The move is done. We’re in San Jose now, house-sitting for Ayi (my aunt with whom we stayed in Taiwan). We didn’t want to bring too much stuff in, so we occupy just one bedroom, and a little bit of the kitchen sometimes. I like the simplicity of this existence.
This morning we took our first exercise in about two weeks, walking the 1.9 miles from Ayi’s to my parents’ house. That felt good. We’ve basically been dividing our time between these two houses: sleeping here, eating most meals there. There is a little illusion of normal life because we’ve been cooking (black beans, chicken soup, collards), but actually the activities of moving continue. I’ve been organizing my possessions at my parents’ house, and we’ve brought things to Erik’s parents too; later, I’ll be driving around with donations and special recycling (batteries, old meds, that kind of thing).
However… I think it’s safe to say now that the bulk of the moving obligations are done (almost done with the second 90%?)… and I’m eager to get back to work. I’ve been writing a lot in my journal, and reading some wonderful books which will surely inspire future posts (just finished Peggy Orenstein’s SchoolGirls, and am 70 pages into Sister Wendy’s nearly-400-page The Story of Painting). I’m looking forward to reestablishing my regular creative habits!
I missed your post from 1/18 about the two 90 per cents. It really hit home with me. It’s all that decision making that gets to me every time I try to clean house and purge. And I’ve only ever really tried to do it in order to live in one place. I think it’s great that you’ve been able to do it within a specific space of time.
Here’s to you for almost being done that second 90%.
Thank you, Ré! You know what, just since we’ve been in San Jose, we have been trying a goofy trick for reducing decision fatigue, and it’s helping a lot. When faced with a decision where we really haven’t enough of a preference to be able to make a choice, we just flip a coin (or whatever else is handy… we’ve flipped library cards and also done rock-paper-scissors with Erik representing one side and me the other!). The coin-toss decision is final, so we don’t use it unless we truly don’t care which way we go. We’ve used it so much lately that I’ve actually been a little surprised at how many meaningless decisions we make in a day.
Even though you haven’t left California yet, I know the experience of the last few months has given you much fodder for your blog. Plus your present situation as a house sitter. You should have lots of time to write and paint and walk and cook! Sounds like a perfect recipe for creating. (Where will the kitty be staying?)
Lyapa is at my parents’ house, and since we’re over there frequently, we see a lot of her. She’s always very happy to see us, but I think she likes it there too… she has started walking on the counter and sitting (awkwardly) on laps, which she never did before!
Our new situation has given me lots of time to think, and lots to think about, but not much energy for translating those thoughts into posts. Once I get going with those posts, though, expect a barrage of new thoughts all at once. 😉
Do you suddenly feel rejuvenated by a change of surroundings ? I certainly would. This could be the start of some new creativity and ideas and I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Well done on getting the move done…….hitting the road, huh?
I do! But — and I remember this a little from other travels — somehow I feel less able to write everything down, or sit to paint. I guess it’s that ol’ inertia thing again: body in motion tends to stay in motion, etc. Well, I’m sure I’ll find the balance over time. 🙂 I have made one drawing which I’ll probably post soon, of the view from my aunt’s yard!
Woo! Congrats on finishing the move! I’m so excited about your upcoming travels, you’d think I was going with you. 😉
P.S. I just added Schoolgirls to my to-read list–it sounds really interesting!
Hee. 😀 Schoolgirls gave me SO much food for thought, it’s incredible. Hope it’ll do the same for you!
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