So, we have moved

So, we have moved.....What does that mean?

     It means more than I ever though it would. I didn't realize that staying in the same area for 16 years would mean that leaving would be that hard. I mean people move all the time. Right? And, after all, we only moved 29 miles away.

     Moving means that I have to make new friends and get out of my comfort zone. Which, of course, I have done before. But that was so much easier when I was comfortable in my surroundings. Here, I am not comfortable. I don't know my way around the surrounding streets, let alone going into town. So when I talk to someone and they say, "Oh, you know where ??? is?"
I say, "no".
They say, "you know, down the street from ???. On the corner of ??? and ???."
I have to say "no" almost every time. I will learn these things, I know. But making new friends is just as confusing. It is so much easier when you have some old friends by your side, landmarks. I have none. NO ONE knows me here. No one knows my likes or dislikes, what I'm good at or what I'm bad at. No one knows me at all. It is a very strange feeling to be a stranger to everyone.

    Moving means I appreciate the little things. Their names are Alysha, Andrew, Michael, Megan, Zachary, and Zane. Everything is different for them too. For Alysha, she did not move with us, so she is getting her first taste of grown up freedom and responsibility. I miss her every day. That has been the hardest for me. The other kids have been forced to be friends with each other. That has been fantastic to watch. I have seen Andrew teach the little ones to play baseball or a new game and really spend time with them. I have seen Megan become a little mother to Zack and Zane and take care of them like only she can. And Michael and Andrew have been forced to spend more time together and become better friends. (I have also seen more arguing than ever before!) But overall, I think their relationships have gotten better. And they all miss Alysha and appreciate her even more when she comes to visit.

     Moving means my sweet husband has so much more to do. He has to drive further to work and so he gets home later. And when he gets home from work the "honey do" list is waiting. He is a good sport about it all and still manages to spend time with the kids, tuck them in at night, and take me out every week. (Yeah, I know I'm lucky!!)

     Moving also means the things I expected. Peaceful country mornings with only the sounds of wild birds, roosters, and our peacock Kevin (named after the bird from Disney's UP). Kids riding quads around the property all day making dust and getting sunburned. Helping them fish and catch pollywogs in the pond. Watching them shoot a bow and arrow into hay bales. Picking fruit from our trees and planning a garden for next year. Sitting on the porch in the evening watching the kids play tag and hide and go seek in the dark. This is what I expected and it is even better than I predicted.

     So, essentially,moving means our world has turned upside down for a while. I don't like being upside down, it gives me a headache. I look forward to feeling right side up again.