Well, we made it from Austin, TX to San Diego by car while our moving truck had our ‘stuff’ — I was realizing how little ‘stuff’ we really need in life. If that truck never showed up, it would have been fine. And I am glad it did!
As our dog, who has glaucoma, was losing her site as we traveled due to stress and lousy timing, I realized how unattached she was to her vision (or lack of). As long as she was with us, she was happiest.
I realized how amazingly easy my 4.5 year old daughter travels as long as she has the right ‘tools’ such as crafty things, workbooks, music, rich and silly conversation.
As we pulled up to our rental house in Solana Beach, which we rented via craigslist without seeing it, I realized that you can really make any house a home, and we did luck out! Because I knew the basic criteria of what we wanted, it was important to ask for those things upfront, I guess this is true with anything in life: a partner, a job, a work relationship, etc. We have to know what we want in order to ask for it so that we ultimately receive it.
As I sit here in my office a week after the moving truck arrived, after just getting off the phone with a dear friend, I realize that it does not matter where you live; friends and family are with you no matter how far away they are.
As I hear the new nanny, which I hired via the phone a month or so ago, working down stairs I am grateful for her ‘take charge’ initiative. If I was doing in person interviews it may have turned out differently, however, I know now to trust my intuition to listen with my whole being. She is the perfect person for our family at this time.
So a move across country is not always easy, packing, unpacking, driving, hotels, fast food, new neighborhood, new network of resources to learn about, new schools, new friends, new neighbors, new views, new roads, new ways. It is the top 3rd stressful thing we do in life, move! However, I realize after looking back at the past month, that I let it go, allowed ease and also asked for help and got help lined up right away.
Thanks for following our trek on facebook and if you have not joined us there please do! (Lorin Beller Blake and Big Fish Nation) There will be more journeys to document, learn from and enjoy.
Lorin, I love this post! I was one of your “groupies” following your move on FB, and this summary of your experience makes it even that much more rich.
It strikes me in particular that Sierra’s attitude for the move is a great example — particularly since her “necessary tools” are pretty much the same as mine.
Great lessons here!
Comment by Starla J. King — July 20, 2010 @ 8:29 am
Thanks for sharing your experience…I’m moving as well…not very far from where I am…but hearing someone else’s experience…always provides lessons learned. Thank you so much.
Comment by Sharond — July 20, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
Sharond, Where and when are you moving?
Starla, you are reminding me of a book called: HAPPY. and that it is just a choice… it could have been miserable!
AH the power of our choices!
Comment by Lorin Beller Blake — July 20, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Welcome to CA!!! As I learn to live with one less person in my life, I see how strong I really am!
As you move away from some, you move closer to others! I will be in SD area in two weeks. Would love to see you.
With Great Warmth
Kim
Comment by Kim — July 20, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
What I love most about your post and journey from TX to CA, is how you just trusted the process along the way. Coming from someone who just made a similar move (AZ to CA), I totally get it!! Can’t wait to see ya around town.
Comment by Michele — July 21, 2010 @ 9:53 am
Lorin,
After having moved an average of every 2-3 years for the past 27 years (military), I think you got it the most important things right!!! Everyone is stressed, so if you treat it as a fun event by having things planned and ready for the kids and pets your stress is so much less.
Great job on the move!
Peggy
Comment by Peggy Key — July 21, 2010 @ 10:16 am
Lorin- Thank you for sharing your adventure and life lessons-
Welcome to the west coast!
Comment by Shannon Crawford — July 21, 2010 @ 11:17 am
Yay, Lorin! So excited for you! San Diego is so gorgeous and my brother lives there, so maybe we will be able to rondevoud on the West Coast! We are moving in bits and pieces to oOregon. Here now for July. Do not want to go back to hot, sticky Nashville! bet you are enhjoying that SD weather! Take care. Thanks for everything! Whitney
Comment by Whitney Ferre — July 21, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Lorin and family,
Congratulations! Enjoy the new spot and the ever-continuing adventure!
Cheryl
Comment by Cheryl — July 21, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
Thank your for sharing such a great story!
Comment by Elissa — July 21, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
Hi Everyone!
Thanks for the warm welcomes and comments on this blog post. I think I am about 90% settled in and moved in…. learning where things are in town. Thank God for GPS’s! What did we do before them?! How did we move?
Anyway, thank you again for reading, following, and supporting me in this journey~
XO
Lorin
Comment by Lorin Beller Blake — July 21, 2010 @ 11:37 pm
Welcome to CA Lorin!! So glad everything is working out… it always does somehow.
Comment by Donna Gagnon — July 22, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
Hi Lorin – welcome to CA! I was in Texas while you were moving here. But I’m back here now, safe and sound, enjoying fabulous weather and home. That was a great update and I couldn’t agree with the sentiments more.
Comment by Kathie — July 27, 2010 @ 4:08 pm