Polka Dotted Pandas

I am living in the midst of boxes.

Again.

Since Roy and I got married, we have moved six times.

We started out in Colorado...then California...then New Mexico...then Wisconsin...then Texas...then Missouri...then North Carolina...

...and now back to Texas.

Full circle--as that is where we met.

The first time we moved to Texas, back in 2005, was traumatic. I wasn't ready for the change as I had so many great friends and memories in Wisconsin. Back in those days, I said I wanted to retire there in Wisconsin. Now? I can't imagine 20 below zero for 30 days straight. I can barely stand 20 degrees, much less below zero temperatures!

But this time? Well, this time I'm excited. Ready to go. Eyes straight ahead.

I will miss many things about North Carolina...

-Holcombe Cove Road
-my precious coworkers who have become some of my dearest friends
-my INFJ bestie
-lunch dates with Tammy
-mild winters that still have snow and bursting flowers against a backdrop of green and mild summers and stunning fall colors

I could go on.

But the truth is, I am longing for Texas. I am ready for Sunday when the movers come and pack up this house that has been my home for six years. I am excited for this next adventure in my life...

-a job at the university working as Alumni Director where the name of the game is people rather than working in a cubicle from 7-4 (and don't get me wrong--I have LOVED my job...)
-Roy on a totally new career path that offers independence and financial success and being his own boss (ah--so happy for him).
-my co-worker is my brother in law.
-friends that have been friends for years. And years.
-my parents and my sister Lori are within 4 hours' driving distance.
-sunsets that make me stand in awe.
-my precious nieces and nephews who have my heart.
-my sister Tami lives four blocks away.
-my sister Tami lives four blocks away.
-my sister Tami lives four blocks away.

I can't wait to go house hunting, to figure out whether we want to build. To look at land and envision standing on the porch and watching the sun come up in the east. To know that, God willing (please God--please be willing), this will be our last stop. This will be where the kids come home when they've all reached adulthood, where the grandkids will run, where I will grow old and gray.

I have so much on my plate right now--it's a little bit crazy. I have so much to think about that my brain won't stop won't stop won't stop. Packing and moving and starting a new job and looking for a house and what about the cats and I need to change addresses and when will I get my license as I can't take off work for 90 days and I am so excited to work with Tami Condon--I love Tami Condon--and Janelle! We'll be working buddies again! And Chas' Indian Dahl and Estee Marie is only a few hours' away and ...

The truth is, my mind spins so much that I often pretend to listen and have no idea what someone said because I forgot to tell my brain to stop.

I am constantly reminding myself--This is step 1. Packing.

I cannot conquer step 23 or step 37 or even step 3.

I can only conquer step 1.

And that will slow me down for a minute, help me remain calm.

I was talking to Jacque the other day--you know, the one who keeps me sane--and telling her that sometimes the stress of this new adventure gets the best of me and I find myself frantic, paralyzed with a to-do list that is overpowering...

She laughed in that way she has that lets me know she understands, she gets it, and then she said...

Polka dotted pandas.

That's your word. Whenever your brain is spinning?

Just think...polka dotted pandas.

It is currently 6:06 am. It's officially my last day of work at Buncombe County DSS.

And though I am excited for my next adventure, I am sad to say goodbye to my friends at the Department who have welcomed me in and become my friends.

But right now I can't think about that...

Right now? Well...

Polka dotted pandas.