Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Why We Move

Having moved away from my good friends and strong social network, I frequently find myself wallowing in self pity. Poor me, no good friends that I can visit at the drop of a hat. No one to discuss books we've read over Indian food and a glass of wine. No one around that really knows me with the exception of my kids and husband. When I'm stuck in the moment of self pity, there is no saving me. I just want to pick up and move back to Cincinnati so I can spend Friday night out with my girl friends rather than then endless nights and weekends spent without socializing.

Today I got a wake up call from Craigslist. I posted an ad on Craigslist to get rid of the last of our moving boxes. What a better way to recycle than to have them reused. The first person to respond to my ad said she could be here in a about 15 minutes, she was coming from the next town over. As with all of the people that come to get the boxes, and we have had many, I always am excited to hear where they are moving to, mainly to make small talk, and mainly too because I don't have any other adults to chat with throughout the day. I remember six months ago meeting a couple that I could have seen hanging out with on the weekends. They were excited to be leaving the NYC area to start a new life teaching in North Carolina. They had had enough of the long commute, especially with a new young baby. They told me about what papers to read, what websites have great lists for what is going on in town and what to avoid. They were also very grateful to have the free boxes. I met other people along the way who were only there to pick up boxes and didn't want to even say "hi" or "thank you". They just wanted to get on with their move without having to chat to someone excited for a harm body at her doorstep.

The woman that showed up today was different than all of the rest. She came in her old two door sports car that had certainly seen better days. It was a car clearly on the end of it's final miles but had been at the height of car fashion in a prior decade or two. So when she came, the dogs immediately started going crazy over a visitor, so I yelled that I would meet her at the garage. Upon properly greeting her, I apologized for the manners of the barky beagle. She only replied, "I would love a dog someday, but I can't have one". Figuring allergies or a stuffy building that didn't allow pets, I left it at that.

"So, where are you moving to?", I said in an overly excited voice as if all moves are always exciting and happy occasions.

"Well, the boxes are going into storage with all of my stuff, but I promise to recycle them when I'm done. I will post them back on Craigslist", she quickly said to me as if I was the recycle police to the world beyond my house. She ended the conversation since she knew I was going to ask again if she didn't offer it up, "I'm moving into a shelter for awhile".

I didn't know what to say, so I just wished her the best on her move.

As we loaded her small car with the boxes. She was embarrased over her messy car and appologized, which was nothing compared to my minivan with litter constantly falling from the doors on windy days. I commented on how much space she had with the hatchback and reclining seats. She said there was a lot more room with the car seat gone. "Luckily my son was sleeping so I could leave him there". It look me awhile to realize that she most likely left her sleeping son at home alone while she went to get the boxes. Obviously she wouldn't have been able to leave him if he was awake, so she did luck out.

Hopefully her car made it back without breaking down, or before her son woke up. What more can I say, she is moving without a choice. She isn't moving to better her life, to have an adventure or to be closer to family. She was moving for the simple need of shelter.

31 comments:

Michael said...

Wow, a very insightful post on moving. I tell the story of our family's move two or three times a week and it's hard to tell it without a little of the sadness of leaving our good friends and family creeping in.

Sometimes it takes an outside influence to help with self evaluation.

Unknown said...

Such interesting times are these. There are many wake-up calls around us. Let's hope we listen.

Unknown said...

Where oh where has my Stuntmom gone... or where oh where can she beeeeee....?
:(

Unknown said...

I just re-read this. It's really poignant. I hear you and I miss you.
Love,
k

Spencer said...

Wow!! Tugged a bit at my heart. I so want to reach out and help everyone. Yet, helping myself on certain days is a full time job.

What I took away from your post was, be joyful for warmth, a home, and love no matter where we lay our head.

Thank you.

ruzcarmen di romo said...

this goes to say we have varied views of life and people. but one true thing remains, the one who has a heart notices a lift in spirit every now and then. many people are often too wrapped up in their predicaments that they lose sight of how fortunate they are... let's continue being reminders to others that life is good, we should be grateful. keep posting.

Chanie said...

Hi I'm Chanie from http://aroundthedinnertable.blogspot.com
The story of this mother, definitly tugged at my heart. I too left my home 9 years ago and moved a 7 hour drive away. The distance makes it hard. I often pity myself. But this story definitly puts a different light on things. Atleast I have a happy, healthy, loving family. And a warm, cozy home.

Steph said...

We have so much to be thankful for.

melanie said...

I can totally relate to the way you feel with moving,I relocated from Sydney, Australia to Easton, Maryland 6 months ago. My husband is working in NY for most of the week for the short term until he can establish work locally, I know in another 6 months things will probably feel easier....anyway you have inspired me to also give away all of my moving boxes and to look at life with an attitude of the glass half full not half empty.
Mel

jessica said...

life is very hard especially when you have to move and leave your friends behind... I had to go through that all my childhood and even once I got married.. I would always meet new people.

farah india said...

oh you touched a chord.today i am feeling sad and miserable that my best friend is going away but then i have a lot to be thankful for.thank you for making me realise it.
farah

Heather said...

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Pink Shoe Laces said...

Craigslist is a great place to get rid of the junk you don't want but don't want to throw away but I never thought of recycling moving supplies that way. Great idea!

Joseph P. said...

We move for so many reasons, we sacrifice things that makes us happy, just to plan for moving up. Some reasons are work, and school of children. We tend to decide the best things for moving up to a new place. Plan ahead of time to minimize stress.




Joseph @ furniture removal Sydney

anita grace said...

Life is very hard especially when you have to move and leave your friends behind... I had to go through that all my childhood and even once I got married.. I would always meet new people.

AnitaGrace @ Surry hills removalists

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Unknown said...

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Mae said...

I can totally relate. :( I hope she finds a place that she can truly call Home.

Mae from AEGIS Business Directory

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http://www.tulsahvac.net said...

Respect and only respect. It's a tough decision to quit a career and become a full time mother.

waterproofing contractor said...

They had had enough of the long commute, especially with a new young baby.

Unknown said...

It sounds like you're feeling lonely and missing your old social network. It's understandable to feel that way, especially after moving away from friends and family. However, it's important to remember that building new relationships takes time and effort. It can be challenging, but there are ways to meet new people and make connections.

One way is to get involved in activities or groups that interest you. You could join a book club, volunteer at a local charity, or take a class in something you enjoy. This can be a great way to meet people who share your interests and values. cincinnati-seo.com/

Eric Civault said...

We always have a positive mindset especially when the conversation is about why we leave or move because if the situation is worse will we stay this is also the first step so that we can develop further in the coming day if this is the way when moving forward go for it for a new journey.
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