Moving kinda sucks

Forgive me if the title of this post seems whiny, but at this moment I am very much over the whole moving process.  Selling our house, packing up every last possession, putting stuff into storage, deciding what will go with us and trying to find a new place to call home on the other side of the country (over the internet!) has caused my stress level to ratchet up a bit lately.  That being written, I will admit there have been fun moments too.  Two days ago I found some old costume stuff that I modeled for Tim.  He laughed and took some photos.  Our poor cat, on the other hand, was terrified by my beehive wig.  Can't say I blame her.

Since I've lived & worked seasonally for about fifteen years now, one would think I should be used to frequent moves.  I suppose I am, and I absolutely know that relocating can be very exciting.  A new home.  A new location.  A new job (crossing my fingers).  The possibility of new friends and countless new experiences.  All of these things I am looking forward to.  Being closer to my family is another.  I am a daughter, step-daughter, sister, aunt and great aunt.  It's hard to think that my niece is old enough to have babies of her own, but there it is - she has a two and a half year old boy who loves to sing, dance, laugh and talk on the phone.  I cannot wait to spend time with this little guy!   Just like his mamma, he also has an infectious giggle.

Here he is at around six months old

So Tim and I are leaving beautiful, small town, southwestern Montana for beautiful, small town, upstate New York.  He wants to change direction from being a meteorologist to someone who studies climate science and policy.  We will very soon be heading off to the Hudson Valley region so he may attend graduate school.  I have a zillion things in mind for myself, firstly finding a place to lay our heads and suitable work followed by exploring as much as possible in any direction.  We will be about 90 minutes north of New York City where I hope to rekindle my affection for its museums, parks, truly good pizza and interesting people.  We'll also be equal distance from my hometown.  This should allow for lots of family time.  I haven't spent Christmas at home for fourteen years.  Very much looking forward to that.  I love looking through the old ornaments my mother has kept since we were wee kiddies. 

In the end, the tasks of moving do kinda suck.  Leaving friends and an area that I adore will definitely suck.  But change can be oh so good, and being around family should be great.  Perhaps I can focus on that while we are driving across this huge country, ticking off the states and adding on the miles.  I have decided this will be my goal while also listening to several podcasts of Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me.  Looking forward to Mo Rocca, Paula Poundstone, Roy Blunt, Jr. and Carl Kasell.  Goodness that show makes me laugh!

                        *                     *                    *                    *                      *

As an aside, here is a pretty positive thing that happened yesterday:  I checked my mail after returning the Uhaul truck and picking up my car following four days of check ups & parts getting replaced to find a gorgeous magazine and letters from two wonderful women whose friendship I cherish.  Am I a lucky girl or what?  I may be dreading the 2,000 + mile drive back east, but tonight I will find the time to grab a cup of tea and settle into my camp chair for some reading.  I do so love that I have friends who still write letters!