Ever wondered how much stuff fits into a couple of suitcases? It seems to hang on a fine balance between "not much" and "enough."
Right now, as I watch my house gradually becoming emptier as pieces of furniture find new homes, I have two warring factions within me...one side that wants to enjoy all of my stuff for as long as possible while I still have it...and the other side that very logically tells me it's a good idea to get this chore done as quickly as possible. There's benefit on both sides of the equation.
A stack of books, fresh from the printer in 2009.
On the subject of slimming down our possessions and emptying shelves, I'd like to put an opportunity out there for you guys. Some of you know that I self-published a book of short stories titled The Random Writings of Rachel in 2009. I originally printed 300 copies, and very quickly sold off the first 250, while the rest have slowly trickled out of my possession one by one ever since. I now have about two dozen copies left, and I was wondering if any of my readers would be interested in purchasing one of the few remaining copies of my very first book?
The Random Writings of Rachel is very much like the blog it inspired, as far as randomness and a quirky writing style goes. It's slightly more fictional, with some stories being entirely made up and other ones being wholly inspired by dreams. There's even a poem. The poem is not to be taken seriously, however, have no fear, I do not consider myself a lyricist.
If you're interested in buying a copy, shoot me an email with the address you'd like me to send your copy to at randomlyrachels @ gmail.com and if you live anywhere in the 50 United States I'll mail you one for the very fair price of $8 through paypal (that email address is my paypal address). If you live overseas you can also buy a copy, but I have to look at the shipping, the price will probably be more like $10. I'll sign the book, if you want me to, but if you think that author's signatures are horribly pretentious, I won't sign it at all. I'm flexible like that.
I see this as a win-win situation. I empty my bookshelf, you fill yours a little more, and for a very inexpensive price you get the chance to own and read stories that very few have ever had the chance to read, and support young authors at the same time!
(If it sounds like your style, better jump on that...Only 25 copies left!)
Our Spring cleaning this year has turned out to be rather extreme. How's your Spring cleaning coming?
How cool, I didn't know you had a book :) Your spring cleaning does seem rather extreme, but just imagine how much easier next year's will be ;)
Moving away is difficult. I did it 3 years ago when I moved from US to Albania. I actually had a huge carry-on packed, a back-pack packed, my purse and 4 luggages. Then in a few months I had 7-8 boxes of stuff shipped to me (literally from a ship lol). I totally understand you.
But what a fun, new and awesome adventure for you. China is a whole other place as far as totally different culture with so many traditions and so many things different from US. Good luck with everything. BTW I taught ESL for a few years while I was in Michigan. Do you currently teach it over there? =)
P.S. So cool that you have a book. I have published 2 Poetry Books in Albania, also. Your book sounds like a great read since I love reading your blog and all of your insightful "random" posts.
Have Fun packing girl. When do you move there, what date?
Packing up for a big move is such a huge chore. I tend to stretch out the task even more, by getting stuck looking at things and recalling all kinds of memories, before finally putting them in boxes. I really lucked out with the move to Pittsburgh because we had movers to do all of the packing! I made up for it, however, when I opened up the boxes to unpack. It was like Christmas. :) But you're slimming down your possessions, so that's a whole new game! I am so so excited for your next adventure!!
Oh I can't imagine packing up and moving across the ocean with just a couple suitcases! I know people do it all the time, but I just can't imagine. It's really cool that you wrote that book!
That's so awesome, what a big accomplishment to say you have published a book of your very own. :) How was that process? Happy Friday and best of luck decluttering! -Iva
I always seem to need a whole UHaul for my crap although I could probably get rid of most of it. I should follow your lead!
Good luck with the rest of your cleaning!! We did a big purge when we moved to our new place in November, so we have not done too much cleaning yet. We will need to do one soon.. it seems like we always have way too much!
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
You wrote a book and sold it!! You are awesome!!! It's great that you guys are able to get rid of stuff. We really need to have a garage sale or something to reduce our clutter. It's so exciting your guys are moving to China. Such an amazing adventure awaits:)
I imagine it's kind of freeing though- to be able to pair down and get rid of things, as difficult as that might be! So exciting!!! :)
Packing is horrible. I hate having to look at all the stuff I still have to put in boxes.
Packing is the worst!!!! My spring cleaning us going great but feels never ending. haha
I always secretly enjoy spring cleaning. Since we are having a baby in October we are doing some major, major cleaning and clearing out and I can't wait to purge. Haha. And wow...CHINA! How exciting. When do you leave?
So cool that you've got a published book! I can't imagine the process of getting rid of almost all my possessions to move across the country. So proud of you guys for following God's plan! Praying for you!
So cool. How did you go about having your work published?
You have a book!? Lady, that is AWESOME! Way cool of you to go out there and get something published and sell most of those copies. I'd be super interested in a post about hearing how you got this published + maybe a few excerpts from the book would be interesting to read (and could help you sell those last few copies?)
China?! That's incredible! It will be such an amazing adventure for you!
Kaitlin
www.teaandsequins.com
Hey Rachel, I haven't been visiting blogs for the past few weeks and am doing some catching up. You're moving to Shenzhen to teach English with your husband? That's such a bold step to take. I'm so happy for you coz you genuinely sound excited amidst the feeling of uncertainty. I've been clearing my room today but no, I don't have any published books of my own. You're so cool to have a book with the same name as your blog or maybe it started from there. I thought I was seeing things when I saw the photo.
Jo
Jo's Jumbled Jardinière
SO exciting! I missed the big news! congratulations!
i've been meaning to congratulate you on your big news! this is so exciting for you!
RACHEL!! Where have I been??! How did I miss this massive announcement?? This is HUGE!
China!
I have no words.
wow.
I'm really, really excited for you guys and I hope you'll be continuing to blog through all your China adventures! You and Angel are so brave! Is he excited to take a break from nursing?
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