We had perfect weather for a tag sale. (Nothing was actually tagged with a price, and nobody calls it a tag sale here, so I should really call it what it was — an urban YARD sale.) My sis-in-law Jo was my partner for the day. Over dinner at Thai Restaurant last night we discussed everything but our plan for today. We had no “sell strategy” and are both pretty horrible at pricing goods — but we make a great team and had loads of laughs.

The first things to go were my old knife set and one of my blow-dryers (!!), and Mike’s blender, toaster and radio. The older woman across the street bought my decorative palm tree hand towels and I gave her a box of crayons for the kids at Barclay School. I sold the pampasan chair to a sweet girl named Claire, who just moved here from Louisiana to begin a history masters program at Hopkins. We chatted while I helped her walk the chair to her apartment.

I gave the neon green boa to another Hopkins grad student, a woman who just started in the nursing program. She could not believe I was parting with it, and promised to wear it proudly. I don’t doubt she will, so I just let her have it. She bought my scale and a small pillow.

The drive-by sale was the best: Today was the Baltimore Marathon, so lots of folks were stuck in their cars right outside my building while traffic was stopped to let the runners through a few blocks south of us. This one woman in her car yelled to me inquiring about the price of the hanging shoe rack. I told her it was two bucks and she nodded that she wanted it so I walked it to her. She then proceeded to buy three more items — a lamp, a standing caddy and a desk organizer, all while never moving from the driver’s seat of her running automobile.

Soon after that, we had an even closer encounter with a car, when some daredevil in a Cherokee decided to drive on the sidewalk going south on St. Paul because he didn’t have time to wait in marathon traffic. Bizarre and dangerous, but I think he got away with it and returned to the street a few blocks south. It is amazing what you witness when you spend time on your front stoop.

It was the most glorious day, with almost too much sun in our eyes early in the morning. By noon we were in shade, having lunch, looking at Jo’s photos from India, and trying to push what was left. A few friends stopped by, which was so nice, and I enjoyed people-watching and talking to folks who walked by. I met one of my neighbors too, a guy named Danny originally from North Carolina.

We made a little over $80 bucks, and I had already decided to donate half of any profit to UNICEF, so I’ll round up and send them $50. Jo and I split up the rest, brought the remaining items to Value Village on York Road and treated ourselves to vanilla shakes and some fries at McDonalds for the ride home.

Things sold that I will miss: my Asian styled table lamp from Target that was bought by a handsome guy speaking French (so I guess that makes it okay), my palm tree monkey lamp and my IKEA walk clock that I used for the past seven years. I might also miss my yellow SONY Walkman one day in the future, but since I have not used it in months, I let it go…

Things that did not sell that I still have: the wooden standing CD holder from IKEA, dining room table and printer. I’ll try to sell these again closer to when I actually move out.

Things that went to Value Village: assorted purses, home and desk accessories, two pink stools, a microwave, stuffed animals, videos and assorted kitchen/dining items.

It’s hard to describe this funny little thing I’m feeling — letting go of all this STUFF was not exactly difficult, but I wasn’t sure it was actually happening as it occurred. It was quite freeing to part ways with things that are not necessary, and the day reinforced just how committed to this new lifestyle I am, whether I like it or not. Luckily, I like it a lot…so far!

Finally — there is a glow in the sky once again. Not a summer sun, but shining splendidly just the same.

I’m off to the Eastern Shore for a wedding this weekend. I’ll be getting there via MARC commuter train to Bethesda, MD where I’ll stay three nights with good pals who will drive with me to Wye River on Saturday for the wedding. It should be a fabulous black tie affair, but we are all keeping our fingers crossed that the rain stops by tomorrow afternoon. The couple is planning to wed in a beautiful outdoor garden.

I always enjoy traveling by train, and I’m absolutely ready for a short trip out of town, it has been a few weeks. Bonus: Three nights on a real bed…I’m very excited.

Happy Birthday Mom!

In no particular order, the stuff that is keeping me awake right now:

~ I had fun hanging with Dan and his bud Kev this past weekend. We went to the Towson/UDel football game and I got to tailgate with the cool kids. (I got to be designated driver too.) Great seats, but very awful game for the Blue Hens. All I know is that I gotta get one of those shirts that says Ass Kickin’ Chicken. That will turn heads on the backroads of Europe I’m sure.

~ I’m completely perplexed about where to begin my journey. I need time to explore the boards and ask seasoned travelers for advice. Tonight I tossed around southern Spain and/or Portugal, Istanbul or Crete. Something in southern Europe…just not sure if East or West is best for the beginning.

~ There are links on the side bar that go nowhere. Eventually I’ll fill them in. Maybe.

~ I think I have a mild addiction to the Internet. I never watch TV or movies anymore, I’m way behind on my book list, yet I manage to spend hours online. The debate over whether or not to bring my laptop with me when I travel is another unanswered question. I think I could use a break for awhile, but to go months without it?

~ I’m gonna go read a hysterical female travel tale from Thong to take my mind off all of this and get some rest.

I’ve become an urban trekker. Selling my car was not only necessary for my travel plans, but happened at the most wonderful time — as fuel prices rise and fall weather approaches, I get to walk everywhere — I couldn’t ask for a better scenario.

This past Saturday I walked from Charles Village to Camden Yards and then all the way back, after stopping to volunteer at the Baltimore Book Festival in Mt. Vernon for a few hours. Then today, I walked from Charles Village to Canton, and took the bus and Hopkins shuttle back north. I’ve made sure to take alternate routes each time, and sneak down streets I’ve never walked before. Even on the very familiar Calvert, St. Paul, and Charles — streets I’ve walked so many times — I see new things on each trip. I’m taking photos now, so I can capture snippits of this great city to carry with me when I go.

It feels a bit like a ritual — like I’m paying homage to a home I’ve grown to respect and love. It’s a perfect way to prepare to leave, I guess, by enjoying it as much as I can while I’m still here.