We are moving on

Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.

— Groucho Marx

It’s finally happening. We are saying goodbye to Stillwater. We are saying goodbye to Oklahoma. We are saying goodbye to the Midwest (or South depending on who you talk to). My entire life has been lived between Arkansas and Oklahoma, but I am thankful for the opportunity to go experience somewhere new. It’s actually somewhere almost foreign compared to life in Oklahoma. People recycle religiously, it’s usually overcast, they seem laid back and excited to be outdoors. Here, the sun and everything else feels like it’s trying to kill you during the summer. Do not assume that my excitement for a new life means I am not sorrowful for the loss of my old life, though. I have a support net here. I have friends and family all within three hours distance or so. Of course a giant piece of my heart and soul will be left here with my sister. I doubt I could ever convince her to move so far away from what she knows.

As we prepare for putting the house on the market, and packing up for the move, my surroundings become increasingly strange to me. This house that has frustrated me so much and so often is being seen with new eyes. I’ve thanked it with each touch up of paint and with every cabinet I clean out. Expressed my gratitude to it for the shelter during so many storms, the warmth during icy winters, and the cool air conditioning during 100 degree temps. And finally I’ve let it know that I will never forget it for being the place where I brought my baby home. Where I saw her achieve so many milestones in those first two and a half years. I’ve realized that while I’ve been tirelessly trying to fix my house up, I’ve made it far better than it was when I moved in (it had wood laminate countertops everywhere, it was a disaster). And I hope that the people who purchase it next will love it as I have, even when I have been frustrated with it. She’s been a wonderful first home, even if I didn’t see it at the moment.

I’ve also been in the process of thanking my car and all the belongings that will not be traveling with me. It’s made things a little easier to let go of. Traveling with me are a lot of Heywood Wakefield furniture pieces (I have a problem), and sentimental furniture that has been with me through the years. While some people might think it’s weird to start over with buying furniture, I’m looking forward to taking the time to find the pieces that I really want, rather than what’s available to me and cheap at the time. This move might not be easy on me mentally, so I’m trying to carve out little pieces of zen where I can. Given that I’m an interior designer, selecting furniture sounds about right for me.

To tie up all the ends, if you’re a friend from Oklahoma, know that we cherish you. Your time in our lives has been absolutely wonderful, and I’m sure it’s not over yet. We have too much family left in the area for this to be goodbye, it’s just until next time. I love you all, and thank you for everything.