The packing has begun in earnest, as has the feeling that we need to pack in as much fun as possible.
With this in mind, I prodded my reluctant family into our car and headed west on Highway 11. We were going to see Alabaster Caverns and the Great Salt Plains, both of which are amazing natural treasures right here in our home state. They both also happen to be located 2 hours away in the middle of nowhere.
Unfortunately, the menacing rainclouds made good on their threats and we found ourselves in the middle of a good old fashioned Oklahoma gully washer. After a few fervent hopeful miles of white knuckled driving I had to give up and turn around. Maybe another day before we leave.
I did get on picture on the way that will make me smile as I remember my birthplace from afar.
Today I focused on getting serious about packing as the move should be happening the week after next. My husband helpfully volunteered to entertain the kids and himself with remote control cars. I packed 4 boxes of breakables before the cars whizzing beneath my feat and the Eskimo Joe's cup towers being toppled by said cars forced me into the bedroom to type this blog post. I was reminded (and as a mother of small children I so often am reminded) of Shel Silverstein's poem:
Luckily, I do love them, so I will resume the packing momentarily.
Ugh. Packing. I am very happy that the company my husband works for is paying the cost of the relocation which enables me to take advantage of U-Haul's rather impressive range of options. There are special boxes for dishes complete with protective sleeves for the plates, etc., wardrobe boxes for transporting hanging clothes, and pods that will be delivered, loaded and shipped to California for us. Do you know how many nightmares I had about driving a bumpy moving truck 1700 miles? It sure beats packing when we moved as kids. No scrounging in the grocery store dumpsters for boxes and wrapping everything in newspaper. This is some fancy pants high-falutin' moving we've got going on here. It still seems to be a lot of work though.
I'm trying to take it easy and be kind to myself while this journey continues. That means wearing my FitBit to remind me to get my steps in and to monitor my sleep, using Dr. Teal's lavender epsom salts in my bath at night, doing yoga, and using my favorite cleansers (Juice Beauty by Alicia Silverstone and LUSH's Angels on Bare Skin) to remove all dirt and grime. These a few of my favorite things to unwind.
Even as I type this I am reminded of another calming trick up my sleeve, a proper cuppa tea made by a proper Englishman. I suppose not everyone has that at their disposal though. Thank you, Mr. SanFranOkie.
One more thing before I go...Any advice on the liquor? Do you pack it up and take it with you or drink it all before you go? The stress of moving might solve the issue...
