We’re in the home stretch on the big move now. We take possession of the new house in Manotick on Thursday, and we move the week after that. We’ve got the basement and the garage mostly packed up, and boxes piled in every corner of the house. I think we’re on track, but still vaguely anxious to just be done with the whole thing.
It’s interesting to see the move as a sort of Rorschach test that illuminates each of our personalities. My middle boy is happily oblivious to everything. New house, old house, whatever. As long as there is a house, with a kitchen and a TV, he’s good to go. The littlest really has no clue, but will happily tell you he’s getting his own room full of his own toys if you ask him about the new house.
My oldest is taking it hard. As much as he loves the idea of the play structure and the tree house in the new house, and of having his own room, he plainly misses the old house already and we haven’t even left yet. He’s not enthusiastic about moving, he’s regretful and anxious about the change. It’s hard to watch, because I feel for him and with him. Each time I enumerate the wonderful things about the new house, the new neighbourhood, the new life, I feel like I’m giving myself a little pep talk, too. It’s great fun to go, but oh so hard to leave, yanno?
Beloved surprised me by expressing my own feelings rather succinctly the other day. In moving, he noted, we have the unique opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We’re excited about the possibility of the people we might become when we live in that new house. Maybe those people are better at keeping on top of the clutter (I hear you snickering, don’t think I don’t) or maybe they are braver socially or maybe they’re a little less likely to yell when stressed. It’s a different kind of house than our little townhouse here in Barrhaven, and we’re both excited and intimidated by the life that the house in Manotick offers. Like our life, but different. Us in an alternate universe, if you will, just up old Highway 16 a bit.
I sympathize with Tristan’s fear of change. It was me who got us here, me who saw the online ad and started the snowball rolling down the hill, picking up speed and passers-by until it was an avalanche of moving mess, and yet I still wonder if we’re doing the right thing. As much as I’m tap-tap-tapping my feet in gleeful impatience waiting for Thursday when I can finally stop slowly driving by the house and yearning for it, when I can actually get out of my car and sit contentedly on the porch and say, “This is MY house” finally and definitively, I still feel sad and regretful when I think of leaving this house behind. We’ve outgrown it, no doubt, but it’s a good house and treated us well.
Every time I’m feeling particularly anxious, I just have to think about that delicious feeling of reinvention, and the optimism creeps back in. The possibility of being wrenched out of our comfortable routines, of being forced to be more and better.
Interestingly enough, it also helps to think about the family moving in here. They truly seem to love this house, and I’ve seen them sitting out front in their car by the curb, simply admiring it. They’ll love the house like we did, and that’s good too. (And? They have FIVE kids. FIVE! And I thought the house was full to the rafters already!)
As an Air Force brat, I grew up thinking everyone moved every 3 to 5 years. It wasn’t until I was 11 that I realized this wasn’t the case! I knew it was a necessity, and there was a good side, as you have pointed out.
But, it was change. And to my young point of view, change was scary. But, as you well know, kids are resilient. Once we got into the new house, I don’t ever recall pining for the old one, even when the new digs were smaller. Each new venue had something that was better than the previous one, and I am certain that Tristan will realize that soon enough.
As for the family moving in to your old place: they are ecstatic because this is their first home. Something that is theirs, a place of their own. Home Ownership in this oh-so-expensive area where breaking into the market is so very difficult these days.
Them, Tristan, you: it’s all a matter of perspective.
PS I was enjoying these posts until it dawned on me that my turn is coming up very soon. We’ll be selling and moving to the retirement house (the cottage) within 7 months, and that will just zip by, I am sure. Oh well. I’ll ‘virtually’ pack a box or two for you anyway. 😉
what a wonderful way to look at it. i love the idea of reinventing yourselves into the people who will live in the new house.
The move will be fine. They boys will settle in no time and by the time summer comes around they will be happy that they moved because they have the awesome new backyard.
Come Spring, you will have a ton of stuff to think about on your long bike rides into work 😉 lol I am SURE those days are behind you.
I think the idea of it being a way to reinvent yourself is pretty neat. Beloved is so clever!
Oh, and FIVE kids!? Where are they going to put them all??
Wow, the home stretch is here!
It will be sad to say good-bye to the old home, but I know that you will be making wonderful memories in the new one. Good luck with the move!
http://bit.ly/4EQ38v Moving experiences: We’re in the home stretch on the big move now. We ta… http://bit.ly/b8CjPi http://bit.ly/5bAgvn
I do love the feeling of reinvention. I’m feeling it this week with my nanny starting. It’s a small thing, really, but somehow it’s rife with possibility.
To new beginnings!
Moving experiences: We’re in the home stretch on the big move now. We take possession of the new house in Manotick… http://bit.ly/d18UC5
You could speak to Kerry about children and moves. She moved, just co-incidentally at all the ages your children are now. She may have been the “Tristan” in our family.
I am sure that the family who purchases your house is sitting in their car looking and wondering the same things you and Beloved are mulling over.
Good Luck to you all!
My stomach is full of butterflies-on-your-behalf.
Reinvention is life. You continue to show your boys, and all of us, the true joy in living, which is to embrace change.
I wish you a smooth move and many wonderful years in your new home.
good luck with reinventing of yourselves and with all of that moving issue. In my experience change will bring only good things. Keep your head up.