alone vs. lonely

People keep asking, "Aren't you lonely?" Actually, no, I'm not. I haven't really had a chance to be. Each day since Mark left, I have had either work, or appointments or social engagements that have kept me from being alone.

I've always felt that it's easier to be alone when one knows their 'alone-ness' is finite. I know that my fabulous husband is waiting for me in Zurich and that we will be together again soon. It's the old, 'seeing the light at the end of the tunnel' bit... When I know I only have to wait 6 days to see Mark, I can enjoy the time I have by myself while looking forward to being with him soon - the best of both worlds, really...

I so looked forward to having the house to myself after Mark left. It was great, but the novelty wore out in less than a week. I miss him. George misses him.

But it's a probably best that he's not here right now. The house is in a state of disarray as I have pulled everything out of its place in an attempt to organize, downsize and take stock of what we really are dealing with here. There are piles everywhere. The Goodwill/Salvation Army pile. The Craigslist pile. The in-house 'yardsale' pile (this will shortly become the give away pile). The NH storage pile, the take to Zurich pile.

I can't even begin to box things up because the movers have to pack everything that is going to Zurich because of Customs laws. How inconvenient.

I did sell 2 chairs and a dresser to a friend of Mark's this weekend. That cleared out about 1/89th of what needs to go. But still, thank you, Dan. Thank you for your patronage of Casa Harbaugh - (you sure I can't interest you in an end table or two?)

After a weekend filled with much talk and little action, I decided I needed a break from the insanity and sat down to start a project (see photo). The best use of my time? Not likely. But I couldn't help myself. It's still sitting there, not even 1/2 done, entirely covering what was the only clear table space I had left ... brilliant.

Not to worry - I'll finish it soon - perhaps even tonight. (Right after I shovel the driveway, clear off the cars, fix the broken/frozen wiper, organize the recycling and trash, and attempt to make a meal out of what is left in the cupboards/fridge...)

Just spoke to Mark. He feels terribly that he is not here to help. It would be nice to not have to do all this by myself, but it does help to know I'm not alone.