Florida

We are in Florida.

Putting our house on the market, keeping it spotless for months, selling it, and moving has kicked our butts. I feel like I’ve aged ten years in the last six months. I am feeling very off center. Our stuff isn’t here yet but will arrive this week and then we unload/unpack. I’m feeling very much like we’re too tired to do this “ourselves” again. We packed it all and loaded the container and will unload/unpack when it gets here. We’ve been sleeping on air mattresses too long, and eating on the floor, picnic style.

Anyway, we’re here. We’re safe. Todd starts his new job tomorrow. I’ve got a bazillion details to contend with around the rental house and schools and new doctors and orthodontists, etc. My head spins. Clothes piled everywhere because we have no dressers here yet. The disorder is unsettling. School will start later this month. All in all, all is well, but Mommy needs a break. I feel weepy for no reason. A lot. Today I went to a movie by myself, and that helped. Just to change the freaking subject.

The ocean is close and I can go there as quick as I could get to the grocery store in Cleveland. The other night I was heading to Target, but found myself going in the opposite direction. Found myself on the shore. I sat on the sand and watched the colors change until it became night. And it was like someone was breathing life into me.

As often as I can, I’ll keep doing that.

Problems seem so much smaller while looking at the ocean.

Some things about Florida: They have newts. Luckily the girl is charmed by them and not freaked out. Also…they allow smoking in public places. We’ve been spoiled in Ohio and also our home state of NY where it is outlawed. Nothing like breathing in that filthy poison from the next table while at a public pool or enjoying dinner out. And another thing, the driving is more aggressive. This ain’t the friendly mid-west. No, you go. No, you go. I’ll wait. Β None of that here. Let’s just say we’ve been honked at a few times.

We are renting a tiny house with a tiny pool, and the other night while trying out the pool, we noticed two parrots had landed on the telephone wire above us. We’d never seen any not in a cage. That was cool. Palm trees are everywhere. The days are brutally hot but the mornings and evenings are beautiful.

Did I mention the ocean? I always thought living near it was a dream out of reach, but here we are.

 

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14 Responses to Florida

  1. Tanya Savko says:

    Wow, my amazing friend, you have done it! Enjoy settling in and making it your own – your new home, your new surroundings, your new life. Thinking of all of you as you jump into this incredible life experience together. Congratulations and love!

  2. Meg says:

    Yay! The vision appears – the ocean, right there! Soon you’ll be sending the kiddos off to school and writing your heart out! Until then, breathe, breathe and breathe some more!

  3. Well you are there!! The picture is beautiful!! Whenever you start to feel sad or overwhelmed, just go to the ocean and take in the beauty. There is a lot of work to be done, so you won’t have a lot of time on your hands once your stuff arrives. Todd starts his new job tomorrow and we wish him lots of luck. He has to be exhausted too. You all need a calm, peaceful time to adjust and get it all in your system. Lots of love is being sent to you and we wish you all love and peace in your new home. Much love, Dad and Mom

  4. kario says:

    The ocean is a powerful balm. Keep that in your hip pocket at all times, my friend. So glad you made it safely. I hope you hold on to the things like wild parrots and nearby beaches and let the other things slide into place as they will.

    Love.

  5. I wish that I lived closer, and I’d come help you out when all of your stuff comes. I can’t imagine how weary you must feel and am glad that you’re recognizing your need for restoration. I wish you that — and a peaceful transition to new schools!

  6. Michelle O'Neil says:

    Thank you for all the lovely supportive comments! Not sure what glitch has my MIL commenting under my profile? lol

  7. Julie says:

    That MIL glitch confused me at first too–I thought it was you talking–maybe that it is the lesson–re-read her comments as if it were you talking to yourself πŸ™‚
    You may need feel it since you are bogged down with other earthly emotions but from my perspective you sure do seem courageous, adventurous, and a willing soul. My lesson this summer from the universe is to chant repeatedly–“this too has come to pass”–both the bad and the good. Just enjoy the ride.
    Julie A.

  8. Carrie Link says:

    Sending prayers, Internet name swapping corrections, strength, humor, and love, love and more love

  9. mom says:

    Two more days and this “glitch” will be part of the past. Each day you wake up, you are one more day closer to being settled in. The struggle makes us appreciate the calm that much more. Wish I were closer to help you out. The pictures look like paradise. Hope your airconditioning is fixed soon. Too much heat like to much cold is super unpleasant. Love and hugs, Mom

  10. Amber says:

    Oh…I have a feeling living near the beach will be won.der.FULLL for you!! I wish I were with you! Just lie ack daughter, and face up, and soon all will be back in flow.

    Oxox πŸ™‚ ((Bish))

  11. it’s going to be wonder-full. πŸ™‚ Sending you the biggest hugs imaginable!

  12. Dee Ready says:

    Dear Michelle, while you’ve been caught up in moving–with all the stress that entails–I’ve been taking a vacation from posting and reading and commenting on blogs. But I’ve seen some of what’s been happening on Facebook. Having moved four years ago at age 73, I can truly understand what you are feeling. I’d like to make a suggestion: when everything gets to your home–all the boxes and furniture and paraphernalia–please do not demand of yourself that everything be in place and perfect in the first three months. Give yourself a good year to get settled. Be good to yourself . . . and visit the ocean when you feel a compulsion to unpack just one more box! Peace.

  13. Nina says:

    I always admire people who can start fresh a new place. Part of me would love to do that and the other part feels too lazy. The ocean proximity sounds very exciting. And what a perfect time of year as a new school year approaches. Fall always feels like the time for change. Can’t wait to follow along and see how things are going. I’ve been slowly building up my Bloglovin lists (it’s my first time using a blog reader). Full Soul Ahead is officially there! πŸ™‚

  14. Jamie says:

    It sounds like once you’re more settled it’s going to be awesome!

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