It's official. Our landlord told us tonight that the sale went through and we have thirty days to move out. Yes indeed, they're going to tear down this old duplex. In fact, the truth of the matter is that the money doesn't change hands until everyone is off the property. Hence, the move-out (I hesitate to use the word "eviction"--everybody has been nice and friendly here) notice.

Good neighbor Ray is almost fully moved and had planned on being out by Feb. 1. I'm going to miss living next to Ray. It's not like I'm never going to see him again. I will see him at workshops and other writerly gatherings in Eugene, not to mention Thanksgiving and Xmas. There won't those random "hellos" and conversations as we stand out in the yard here. Sometimes we'd talk about writing.

The news of the official sale didn't catch us totally by surprise. X and I have been looking and as of yesterday we found a two bedroom apartment in south Eugene (an area I wanted to live in again) that allowed cats and the rent is low. $475 when most of the cheap places in town go for $550. Now if we can just pass the screening process (we should know anywhere from three to seven days) we'll have a great place to live. It's walking distance (two blocks!) to Tsunami Books so I can hoof it to the workshop when I actually attend.

If things work out, we might be moving in a week, which is real sudden. Yeah, we knew we'd have to move, but didn't expect it to be this quick. If we get the new apartment, we might as well get out of this old place. Only want to pay rent for one place, don'cha know.

As for the novel, I'm behind and I have definitely slowed down. I'm good at avoiding writing if there is any instability or uncertainty in my immediate surroundings. That's exactly what has happened. I haven't even been close to another 3000 word day. I've been having 300 word days.

I'm trying to get back into gear, though. Our applications are in for the apartment and now it's just waiting. Must focus on writing now.

Worry about the heavy lifting later.