Yard Sale

I woke up this morning at five-thirty (a.m.!) to find that my dog had eaten 18 of my painstakingly homemade chocolate chip cookies. My day got increasingly bizarre from there.

After brainstorming ways to get fast cash for our trip this summer, (Drug deals-hmmm...maybe?...well...no. Waitressing-HECK NO.) my friend Leah and I decided to capitalize on our family's junk by hosting a yard sale. We worked on it for ages and rented the pavilion at our small town's most charming park for the big day. Both of our mothers helped patrol and merchandize while our friends and family stepped up to donate items and money and sometimes served as buyers. We sincerely thank everyone who was involved in making the sale a success.

Leah and I were shocked at the turnout for our sale! It was advertised as starting at 8:00 a.m. and while early birds were to be expected, a line of 30 people waiting for it to open is not exactly what we anticipated! Citizens of Sealy: I love you! It felt as though we were running a sample sale in Manhattan with people shooting across the pavilion to grab the best items. Afterwards there was HUGE line to check out, all in the name of cheap junk. One man's trash...

By 9:00 most of the best stuff was gone and we were out of the yard sale business by 1:30. And folks, don't hold your breath for another Leah/Bonnie yard sale ever again-they are hard work! In the end we made over one thousand dollars and will both use the money for our travels this summer. I have already made informal reservations at this adorable cottage in Dubrovnik.

No fights, no major scheming and limited theft--I'm calling it a smashing success. It was also a bit of an exercise in accounting when it was time to settle up, so in one day I found myself gaining skills as accountant, cash register (only with Leah's help), tough bargainer, merchandiser (mom had me working the floor like we were at Neiman's) and patient personal shopper.

All that plus a thrown out back and a suntan. :)

Much love and good times,

Bonnie

My oh my...

Only 28 days until I leave to meet my ship in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

My head is a whirlwind of to-do lists and daydreams of Mediterranean adventures, and I haven't even finished unpacking my things from college!

I have been planning this summer since my freshman year, and now that it is finally here I can hardly believe it. Eight countries in 66 days will be an unbelievable experience and very trying for my sanity all at the same time. In preparation I still have to pack, figure our currency exchanges, move into my lovely college house for next year, plan and execute a yard sale to raise money, decide on my international phone plan (or if I am even bringing a phone--Ahh!) and so much more.

It will all be worth it in the end. At least I have already purchased my books. Sometimes I forget that I am taking classes on the ship, but I am indeed enrolled in Creativity in Entrepreneurship, Literature of the Mediterranean World, and Global Studies.

So much to do in so little time. Wish me luck.

28 Days!