Updates

 Slowly but surely, little by little, I am seeing the dent. I am still a long way from being done, but I'm getting done, one step at a time. Today I was blessed by a crew of people who came to my house, packed up  a huge amount of boxes and miscellaneous, and hauled it over to my storage unit. I was so overwhelmed by the kindness of these people who came out on a cold day to help me out. They played "Tetris" in the unit, stacking and organizing so that the boxes took up minimal space, because there is more to come. While at the storage unit, I had an extreme low blood sugar crisis. I was trying to help the crew put things away, and I simply couldn't put my thoughts into words. People were asking me where things went, and I couldn't answer them. My vision went hazy, and I felt like I was about to pass out. I managed to pull out my phone and open my Dexcom app. I was at a 48. 48! I've never been that low before. Some of the people recognized the issue, and began giving me snacks. Craisins, chocolate snack cakes, etc. After several minutes, I began to get my bearings. I started feeling like myself again. Thank The Lord that I wasn't alone during this episode. I most likely would have passed out completely. It could have been really bad. At the end of the day, we got some much accomplished, and I felt so blessed by the kindness of my friends.

I take over the apartment on Friday the 26th. I'm going to take as many loads of things as possible over to the apartment that day. The following day, Saturday, we're going to finish the job. More than likely, we will make a couple of runs to the storage unit (items too big to fit into my car), and then the big stuff to the apartment. I'm expecting quite a few people to help with that. After that, I'm hoping to be completely free of the house and done.  I'm hoping to use the remainder of the day to organize. That's going to be the fun part. Seriously. It's fun to set up house and make it yours. Make it a home, even if it is an apartment.

Prayer needs: 1. Safety for all of those involved in the move. Would hate for someone to get hurt.  2. My stamina. I'm tiring easily, and my back and shoulder are starting to bother me. Also for my safety as I pack. I'm going up and down stairs many, many times a day. Pray for my safety on the steps.  3. The weather. I'm praying that the low temps predicted will be higher than expected. We need this ice and snow to melt! That would improve the safety element.  4. Finances: This move is costly, I'm praying for a financial blessing.  5. My attitude. This is a lonely process. As a single guy, I don't have anyone to sit with me and chat with me as I do this. I can talk to people on the phone, but that gets awkward after a while as I try to carry boxes. I'm lonely. I'm sure that this weather is contributing to my sad feelings as well. Please pray about that. 

All in all, I am a mix of emotions. I am so ready to be in my new place, have everything done at my other place, and get on with my life. Soon. I just keep telling myself that. Please don't forget about me out there. Feel free to call, text, whatever. I could use the encouragement. 

Thanks for reading, and God bless you!  

From my heart

 Folks, I'm just going to put it out there. I'm tired, discouraged and overwhelmed. I don't usually post on things like this, especially first thing in the morning, but I feel that when I blog it, it helps me. This move is one of the hardest things I've ever done. First, because it was unexpected. Second, because I don't want to move. Currently, I'm looking at a tiny one-bedroom apartment on the 3rd floor. If you've offered to help me move, that might change your mind. And third, because I'm doing this by myself. There is so much to do, and it's overwhelming. I'm running out of room in my storage unit, and it looks like I might need another unit, which is another expense I really don't need. And, that's after I've thrown so much away. I'm only keeping bare essentials, such as pictures, favorite books, mementos, etc. 

Why am I posting this? Because I want pity or a handout? Not at all. I'm posting because I know that a lot of my friends who are prayer warriors are reading this. Many of you have told me that you have been praying for me, and I'm so grateful. Please don't quit. I also need encouragement. I need visitors who will keep me company as I sort through hundreds of boxes and pack away more things for storage. I don't need anyone to do the work, but I need the company and encouragement as I deal with this. I know we're in the dead of the coldest snap in years, so I know that some people won't be able to do that. I'd settle for a phone conversation.     I just feel so alone in all of this. I can't sleep, and I'm fearing that depression is going to start settling in. 

Please accept this post in the way I'm hoping it will be read. I'm not asking for pity or a handout as I stated before, I just need some prayer and encouragement before I fall apart, because that's where I am. If I'm getting negative vibes from you over this post, please stop reading now, because I don't need that. The experts say that if you feel like you're going to either lose it or withdraw into a shell, you need to say something. I'm saying something. 

Thanks for reading this, and it has helped some. I've never posted anything like this before. Everyone goes through their dark times, and this is one of mine. Please pray for me.  

Rob's Ramblings; Big Changes Ahead!

 As I write this, we're currently blanketed under about 7 inches of snow. Our city hasn't seen snow like this for a few years. School was cancelled, and most of the city was shut down. We were advised to not go out unless absolutely necessary. Snow days are always fun, but it also always means shoveling! This was a thick, heavy snow, too. It took me a while, but it's done, and I'm worn out! 

Big Changes Ahead: I'll just lead with it... I'm going to be moving. Not out of country, not out of state, not even out of town. The rental in which I have been living for the past 10 years has been sold. I have until the end of March to find a place, pack and move. This is a tough deal for me.  I have grown to love this house, and really hate to leave it. It's also an overwhelming task to pack up a house with 10 years of accumulation. I am currently going through stuff and throwing a lot of stuff away. I was planning a huge purge this Spring and Summer, and planned to do it at my leisure. Now, I have to hyper-drive it. On my fixed income, the only place I have found in my price range are 1-bedroom apartments. Going from a 2-story 5-bedroom house to a 1 bedroom apartment. A little bit...no....a lot bit...overwhelming.  Of course, I plan on taking my cat with me. She is family. The place I'm looking into is pet-friendly, so that's cool. 

So, what's this all mean? First, my baking business is on hiatus until I am settled. Second...and this is the one that pains me....possibly no more Christmas open house? It just depends on how much room I have. 

Folks, I need your prayers. First, I need to make sure I'm cleared out before April 1, and I will need help moving. Needing trucks and strong backs. Also, this is going to be more costly that it was before. I have crunched numbers to save money, but overall, this is going to be skin-tight. Especially with move-in costs, deposits, and etc. I'm praying for a financial windfall to pull me through. 

To close out this post (because I have work to do), God's got this, He's come through again and again....and again. This is a big exercise in faith. I don't know the future, But God does. I'm telling God how big my problem is, but I'm also telling my problem how big GOD is. Please pray that I'll stay strong in my faith, and that God will supply all of my needs. I'll be sure to keep you updated along the way. I pray God's best for you. God bless you!   ***Rob***