Today I went out to run errands in preparation for my move, and before I was done I was an additional $1,500 in debt.
I first went to Sports Authority for a pair of hiking boots that will keep my feet warm and still allow me to do a lot of walking. $70.
I then went to the nearest gun shop for a small gun safe. I never felt the need to lock up my pistol, but in Denver my nieces and nephew will be regular visitors. The safe arrives on Monday. $130.
I then went to Merchant Tire, where I spent most of the afternoon. My tires were too bald for an 1,800 mile trip through the midwest in December, so I bought a set of snow/mud tires. While I was there, I had the mechanics tell me what kind of oil, brake fluid and coolant to buy, how to check the levels and where to add fluids if necessary. I had always let my dealer do all this, but for a trip across 7 states, I felt the need to educate myself. I also lay on the floor of the garage while the mechanic made sure that I knew how to retrieve my spare and use my jack. $1,100.
I went to Catherine’s hoping to find a coat suitable for a Colorado winter, but nothing even came close. The only possibility was a sort of squall jacket. I tried on two of them, and both had stubborn zippers. I had to order a parka online. While I was online I got a cableknit sweater that I can pull over just about anything as an additional layer. $182.
I still have to buy a roadside emergency kit–or at least some reflective triangles. One of those big broom things for getting snow off my truck would also be nice.
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Merchant Tire is within sight of my dojo. I sat for a time in the waiting room, thinking about whether I could walk back through those doors to say goodbye. I think I can, and I will sometime next month. I need the closure, and I think Sensei does also.
Last year about this time I wrote about something I needed to do, about a favor I needed from a friend. I still haven’t received that help, and I worry that I won’t be able to start over until I can get this task done. Time is short, suddenly. I went to bed thinking about it, and had an anxiety attack.
I don’t think I’ve had a bad day since deciding to move. And I’ve lost 6 pounds.
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