Things People Place

We (husband and I) are moving up the road. It is not very far, but we are really excited about being there. The moving side of it is a different story.

Things
Today we were packing.  I was lost in what to pack and on the verge of an award winning freakout.*  So Chris (husband) offered a little perspective.  "Just try to find a home for everything."  If you read the post about the lonely washcloth or the Day After Christmas Tree Lot, you will understand this was genius.
Suddenly everything made sense. Storybook Tara created characters and settings for everything in the house. Cups live in this box.  Hair clips and headbands stay in this bag.  I was surprised to find how many of our belongings made their home in the trash can.  I think my wedding dress is ready to move back in with my mother.  But the RC boat and Cotton Candy Machine, where ever I go they go.  We aren't finished yet, but we are moving right along.

People
I have been more than a little nervous about getting to know new people.  I know how I look when I'm nervous or uncomfortable.  My friend Lauren actually does a really good impression of me when I am done with a situation.  So I've been thinking a lot about how to deal with this.  I can feel the next chapter taking root. How to Make Friends without Trying Too Hard  or How I Alienated all of East Nashville or The Return of Jennifer.(Jennifer was my invisible friend in 1st grade. I would pretend she was calling me on a walkie-talkie at school. I would always say, "Not now Jennifer, I'm at school. No I don't know where Peaches N Cream Barbie is, but we can look for her when I get home." I don't know why I got so mad at her for calling.)

 Last week we were visiting friends who are more like family.  It is amazing how differently you feel being around people who know you.  People who remind you of who you are and how you've grown.Who listen to what's at the heart of what you're saying, not only the words. These things only come from time and history.   
Sunday morning we packed up the car, said goodbye, and I cried like a baby.  I always do. I probably always will.  I cry because I'll miss them, and because I miss who I am when I am with them. That is the part to carry with me...I just have to figure out how.

Place
Relocating seems like a great time to reset my perspective on life and how I interact with the world.
 
 

 *Be on the look out for that award winning freakout. I can feel it brewing. I fear too much discussion of it will break my flow.