Doing The Things We Do Not Relish

I just wanted to post a quick update to say that I'm still around. We got the keys to our new place this afternoon, so the moving madness is about to hit full swing. Oh joy. We packed up about 30 tons of books last weekend, and we haven't even finished the first bookshelf yet. Good thing I picked up that Groupon for a chiropractor.

It was exciting to walk around the new place and imagine what it will be like when it is full of us and our belongings. We've got a great location, right in the middle of Venice. We're increasing our square footage, including an extra bedroom. All in all, this is a big happy step for us.

So why was I feeling a little panicky when I got back home to my apartment? I started to worry about silly things like what cupboard I would put my spices in, and less silly things like what if someone vaults the fence and breaks in? I've only lived in complexes out here, never in a single-family house, so I feel like I'm venturing outside the fortress. And the parking spots, oy--I think I'll need to turn in my Prius for a clown car to make these turns.

These are the kinds of worries that keep people from stepping outside their comfort zone, I know. Life will be different here, and different is scary. But just like starting a new job, going to that conference, sending out those query letters--these are the things you put yourself through to get somewhere better.

The writing has taken and will continue to take a bit of a dip over the next week or so while we reassemble ourselves five miles down the road. I'm keeping my hopes up that it will go smoothly, and using the image of my sunny new home office as incentive. I'll be at the YA in Bloom event out in Pasadena on Saturday, so if you're going, look for the shell-shocked gal with the cramped hands and crooked lumbar support belt rocking back and forth in the corner, and come say hi to me.