[ABOVE: Introducing Poppet, an important player in our tale. We’re obsessed with him. He behaved badly at the vet once, so now he sports the muzzle when he goes. #makegoodchoices]
The idea that we might move to Illinois for my husband to work “at corporate” has been a thing for 14 years. Really, I should be damn well prepared by now. I also realize that people move across the country (and to other countries) ALL THE TIME. People have babies all the time too… doesn’t make it less shocking when you’re the one doing it. So, as I like to say, the shit is real.
The ink on this reality dried in October. As a doer, who copes with stress by doing, I jumped right on ordering my Christmas cards with a cute little announcement of our exciting relocation on the back. Due to a number of businessy reasons, the formal announcement of our move didn’t come out until February. So imagine my Lucille Ball moment of frantically pulling every Christmas card that would be mailed to someone who might be connected to or know someone with the company. My apologies to all our dear friends and family who were filtered out of our warm greetings this year. (May your New Year be merry and bright!) Now the news is public. The muzzle is off and I’m ready to talk.
I live exactly 1,023 steps from the hospital where I was born in 1972. (Literally. I counted.) One of my favorite little jokes is that in 47 years, I haven’t gotten very far. I stayed in-state for college (Go Dawgs!) and only briefly touched-down in Los Angeles for a little post-grad adventure. I got hitched in Atlanta. My own kids’ birthdays were hosted at that same wonderful hospital (shout out to Piedmont Healthcare). I’ve never really lived anywhere else.
Atlanta, Georgia has set the stage for my life for 47 years. I love it. I love every good, bad, beautiful, and ugly bit of it. And now, like the grinch, my heart is getting ready to grow to love every good, bad, beautiful, and ugly bit of a new town. Wonder how many steps it is to Lake Forest, Illinois…
You are going to make an amazing mark in your new town too—-and we’ll come visit!! There are some lucky, lucky people in Illinois who are getting ready to meet their new favorite person & friend❣️❣️
So very well said, Amanda! I feel your pain! Our move out of BWH was excruciating for all of us (including the dog), but also so very good for us, I promise. And, the ATL will forever be a part of our DNA. Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s therapeutic for us! We are cheering for all of you. Call me if you need a pep talk.
Change is hard (as is the weather here) but Lake Forest will greet you warmly!!
Your enthusiasm and joy radiate wherever you go!