March 1, 2005
-
The point of life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, with a well preserved body, but to rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "Holy sh*t, what a ride!
- Unknown
I get the distinct feeling that this is precisely the phase of life that I am entering right now!
For the second time (and hopefully the last) in one year, I began the daunting, emotionally draining task of packing my life away into cardboard boxes.
All my memories, some old, some new, all cherished – all carefully wrapped in tissue paper and bubble wrap . All sealed away to be opened in my new home as part of my new life.
I am at once excited and petrified. I want to stand up and shout at the world "Hey! I’ve never done this before. I don’t know what I’m doing!… I don’t know what I’ve done." Another part wants to shout "Hey! Watch me, just watch me now and see what I can do!"
I have less than 6 weeks to get everything in place. Today I packed 15 boxes! Granted they are small, but it was still an enormous amount of work. I learned from last years experience and have vowed to use only small boxes. That way no matter how much I put in them they can only get so heavy. (There is probably a philosophical allegory in there someplace! ) Last year after moving I had a long and painful bout of tendonitis from over exertion. I was also worn to a frazzle. Of course the circumstances were very different, but in a way this move is just as stressful for me. Maybe even more so.
Back then I was escaping from a bad situation. That took up most of my thoughts. Basically I had no choice. This time I have a choice. I’m not running away from something, I’m running towards it. It’s just that I’m not quite sure what it is I’m running towards.
It isn’t only the move, it is all the other parts of life that keep buzzing around in my ear like mosquitoes demanding attention. Tax return, car license renewal. Call the gas, electric, water, phone, cable companies. Don’t forget to do a change of address. Call the property tax office. Pick up more paper and boxes. Go to work five days a week, eight hours a day. Sometimes I feel like I am chasing my tail and getting no place fast!
On the upside, it is going to be very different. I am always open to new challenges and learning new things, and I have a feeling I am going to be learning a whole lot!! 
Buying an old house that needs work, especially a haunted one was probably not the most practical thing I have ever done, but I would bet any money it is going to be the most exciting and the most interesting - in other words A Wild Ride!
Comments (4)
You and I are in the same club (packing, changing addresses, etc.). Only I have a bit more time than you - nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah! Seriously though, best of luck with all of it and here's to new beginnings.
Yes, for a while I had all the time in the world...then, poof! We both have alot to look forward to in the future.
Put that friggin' cat in a basket! Jesus! I just wanted to say, "get the heck out of there kitty!" So distracting...I had to hit the screen of the monitor. And then laugh at myself of course. Before I moved in with my son's father, I felt the same way. Every time I do something for the first time I feel that way. Seems to me you've got the packing and common sense of the whole journey all in your hands and under control. Congratulations on taking all those micromovements towards a better life for yourself. Your sharing is just you always being a person for me to look up to and learn from as well.
One day you too will learn to appreciate the complexities of the "animated gif" kitty!!!! They can get a little annoying, but I love them anyway!
Comments are closed.