July 29, 2025

Here I sit, surrounded with familiar things in this unfamiliar space thinking about how I desperately need to do a post. First, because it is desperately overdue! And second, because I really want to tell you about all things moving.

I keep thinking I’ll pick up my pen again, just as soon as I [do this one thing….] The problem is that as soon as that one thing resolves the next one pops up! So I decided to sit down amidst this chaos that is my new office, turn on the computer and just see what happens.

As you’ve guessed, we’ve moved since my last post! It was roughly six weeks (maybe less!) of pure crazy – things are finally slowing down and that’s really good because I’m TIRED. We sold our house in about eight hours and moved a week later. We’ve been here since July 3^rd and all I can say is hey, all the boxes are empty! Credit where due – my daughter, husband and grandkids came over for two solid days to help us. Otherwise … sheesh who knows. I’d probably still be looking for plates and wondering if I somehow threw out all the condiments. And ziplocks, definitely ziplocks. But my daughter and almost 18-yo granddaughter are tornadoes and they knocked out the kitchen in no time. Isn’t that the most important room?!

My husband Greg and I were commiserating about the fact that once upon a time we would have moved and completely unpacked including hanging pictures on the wall – in about two days. But it’s been quite a long time since we last moved (18 years!) and apparently we got old in the meantime.

I’m still working my way through the remainder of the eleventy hundred details that needed my attention … most of them are done now, thankfully. I only had to submit an address change to the post office twice to start getting forwarded mail on July 3^rd and YESTERDAY we finally got some.

I’ve found that my brain cannot hold as much information as it used to hold. I had lists upon lists, trying to keep things from falling through the cracks. So far there have been no dreadful emergencies and I’m back down to a very reasonable three lists.

Here’s the part that is so very different for us – after 36+ years of home ownership we (Greg and I and his mom) now live in a three-bedroom apartment. It’s beautiful and brand new and the amenities are crazy good. No lawn care, no worrying about fixing house things … weird. It sort of feels like a really long Airbnb stay. I’m sure that will wear off but it’s … weird. The dog has had a rude awakening – she had a dog door and a fenced backyard and now she has to go out on a leash. Weird. I was actually really worried about her making the transition, but she’s done great.

Funny story. The apartment complex wanted SO much info, and we had to fill out SO many things, and there are SO many apps to learn … that when I got to the question asking me for two pictures of my dog I sort of snapped and sent these:

I’m telling you, it’s easier to buy a house than it is to rent an apartment! And don’t try selling a house at the same time unless your brain is better than mine, I don’t recommend it.

Oh and we got a new car. We needed it, it was planned for the near future … but I’m old and there are SO many buttons and things to figure out. I do Love it and I’m grateful we found it, and I hope I get that lane assist thing figured out soon.

We need new phones, but NO. I just can’t right now – I should be more excited about it, I suppose, but I used up all my excitement on the new mattress that does not require me to do anything except lay down. I’m good at that.

People keep asking if we’re settled. The answer is no, for me anyway. I know it will come, probably sooner than later, but I just feel so out of rhythm.  My routines got blasted out of the water, and now I’m trying to rebuild the ones that need to be rebuilt (some don’t, it turns out, and that’s freedom). It’s a good time to change things up, and my early mornings with God are turning into a new something lovely.

Well that’s enough words for today. I know, I haven’t told you about my guts. How it was so hard to walk away and why. What surprised me. What I expected that didn’t happen.

Soon, dear friends, soon! Feels good to write to you today.

Love,

~Angie

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Angie Clayton Author|Speaker|Storyteller

Angie Clayton is an author, speaker and editor who has a passion for connecting with the hurting. She is a storyteller, and her writing is rich with diversity. On her blog, Framing the Days, Angie shares with you the joys and beauty of both the mountain tops and the valleys of her life and the lives of those around her. Her book, “Peering into the Tunnel: An Outsider’s Look into Grief,” is a collection of real stories, as well as helpful suggestions to best serve someone who is grieving.

Angie is a long-time Bible teacher who is passionate about connecting with younger generations, and engaging with the hurting. She spends much of her time doing life one-on-one with women. Her speaking engagements include numerous in-person, radio and podcast appearances on many topics, including Grief, Grandparenting, chronic illness, and life after Retirement.

Achievements:

Angie graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Accounting and Business Administration, followed by her CPA certification

Personal Interests:

Angie and Greg, married for 36 years now, live in the Kansas City area, and they have two children and four grandchildren. Angie enjoys spending time with the grandkids, reading, puzzles and amateur photography. She is passionate about walking out life’s storms with those around her.

Contribution to the Community:

Angie and her husband were foster parents for a number of years. She volunteered for more than a decade at Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission’s Camp in the Ozarks), which serves hundreds of low-income kids, primarily from urban KC.

Angie was recognized as “Kindest Kansas Citian” in 2003 for her work with children.

Fun Fact:

Angie homeschooled her kids while they were in high school, which was no easy feat!