I arrived in Anchorage on Tuesday after an intense packing and move out process. It's been a long week for me; preparing to leave, spending a long day in airports and on planes, learning the lay of the land, hunting for a house and car, and preparing for my first big girl OT job. Life's tough, adulthood is hard, my sister and I agree we should quit. :) If only that were an option. Living is amazing, but life can be difficult.
Things I have learned this week:
1) Plan, organize, execute
When you move 4,000 miles away from home, waiting until the last week to pack up and tie up lose ends is highly inappropriate. Don't get me wrong, I had lists and lists and lists, but did I stick to them? Not so much. I barely got everything done at home before I flew away. Procrastination station, all aboard.
2) Use your people
Do you know other human beings with hands? Use them! My mom did SO much for me, and I couldn't have made it through the week without her. And boyfriends...they're the best! I made Collin a list of tasks I needed completed (and had totally procrastinated thus far), which he completed like a knight in shining armor, while I was enjoying AOTA National Conference in Nashville. I hope your humans are as wonderful as mine.
3) Ziploc Space Bags are incredible
Seriously, they're the most important part of packing a large suitcase (or four). My mom and I condensed my entire closet and dresser contents into 8-10 plastic bags, which fit neatly into my giant suitcases. Who knew all those infomercials were so right? (Disclaimer: the whole thing about not wrinkling your clothes is completely false, but so worth it anyway.)
When traveling or moving, it is vital to have people along the way. I'm so blessed to have caring, loving, hospitable friends with equally wonderful networks themselves. I arrived in AK and was picked up from the airport and given a tour of the area; I have a place to stay, a car to drive, and helpful hints to explore and enjoy Anchorage; and, finally, I receive messages everyday from people here who have heard from friends in the Lower 48 that I am here, asking to take me to dinner, show me around, and help me out in any way they can. Truly incredible!
(Special thanks to Chris, Rusty, Phyllis, and Sandra)
5) Home, then car, then work
I don't know how others handle the whole moving-for-a-job-in-another-state thing, but I would recommend prioritizing tasks based on importance and necessity. I need home, a place to sleep and stay warm. Check. I need a car to drive, so I am independent and free. Getting there. I need to work, because that's why I'm here and that's how the numbers in the bank account go up, not down. Soon, very soon. Yes, I'm in Anchorage for the job, but I have prioritized home and car before work since arriving; with these two out of the way, I can focus on work with a clear mind. (Don't get me wrong, I've been to the clinic twice since getting here; surprise, surprise.)
Is a list of five things a legitimate list? Ten would be perfect, but when a list is done, it's done, you know? Monk would disapprove, but Shawn and Gus would understand.
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Hillary and I got to cuddle. Ame and I shared the biggest, longest hug of our lives. I told Sarah and Patty I'd be looking forward to their upcoming visits. Mom, dad, Collin, and I had a nice breakfast together, and then they put me on the plane. I will say, goodbyes at the airport are too difficult, but completely necessary for closure. My parents love me and are proud of me, prouder than they can describe, I know. They'll miss me and visit me, but it was probably the most bittersweet for them. Collin will come in September, but it was hard to say goodbye until then. We all made it through; I got on the plane, and they stayed and watched the majestic metal birds fly away.
During the last few days I spent in Bloomington, I had many visits and moments with loved ones I'll miss more than I can describe. So many wonderful people came to my last minute going away party, to whom I say thank you, I love you. I played with my Grays a few glorious times before saying goodbye. I visited my Sherficks to play with my boys one more time; not to be too dramatic, but they'll never be these ages again, so it was a bittersweet goodbye with E holding back tears and C saying he wanted to leave with me. Don, Suz, and Jaclyn stopped by the house for hugs and laughs, which was a wonderful surprise to me. :) Mom surprised me by giving me a bag of All For Kids gear (water bottle, hand sanitizer, band-aids), which she had requested through email from my boss, who later told me what a blessing it was for her to oblige my mom's thoughtful request. There are so many people I did not have the chance to see in person, but you all know I love and miss you. Such awesome people have raised me and sent me off into the world.
On the evening before my flight, mom, dad, Ame,
Sarah, Patty, Collin, Hillary, and I sat around the house with Max and Roo. We talked about everything, about nothing, about me leaving, about their things. I read aloud old stories Ame pulled from the bookshelf, and we remembered how much we used to love reading them with mom and dad. I heard my phone ringing and was
immediately confused. I looked around at the living room full of people I love
and said out loud, “who is that…everyone’s here.” It was Brittany, of course,
calling from Florida. She was the missing piece in my goodbye puzzle. <3 Hugs and love all around, we all said see ya later.
"Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again."
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