Necessities

I've been spending so much time getting ready for my move. It's interesting how many things you find aren't really necessary, things you thought you HAD to have. It's been a learning experience for me - knowing I am only taking with me what will fit into my SUV. Granted, SUVs have a lot of room in comparison to other vehicles. But still, think of putting your entire life into one SUV. It's been helpful that I've been living the life of a gypsy for the past year. It's helped me to realize that you really can survive with just a couple of bags of stuff!

The important things will be easy to fit into my load. Memories and friendships. No suitcase or box required! Sadly, the past year has also taught me that even these can be narrowed down to the ones that really matter. Or is "sadly" the wrong word here. Is it really sad that I have come to know which friends are true? No, not really! Disappointing, perhaps, but it's good to know the truth. Not that those other friendships were mere figments... I know that at some point they were important in my life, for one reason or another. But the true and lasting ones, those are the ones to pack and carry with me on my journey!

Timing

Isn't it strange how timing really is everything? I'm learning so much right now - the past several months have been a lifetime of learning for me, and the past couple of months have been a concentration of such. Seriously. I'm learning more and more about friendships, love, loss, and timing.

The decision to move to South Carolina was not an easy one for me. I didn't want anyone's opinion affecting my choice. But at the same time, I did want a few choice people's opinion on how to go about making such a life-changing decision. Those I picked, I didn't tell them what the decision was, just that I was in the process of making a big decision and I wanted to know how they would go about making any major determination in their lives. I got some great advice from most. I got one very strange response, and one person didn't respond at all. hmmmm... One of my favorite discussions was with my dad:

me: "I've been given the opportunity to move in with some friends in South Carolina."
dad: "What is keeping you from it?"
me: "People."
dad: "They have people there."

ha!

Anyway, I contemplated the move for more than a week. Almost constantly while I was awake. Made lists of pros and cons. Made lists of all of my options. Made lists of questions I had about what if I go? and what if I stay?. Then one evening, I was discussing my options with a stylist at work. I think she could see how much effort I was putting into my decision. She looked at me and said, "Hey. If you go and you don't like it, you can come back." I sat there for 10 minutes after she walked away, thinking about what she had said. I guess I just needed a reminder that nothing, except death, is really permanent. And even that is debatable!

With that, my decision was clear. I am moving to South Carolina! My current calendar puts me at 31 days and counting until I drive away. There is still some room for a few tweaks here and there with my planning. I've got a lot of people to see, and a long list of things to take care of before I go. But give or take a few days, it's 31 days and counting!

I'm excited. There is so much ahead of me. I am finally going to go to school and get my RN Associates Degree. That alone makes me smile. But I'm also really looking forward to the road trip. Just me and Kitty, on the open road! I'm going to see the Great Smokey Mountains.

I'm moving to South Carolina...

I can't believe how much I have to take care of before I move! I'm making lists, checking them twice... =)