You know, one of the best things about moving is the thing that I call the "moving vacation." Your house is unpacked, you have a bit of a routine going, but no one knows who you are--at church, at school, at wherever. You just show up to things and leave. You have time to read or do some of the things you were too busy to do in your previous life. It's nice. You're lulled into the sense that you were merely a crazy person before you moved and now you have finally figured out how to be calm, relaxed, and at peace with your world.
Then your life hits you in the face and tells you, "Vacation's over!"
I'm back to having stress in my chest all day. I keep finding that I'm holding my breath as I deal with the new things our life here in Texas brings:
- Joseph has given up his commute, but I've taken it up. The dentist and pediatrician for the kids are here in McKinney, but everything else is in Plano or Dallas. This means at least a 25 minute drive one way to Plano or 45 minute drive to Dallas--when we're not facing traffic. Double the time when we are. Even Joshua's physical and occupational therapy is in Plano. That's an hour trip just in driving--plus the hour visit. Good thing it's only once a week. AAHH!!
- People at church know we're here and know that we like to help out. So, I've been subbing as music chorister in our Relief Society women's group on Sunday. Joseph is teaching a teenage Sunday School class. I'm the "compassionate service leader" which means I help coordinate meals and babysitting and other help for families that need them (like when a baby is born). And that's not to mention I'm in the book club, the cooking club, and the scrapbooking club (which I'm trying to give up, but can't seem to be able to). I'm also in a writing group with two new friends.
- Shari no longer is in school (for full details, contact me)--basically she didn't qualify for services here, so now I have two kids at home while Josh is at school, so errands aren't as easy to run anymore. The girls are either the best of friends or the worst of enemies--so a lot of driving around town is me getting them to be nice. :( We've also put Shari in a dance class once a week so she has an outlet for her boundless energy.
- And the list goes on . . . .
All-in-all our life here is good though. And I'm grateful for the "moving vacation" even if your new life does finally get your address and move in.
