Week 223: Afloat

Well.

It was perhaps optimistic of me to be thinking a week ago that life would be back to normal--or at least back to a new normal--by today. Oh, I knew there would still be unpacked boxes, but somehow I thought I'd have the routine down of living in two different states (literally, since figuratively I'm living in many different states). Yet, it's 61 degrees here and I find myself without any jeans. Or socks. Or footwear other than flip flops and high heels. In fact, all those things are 70 miles away, unpacked, stacked neatly on the shelves in the closet of our "weekend" house. Ergo, I am cold.

Yes, the "clothes issue" is proving to be problematic.

I think I could write a lot about all the many things that have been problematic over the past week. Even things that have been more than problematic, verging on semi-traumatic. Honestly, I'm not quite there yet, where I can write about leaving our house. I have to force myself to remember the shining moments from the week, otherwise the defining moment becomes me, sitting at the top of the driveway of our former house, sobbing in the darkness, wishing we hadn't ever decided to sell our house.

While that was definitely part of last week, it wasn't all heartbreak and frustration.  

• My dad--a former professional mover--help us get our house packed up and organize the logistics of loading the moving van.
• Our parents being so willing and flexible to have the girls last week while we tried to get everything arranged. 
• The cable guy who came out to our apartment at 10 pm to fix our Internet connection.
• The wonderful group of students who are part of my classes this semester.
• The Banana Republic gift cards that we received courtesy of the rewards program on our credit card, allowing us to buy new clothes for work.
• The time that Jason and I got to spend just with each other--even if we were missing our girls terribly.
• The meal that our friend fixed us on Friday after we had been suffering on fast food (or no food) for a week.
• Receiving a several thousand dollar check back because we had (unbeknownst to us) been overcharged on the realtor commission.

Isn't that how every challenging situation is? Full of difficulties, to be sure, but also full of moments that keep us afloat. I expect (somewhat to my chagrin) that this past week is only a small reflection of what this next year is going to look like. No one said it was going to be easy--building a house, living in two different places, driving a 140-miles round-trip a couple times a week. I'm not even going to pretend that I'm 100% happy with all the decisions we've made.

But we're in it now, and it'll be okay. We'll float on down this muddy river, and let me tell you, there will be one heck of a picnic celebration when we get to the end.

Comments

[Margaret]

This is what I love about you--realistic, emotional, and appreciative. You are feeling just the way that I would be feeling! Hang in there!!

[Inkling]

Lots of picnics along the way, too. Come over lots.

[Alida]

There are many Cuban sayings I love to revert to in times of challenges. My all time favorite, courtesy of my mom is the silliest one.

"Once you get on the donkey, you just have to keep kicking to get where you want to be."

Apparently, getting off the darn animal is not an option. Just thought I'd share...keep kicking...you'll get there before you know it.

[Sarah]

hey steph, feel free to raid my closet. there are sweaters in there :) seriously, help yourself!