Moving Day

Today is moving day. I've been packing up my stuff at the rehab place (amazing how many more things I have than when I came here from the hospital in early December), and Linda is coming at 2 to drive me from Point A to Point B.

One thing I've been thinking about: It would have been so much tougher to go straight from my much-loved house to assisted living. The seven-week stopover here will make assisted living look good by comparison, or so I think.

Some pluses:

Privacy. No roommate.

A door that locks. (Also a privacy issue, of course.)

Better food. 

My studio is furnished with some of my own things from home--my own bed and pillows and quilt (aah). 

Fred Lind (Point B) is in a better part of town, Seattle's Capitol Hill, which will be important as I gradually expand my mental map of the neighborhood and take walks--first with friends and Younger Son, later on my own, I hope. 

Younger Son will be much closer (at least until he graduates in June). He has promised to come over on Sunday afternoon and hang out with me. I hope we can walk to Trader Joe's (I think it's only about four blocks) and hang in my new place and talk--privately--and then he can have dinner with me in the dining room. It's $10 to have a guest for lunch or dinner.

The New Kid on the Block

I am somewhat dreading meals at Fred Lind ... that "new kid at the table" feeling, but I've been told that one of the staff members will introduce me to my table mates. That will be at dinner tonight. 

I plan to pump them for information about the place, and I need to make a few friends. I do not want to talk about my cancer or other medical issues at dinner, or at all, really. Maybe later.  

 

@ Jeanne Sather 2012. 

Comments

[Maggie]

Happy Trails to you!

I think you might be right about this sojourn making the assisted living transition easier than if you had gone straight from home.

I wait to hear all about the joys of having a door that locks, and your own place inside a safe-and-assisting place.

Sending plenty of love and laughter for the move, together with good light

[jen]

I'm so happy for you, Jeanne! It's no doubt true that the transition place helped ease the pain of leaving your home, and then of course there's always that "all things happen in their time" thing... It's just wonderful you'll be in a good safe place, good neighborhood, closer to YS, and a Trader Joe's nearby to boot? Nirvana! And sleeping in your own bed? Priceless. Hopefully you'll find some cool people to bond with (who probably have their own privacy issues, so are already kindred spirits in that regard). Onward and upward! And in that vein, good good news from the ID doc on Monday!!!
love, me ;j xoxo

[Steph]

Dear Jeanne -
Know you are relishing the quiet and privacy. The uninterrupted night (from aides checking on either you or a roommate)should be a good start in getting more stamina.

Maybe there is an coffee house with WIFI nearby if the home does not have it.

[Deborah]

Sounds really good! :)

Always happy to see you post.

[Ed Arabas]

Best wishes to you, Jeanne, in your new digs. All the steps have taken you to where you are now, and will lead you forward to where you need to be. We are with you, and counting on you. Keep up the good work.

[Susan C]

Thinking of you every day and hoping that you excelled at being the new kid at the table. Jeanne, I'm sure you make a delightful dinner guest, even when you aren't feeling your best. You have plenty of non-cancer and non-illness things to share and you're always interested in learning about others.

[Gert]

Glad to hear you're finally on the move. A new beginning!

[amy]

I want to send you a housewarming gift!

[Teri]

Wishing I was one of your table mates at your new place! Those folks are lucky to have you join them. and I am so happy you will be nesting.