to our very good and guilt-ridden friends...

you are all lovely people.

mb and i are very excited about the upcoming move, and have been talking about the various stages of packing, gas leaks, throwing things away, etc. with many of you. and like good friends, you have all been happy for us. we love you and are excited to welcome you to our new home in a week or so.

let us set the record straight to ease your collective conscience. we are hiring movers. i have never seen so many confused and vaguely guilty faces, ranging from the explicit "umm, i know it's my job as friend to offer to help you to move -- do you need me?" to the more subtle "yeah... ummm... so my sister? is also moving that day. sorry, would love to help you..." to the joyful "sweet! no more third-floor walk-up?"

we understand your reluctance to move our furniture -- you've already helped us so many times in the last three years, have lost toenails and watches on the steep wooden back staircase, have lost parts of your cement front driveways while i come careening through in a truck whose size exceeds my driving skills. we are also reluctant to move our own furniture. and to those who have regularly asked "you're HIRING? like paying MONEY? that doesn't seem like you," yes, even we think it's worth it this time.

so rest easy, thank you for three years of lifting, dragging, lending showers when ours stops working, laundry when ours stops working, etc. your next job will be to come admire the new place. there will be beer. we'll keep you posted.