I should be packing…

If it feels like my house move has been going on for ages, that’s because it has. I started looking for a place a few months ago. Then there was the loan application and the closing process. All of you who have been through this process before, you know just how much fun I was having.

And now I’m officially into Move Week.

My two dogs and cat – Charlie, Phoebe, and Sweetie – left today. I said goodbye to them while they were in the back of the pet transportation van. The pet transport folks, a team of two, were very kind. The gentleman was older. Usually his wife is the second half of his team, but she had to stay at home because of an ailing mother, so he had a younger partner with him for the trip.

The older gentleman gave me a hug. Some people are not huggy people, but I am so I loved it. I kinda needed a hug today.

And the pets… all three were hooting and hollering. I looked at them with love and thought, yeah, this is why I don’t drive you guys across the country. Thanks to the pet transportation folks, they’ll be safe and treated well, and they will stay at a friend’s house until I reach the other side, and in the meantime I am now free to deal with what I need to do.

It was a relief when the van drove away, but much of the brightness in the day left with them. There aren’t any funny, affectionate companions hanging out by my feet while I type this. The SoCal house is quiet, and even though my stuff is all still here, a lot of it is in boxes and the place doesn’t feel lived in any longer.

The moving company shows up tomorrow, and I am not ready for them. I should be packing. Instead, I decided to write this.

I’m getting a house for Christmas, and I’m thrilled. Pretty thrilled. Theoretically thrilled. It’s all my choice, and I’m totally fine with having made it.

But moving during December feels weird. On the one hand, it’s great! Because of off-season pricing, I saved a lot on my moving company. But on the other hand, it’s a lonely business. I won’t be able to decorate for the holidays, or do any of the other things that many other folks are doing. Still, it will be worth it for the rewards, and that means I will doubly appreciate my Christmas tree next year.

Right now, since all my books are packed, I’m in search of great stories to load onto my kindle, because once again, books are going to get me through this transition in my life.

Stories are amazing, fundamental. They’re as necessary to me as food and drink, and perhaps they’re just as important to you too.

So before I shut down my internet for the last time in SoCal and disappear on my journey, I’m hoping you might help me out by posting either what you’re reading, or what you’re really looking forward to reading. I’ve got to grab some new stories and then get back to packing.

I’ll share photos of the house when I reach the other side!