August 16, 2006

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2006

ORA ET LABORA - Motto of the Benedictines

It means: pray and work. I'm doing both to the exclusion of nearly all else.

Bought two big fat mylar balloons, a silver star and a gold circle, and I've tied them to the For Sale by Owner sign. I've done this on the assumption that at this point, most passers-by are so used to seeing the FSBO signs, they don't even really notice them. The house is listed on the MLS as well, but even my pal Dianne has had little success attracting buyers.

I am trying to keep the stress at bay by taking walks and focusing on doing things that will benefit our move in one way or another. I've given up on the sedatives. They've stopped working. Ten milligrams of Valium was processed by my body like a couple of M&Ms. (I'm turning into Ozzy Osbourne) I took it so I might fall asleep without laying there all night playing "What Next?" in my head. Nothing happened. I ended up watching C-SPAN book TV all night and flinging cough drops and long-winded curses at Ann Coulter.

I'm going to finish painting the hallway today and I've decided that the master bedroom needs to be a more neutral color. School-bus-yellow with a border of whorehouse-scarlet and gold accents (previous owner's 'taste' - NOT mine!) may be disturbing to some prospective buyers. What do you think? White, off-white or bone? Accent wall in a calming shade of whatever I like on the "Ooops" pile at Home Depot. I plan to finish the hall, bedroom and second bath and at least start on the living room by Saturday.

Right now I have to give India (my 4yr old) a manicure and pedicure. I promised in exchange for her keeping busy while I packed boxes this morning. At least I'll get to sit down for a bit before it's back to work. Oh, and prayer, can't forget the praying.....