Life is funny

I've been surprised at the vast array of emotions that have accompanied this move. Most of the time, my emotions are dominated by the adventurous side of me, and I feel the thrilling excitement of all new experiences. But occasionally, twinges of concern and fear rear their ugly heads. A few nights ago, we had good friends over for dinner and they reassured us that they would be a safe place for us during the exasperating moments. I had not fully considered the demands of a move like this until they mentioned it, but they were right - it's not always sunshine and ice cream.

Navigating a crowded city to find a gas station; searching the grocery store aisles for the peanut butter that had previously been on aisle 6, half-way down the right side; transferring bank accounts and license plates; dealing with a failed auto emissions test!; locating a new church; not to mention returning to an academic life from which I'm 10 years removed, finding jobs, and trying to sell a huge, old house with an exorbitant mortgage - this is not a small list on the stress charts.

And we're going through all of this with the looming possibility that the house will not sell, our savings will be depleted in a few months, and we'll be forced to leave Seattle for a more affordable area of the country (whad'ya say Pop and Grammy??).

So, I've found myself looking at old pictures of family, friends, and vacations hanging around our apartment, and they seem to bring some comfort and perspective. They remind me of all I have that's good in life. And as for the miserable memories, it's funny how I can easily forget them, or even remember them with a strange affection. And I'm sure that someday, I'll look back on this present time with nothing but fondness.

In the meantime, when the struggle becomes too intense, I'll remember the sagacious advice of an old friend, "Man, you just need to chill out and look at the clouds." - advice that's easily followed in this city...