The thrill of the day: we got a bed frame!
I Live in New Haven Now
We survived the move to New Haven, Connecticut, including:
- caravanning with a U-Haul through the North East (with the help of Daniel’s family)
- taking heavy objects up to our third floor apartment (with the help of movers)
- finding a grocery store
- applying for Medicaid (woohoo for Medicaid expansion!)
- registering for a residential parking permit
- unpacking without air conditioning
- perilously maneuvering a heavy AC unit up the metal fire escape stairs (that was my dad and Daniel)
- assembling various furniture (with the help of my mom)
I would be lying if I said that everything was great, and that my mental health wasn’t suffering. But, all things considered, the move went smoothly. No real hiccups. No car accidents or parking tickets. No panic attacks (which is actually a feat for me because I struggled with them for awhile).
On Saturday morning, our dear Charlottesville friends who moved to Australia in January asked if we’d be able to make a spontaneous trip to their family’s beach house on Bailey Island, Maine. With nothing before us but unpacking boxes, we jumped at the opportunity.
Seeing them and their quickly growing little kiddos was indescribably wonderful, but it also reminded me that moving is heartbreaking even when you know you’ll see each other again. When I got back home, or rather, to this place I’d occupied for all of 3 days, I was in a foul mood that lasted until this morning.
Moving is heartache. Severing deep roots is painful in just the same way that a broken bone is painful. Yesterday, I found myself wanting my body to hurt more so my brain would hurt less.
But I know that the pain will dull, and the days will become full of new delights. The boxes will get unpacked and the clutter will clear. We live in a very walkable part of town with great restaurants, museums, beautiful churches, and Victorian houses. We are on the kind of adventure I’ve yearned for but never thought I’d get to take.
And I am here to pursue a calling. So tonight, amid the clutter of boxes and old newspaper, and under the hum of various fans, I will listen and wait. We made it. We finally made it.
P.S. I’ve been posting candid life things on Instagram, so you can stay up to date on moving-related goings-on there.
P.P.S. If you live in the area and have suggestions for thrift shops, fair trade shops, ethical fashion-y stuff, or anything else, let me know!
