By Irene Conlan -
I moved this weekend and am sitting here surrounded by packing boxes. It was a good move if there is such a thing and I am pleased with the outcome. We only moved a couple of miles away from where we were living so I didn’t think it would be a very big deal. It turned out to be a bigger deal than I anticipated and and pretty amusing around the edges. I don’t think there is a way you can do a move and know what’s in every box and bag and I think that’s a lot of the fun of it. I found things in the packing process that I hadn’t seen since the last move five years ago – I figure I don’t need them anymore so they go in the “garage sale” box and when we truly know what we don’t want or doesn’t fit anymore, we will have a gigantic sale. As fancy as Scottsdale, AZ is supposed to be, we love our garage sales and Good Will is a major department store. You knowwhat they say – “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and I really believe that.
We moved ourselves with help from our friends and we did it over a two day span. I stayed in the “new” house (new to us) the first night so there would be someone “here” and someone “there.” We had only moved about half our belongings and this presented some interesting challenges. For instance I packed the oatmeal for breakfast and put my 2 cup coffee maker in the box thinking that would be easy for the next morning. But when I started fixing breakfast I discovered I didn’t have anything to cook the oatmeal in. I usually microwave it in the serving bowl – no bowl! I found a Pyrex 2 cup measuring cup that worked fine although lacked in elegance and began the process of making coffee only to discover that I had the coffee maker and the coffee but not the coffee pot. I did have some teabags so I made tea instead. Getting dressed was just as interesting. I had to search packing boxes to find some things wrapped protectively in a big towel so I could take a shower - I had to open several boxes to accomplish this and then it was a search for the box with underwear. (we won’t describe this adventure). It took me much longer than usual to get me ready for the day but I made it and went to the old house to help finish the move.
The last load of the day had the dog and the frogs. The dog is still asleep, tired from his running back and forth in the back yard trying to figure out what was happening and the frogs are enthroned in the living room until we get my grandson’s room ready to receive these little princes in disguise. Frogs in my living room. There must be an article in there somewhere.
As much as I dislike moving, it can be a rewarding experience. For one thing, you learn who your friends are. My best friend, Joanne, spent two days packing and unpacking (I have the most organized pantry in town because of her) . Another who promised made some wild excuses and didn’t bother to show up. Other’s pitched in for as long as they could, sandwiching helping us in between their own obligations. We have wonderful frineds and we are so grateful for each of them.
I think the biggest lesson moving teaches is not to hoard things you don’t need and never use and that “stuff” isn’t as important as family and friends. Love and friendship matter the most. Where you live isn’t nearly as critical as HOW you live and it’s important that you know the difference.
I could go on and on but I’m surrounded by boxes that are calling me to discover their treasure. Yikes! But I this morning I do have a bowl and a coffee pot. Life is good.
Irene Conlan has a master's degree in nursing, with a major in nursing administration and a minor in psychiatric nursing. She taught nursing at Arizona State University, served as Director of Nursing Administration at St. Luke's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and served as Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services for the Division of Health Care Facilities and Emergency Medical Services. She is also a certified hypnotherapist with a practice in Scottsdale, AZ. She is an avid blogger and manages http://www.theselfimprovementblog.com http://www.theselfesteemblog.com http://www.thepositivepsychologyblog Irene lives in Scottsdale AZ and has two sons and three grandsons.
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