by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
There I was, minding my own business. Or, rather, minding the business-business. Yup. I was in a team meeting when all of a sudden, instead of taking notes, I turned to the last page in my yellow pad. You know, the ones we all have at the office. They call them legal pads, although everyone uses them for everything. So, really. Shouldn’t they be called everything-you-need-to-write-down pads? (How’d I do with those hyphens, Mermaid?)
Frankly, My Dear . . . That One Time I Didn’t Have a Midlife Crisis
Anyway. Yeah. So I start a quick calculation of how much I owe. Like student loans. And credit cards. And car payments. And things like that. Then I figure what my house is worth. My small, older, fixer-upper house that I haven’t really been able to fixer-up like I would like. Is that a word? It is now!
Now, I’ve not usually been too good at math. I mean, I’m no rocket surgeon or anything like that. I’m more of a Words Girl. But, hey. I do know pluses and minuses. And I was liking what I was seeing. I wrote a few more numbers into the mix. Things like moving expenses, living costs, set up fees.
Then I wrote the date. And one word.
Pray.
I folded the paper and tucked it into my purse.
Flash-forward to a few discussions with trusted people, unofficial-followed-by-official notice at the office, two realtors, 52 hours, five showings, two offers, and one sale. And voila! Thirty-seven days later I’m driving into South Carolina. Well, actually, my awesome brother is driving as I’m trying not to fall asleep in the passenger seat because it was 1:30 in the morning.
I know to some people it seemed like a rash decision. A spontaneous, what-is-she-doing moment. But the truth is, we all know this has been brewing for nearly five years. I mean, poor Beckie and Spartacus. When we flew home from Blue Ridge in 2015 and I just cried all the way. It was the first time I’d not wanted to come back to California. Do a keyword search on the blog for Blue Ridge, and you’ll see just how much it’s affected my life. Seriously. It’s like, a lot.
The drive itself was worth it. Not that I’d want to do it every year, but hey. Now there’s a thought. I mean, who doesn’t love listening to Pet Sematary on Audible while driving a lonely two-lane highway at night? Or crossing the Mississippi River and stopping for a coffee at Graceland? Meteor Crater, Mojo Coffee, Cadillac Ranch, Tupelo, Atlanta. And old country music. Seriously. We have been the only two rocking out to Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” but in the scheme of things, it was totally memory-making.
Not to mention I am now within driving distance of ohsomany people. We’re talking besties. Work and writing peeps. Church mentors. And did I mention my new apartment is located just down the block from Target, Hobby Lobby, and Cracker Barrel?
This is where I belong. With my writing community. With four seasons and leaves that change color and drop in the wind. With a balcony with a view. With coffee and friends and cable TV and the Hallmark Channel. There’s a crazy wonderful energy in the atmosphere out here. It’s my Bohemian Hurricane Territory, and I was made for such a moment as this.
Sure, there’s still a ridiculous amount of boxes to unpack and organize. I’m nowhere near finishing the second draft of NOLA. But I’m surrounded by like-minded people. And not just for five days out of the year. I mean,
This is my life.
And, well, It’s a Wonderful Life.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Here’s a few photos from the past two weeks:
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Welcome Home.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : My New Morning View
Frankly, My Dear . . . : I collected a mug (or more) in every state we drove through.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Crossing the Mississippi
Frankly, My Dear . . . My New Mantra. And New Jewelry.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Greenville Falls Park
Frankly, My Dear . . . This Thing Called Mist
Frankly, My Dear . . . : A Window With a View
Frankly, My Dear . . . Look, Meowma. There’s a bird in the tree!
Frankly, My Dear . . . South Carolina Squirrel
Frankly, My Dear . . . Paris Mountain
Frankly, My Dear . . . Goose at Paris Mountain
I have been loving all of these posts about your move. I’m moving (hopefully really soon) and you’ve been inspiring me! Downsizing from a house to a one bedroom or studio apartment is going to be crazy but I’m excited about less stuff to clean! You’re going to have to give me all of your best packing/moving tips because when I get to go back to Wisconsin to pack I’m not going to have long at all… a week if I’m lucky!
I’m excited to be hearing about your move as well, Josie! As for packing/moving tips: Be heartless. Don’t keep anything on a “What If”. (Unless your parents can store it for you.) It’s fun to have new things like my peacock shower curtain! Keep what you need and what you’re most fond of. This includes books and writing supplies. Almost anything else can be replaced. Good luck!
Thanks MJ! Your shower curtain sounds adorable!
Moving like that will definitely keep you busy.
William Kendall recently posted..At The Edge Of Peace
You’re not kidding! But I’m also finding a lot of time to center down, focus, and relax.
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..That One Time I Didn’t Have a Midlife Crisis
Welcome to South Carolina!!!! I’m so excited you’re here. How ironic that I was living where you are for almost twenty-five years before moving an hour north. I miss the Cracker Barrel being around the corner and especially my friends. And now I have another friend to miss…but not for long. Let’s grab coffee next week or the week after. I’ll message you. :)
I’m waiting to see you! So wonderful to be within driving distance. I see many daytrips and writing excursions and tiny house moments in our future!
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..That One Time I Didn’t Have a Midlife Crisis
You weren’t happy here. You were always stressed. Wondering what was gonna happen next, hating life, hating work (that one place!), missing me on Thursdays… I’m SO PROUD of you!
YOU FINALLY JUMPED!!!! <3
I wish you nothing but luck, love of everything, happiness, less stress and LOTS of pages for the NOLA 2nd draft!
Love you, my Dear friend!
Oh, that one place. LOL. Yes, you know I always miss you on Thursdays.
This move has been the best thing I could possibly have done. Financially, emotionally, and creatively. Also physically. I live upstairs and the exercise has been WONDERFUL. No more knee pain!
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..That One Time I Didn’t Have a Midlife Crisis
Hooray!!!!
Great job on the hyphens, Molly Jo!
I totally get the big hole that exists in your life after you move away from home. Several years ago, we moved from our long-time home in east Houston to the desert of far-west Texas. I left my whole life, except for my hubby, of course. We moved to a small town that wasn’t open to new friends.
After 4 years, I had all I could take and told my husband I was moving back home. He waited 6 months before he retired and moved back as well.
There’s no feeling like coming home and picking up all the cherished friendships I left behind.
Welcome to your true home!
I’m so happy for you Molly! Congratulations on your new move. I know it’s going to be amazing for you because you’re an amazing woman.
Many happy days in your new home, Molly Jo!
We are practically neighbors!! Yahoo!! Welcome to the mountains! And four seasons, and family!