Combing

So, I'm going to start posting random postings. As I start to prep for the big move, I have a bazillion things running through my head at any given minute, and even more so when I'm asleep. Also, expect more posts because my insomnia has increased exponentially; i suppose it is to be expected.

I got my first batch of moving boxes today from a friendly grad student friend. I packed 12 boxes full of JUST BOOKS. Ha! I'm such a nerd. I also sent out my information email (why do I tell you this?? If you are reading this, you received the email...heh). I've been combing and combing through my stuff and trying to decide what stays, what gets transported a couple thousand miles.

The move date is December 26th. Our plan (and yes, I'm going to say "our" because even though Kyle and I are not moving in together, we are moving up together--small graces??) is to pack up on the 23rd, have our respective family holiday times, say our goodbyes, and then load ourselves and Zooey into the UHaul and head on our merry way at the butt crack of dawn on the 26th. I think we're going to try to hit Portland on Day 1, but we shall see. Kyle is a trooper when he drives, so weather permitting, and the fact that there's 2 of us, I think we might make it. Then, a little sales tax-free shopping and the last leg up to Seattle on Day 2.

I just breathed a large sigh. It's becoming real.

As I comb, I'm listening to Elvis Perkins, whom Alaska recommended. It's great stuff: sort of a mix between Leonard Cohen and the lead singer of The Decemberists. So, it's this and The Verve, and a lot of Joanna Newsom. There's not sadness here, just pensiveness; there isn't even trepidation, there's just focus and a desire to push through and on.

Steve is visiting this week and Dane will visit on the weekend, and Sarah was (fortuitously and thankfully) here last weekend. It feels good to be reminded these continuities as I prepare for the new: there are reliable constants in my life; they've always been there and I have faith they always will be. I am truly grateful!

There are only 2 things I really want to do before I leave (enough time?!?!?!?!?):
1. Disneyland
2. go see Jess and Jayson in AZ

The other want list will happen on a day to day basis, I am sure.

Kyle and I went to see Dan in Real Life and I loved it. It reminds me how much you just want to be loved, unreservedly, and how fortunate you are when you find folks who will give it unconditionally, and you can return the gesture. It also reminded me that I want to build a family for my offspring that is reliable and genuinely loving, the kind of family I have built for myself through my friendhsips. Those spaces that feel like home, that are safe and light, they sustain us through the years; they give us a harbor while we swing madly around. While we have the courage to forge new paths, that "home" is always there, patiently posted, a port in the storm.

I teach tomorrow and then have the rest of the week off. After that, I teach for 2 more weeks, and then I am done. I meet my Tues/Thurs classes 6 more times; my Friday class 3 more times.