A few years ago we packed up our lives completely and moved cities because of a big new job that Mr D landed. It was an immense effort on my behalf, liaising with a million different people, supporting the kids through the move, supporting Mr D in the transition to a new job. I was the go-to person for the entire move logistically and dealt with the movers, the bank, real estate agents, letting agents, utilities providers, schools, insurance companies etc etc.
It was very emotional leaving our old life behind and saying goodbye to the community of people we had around us in our old city. I did a lot of hugging people and feeling sad but one way or another just got the job done.
I got through the whole mission with a clipboard full of pages of contacts numbers and notes and lists and lists and lists.
I got through with very little sleep (insomnia kicked in majorly because of stress, emotions and general brain noise).
And I got through with a lot of my beloved wine. I drank to help relieve the stress. I drank to cope with the strong emotions (sadness, excitement, nerves, grumps). I drank because that's what I did and during tough times, well you drink more don't you? Wine was my constant companion through the move, as it had been for most of my adult life.
Since we've been in the new city we've had a new baby and have built up a fabulous new community of people around us - neighbors, school teachers, kindy teachers, new mummy friends, previously distant family members, sports team buddies, gym friends, workmates. We love our life here. We are happy in our house and we are happy in our community which has become rich with people that we love. And the climate here is so much better than in our old town!
Oh, and I've gone and gotten myself sober and am in the middle of writing my MA thesis through the local University. Life is good.
So what's this all about? Well, it's happening again. And fast. We're selling up, packing and heading away within a matter of weeks. I can't talk about the details but it is the right move and a necessary one. But I feel tired and emotional just thinking about what's ahead. In the long run it will be great, but in the short term, hard work and tiring. And emotional.
And this time, my coping mechanism has gone. This time I'm going to do it all sober. This will be a test. Wish me luck.
Love, Mrs D xxx
