Thursday, June 22, 2006

Put it in the box, take it out of the box.

Today we spent the entire day packing. It's still a week and a half until we move, but we have a LOT of crap. I don't know where it all came from. I blame Hubby.
Actually, Hubby is the only one doing any decent packing. Of course, it's all been his own stuff, but at least he's getting it done. Me, I've lost the packing talent. I used to be an organized, totally efficient mover. I labeled boxes, I packed carefully, I planned the unpacking as I boxed stuff up. Last time we moved, I cleaned and tossed as I went along, and although my friends made fun of me, I know they wish I would write a list for them so they too would know what to do every minute of every day. This time around, I'm just plopping an empty box in the middle of the room, and chucking stuff in. If I see it, it goes in the box. And I have averaged a box a day, until today. Today I was a machine. I also discovered the New Improved Bubble Wrap, and fell deeply into love. The stuff is perforated every 12 inches, and clings to itself. Bubble wrap without scissors or tape. Love, I tell you.
I think a large part of my packing problems are due to the Terrors. They want me to come play, or snuggle, or read, or do anything at all, just be with them. All the time. If I can't be with them, then they want to help pack. Girl Terror has been begging to help. I know, she's a sick child. She likes dusting, too. Anyway, today I finally gave in and let them "help". I gave them each a box and a task.
Girl Terror was to pack the CD's. I showed her how they would nicely line up in the box in two rows, and I figured she'd be thrilled. Well. She got distracted by the CD cases. She picked up each CD (one at a time) and studied the cover. She talked about who's music it was. Was it Mummy's? Was it Daddy's? Was it one of hers? Where did we get it? What was the picture about? What did the letters spell? Every.Single.CD. We own a lot. Only about half of them got packed today.
Boy Terror was given the task of taking the pots and pans out of the drawer and putting them in the box. I knew he'd like this, since the pots and pans drawer calls out to him every time he walks past. I figured it would keep him busy for a while. Not so. He doesn't "get" packing carefully. He tossed those pots, pans, and lids into the box with glee. It took 3 minutes. Girl Terror was only on her fifth CD. So I handed him all the utensils out of the drawer. And then I cleaned out the spice cupboard. In between, he wandered around, and found a poker game, a "connect four" game, my brand new green skirt, a Sears catalogue, and a can of pomegranate pop. All went into the box. I rescued the pop, but that's all. At supper Hubby made me un-tape the box so we could find the steak spice.
This is becoming a big problem with our packing. I put things in boxes. Hubby wants them out. I figure we can live without spices for a week. Do we really need dental floss? The slotted spoon would have been useful with the corn tonight, but we survived. Wait until he discovers I've packed all the drinking glasses.

9 comments:

Chatty said...

I hated packing and after we moved here two years ago, I vowed I would die here. We tossed so much then and as I look around now...I think I have more crap! LOL

Blair said...

Wow, I pack just like that, muttering to myself about ho wit could all be so much better organized and how I will hate myself for it when we unpack. My new rule - never move again!

Anonymous said...

During a move you must have take out food, paper plates, napkins and throw away cups.

Northern_Girl said...

Moving. Totally. Stinks.

OldHorsetailSnake said...

Aw, let Girl Terror do all the packing. I figure you'll be out of there along about 2009.

Anonymous said...

Reaon # 14 of why I like Korea...cheap movers. It cost me $500 to have the movers move my house here. The crew boxed, wrapped, moved, unpacked, setup, hung pictures, everything... in a day. When I tried to help, I was actually told to stop. "Just go get a beer and let us do our job", they said. One guy did pocket the spare change I knew had dropped behind the desk, but since they don't tip here (reason #5 why I like Korea), I wasn't too worried about it.

See what you guys left behind here^^

Prego said...

At least the terrors aren't old enough to show their disapproval of your musical taste.

Jeez, Mom. John TESH???? What, are you like 50?!!!!!

Dreama said...

I hate packing and was so thankful but yet also weirded out by the movers who moved me up north. They came in with their tape, paper and boxes and went to it, packing everything I own in one day. They even offered to unpack, but I am too particular for that...I think before I leave here, if the movers don't pack me again, I am burning it all.

Nicole @ OrWhateverYouDo said...

We were supposed to be moving cross-country on the 8th, due to my procrastination and lack of help because of my husband's ridiculous work schedule, it have been moved to the 21st. I'm kind of disappointed, and kind of relieved...

I am NOT organized, at all. We are tossing most of our crap though, because that is what it is...crap. should make packing the rest a BIT easier anyway!