, and I have never regretted it! Hoping the same for you.
    Erin S

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  43. WOW, big changes, how cool. Safe travels for you and your wonderful family. Forget you, HA! No chance girlie. You guys enjoy your trip, make lots of memories, the kids will always remember this. I did the same thing when I was 12, always will remember it. Stay healthy, and just have fun. hugs, Riki

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  44. You guys must be very excited! Have a great trip and stay well!

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  45. Hey beachcomber....you'll have plenty of time to unwind....salt air breezes and mists of ocean water spraying across your face...You'll be shell picking in no time! Hope the trip is
    easy and swift....can't wait to hear all about it! Godspeed :-)))

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  46. Oh...forgot to mention....order forthcoming....once your back up!

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  47. Oh I hope you had a safe journey! Congrats on everything going so quickley!!!

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  48. Shannon, the best of wishes for you all! Safe travels & do the happy dance when you arrive at your new home!

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  49. This was obviously the best thing for you with all of it coming together so quickly. I wish you coffee, chocolate and safety! I can't wait till you tell up all about it!

    Hugs

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  50. You will be there soon!
    Thinking of you Shan! xx

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  51. I'm so far behind on blogs...you must already be here! Welcome to Florida. I hope the gentle ocean breeze greets you every morning. I hope you remain calm when you see a little lizard that'll probably sneek into your house- they're harmless- they eat bugs- we like them. No you don't have to touch them. ;-) I hope your neighbors are friendly & welcoming. I hope you love it here. And when August rolld around & it's really HOT & humid- you'll understand why we artsy types get so much done...cuz there's no way we're hanging outside! Welcome to the Sunshine State- I hope it's all you hope it will be!

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Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog, it means a lot to me.
Shannon