where wildly different is perfectly normal
Never say never
Never say never

Never say never

I said I’d never color my hair again after a painfully bad experience when I was 16.

Never say never.

I said I’d never have a dog again after having a psychotic Shih Tzu in high school.

Never say never.

We said we’d never leave Colorado, that we loved it here and it was home.

Never say never.

{crickets}

I’ll let that sink in a bit.

{crickets}

We’re moving to Chicago as soon as we sell our house here.

Wha’???

Yes, it’s true. We’re returning home, for a variety of reasons. It’s a very VERY good move for us. It’s just time.

It’s no secret that life the last year or so has hit the red zone repeatedly and painfully. That we survived last winter not only still speaking but still married sometimes feels like a minor miracle. Then came September. The first week Tom happened to be in town with his parents when his dad was unexpectedly hospitalized. Very long story short, he’s fine, but scared hell out of Tom. Ten or so days later we found out my brother and his wife are expecting their first child this spring (a boy, but let’s not discuss my desire to dress something in pink lest the dog find herself in ribbons this afternoon). Two weeks later my dad called and told us he has Parkinson’s. I hung up the phone, burst into tears, and told Tom I wanted to go home.

Tom has telecommuted for over ten years, and with his company’s recent merger/move to the Chicago area, it’s now possible for us to return with minimal impact on his job. I say minimal because, Glory Be!, he’ll work from the main office and not from home. Hopefully I’ll never want to smother him in his sleep want to walk the hell out get that angry with him and his stress level ever again.

This is the big fat ugly hairy roadblock that has been in my way these last several months. Now that the decision has been made and approved and realtors have been contacted and packing has commenced, the roadblock is coming down. Finally being able to tell people has dropped my stress several points. If nothing else, I now have a treasure trove of bloggability in front of me.

Now I need boxes and tape and wine and not necessarily in that order.

17 Comments

  1. Sarah

    Though we are all gonna miss your family like the dickens, I’m glad you are less stressed and are going to be close to family.

    Besides, it’s not like we will never be in the Chicago area. (want to go back to visit family soon) We now just have another reason to head back there.

  2. Trish

    So sorry about your dad! My dad had a heart attack in December — apparently, we are that difficult age now.

    Once you’re settled in Chicago we’ll have to try to get together. I will buy the wine. 🙂

  3. I’m so sorry to hear that both of your parents have been having a rough go of it. It’s so very hard to be far away when something like that happens. It sounds like this move is a Very Good Thing for you for so many reasons.

    Best wishes for a speedy sale and smooth move (I’m resisting the temptation to add the words X-Laxx after that, I hope you appreciate my restraint).

    xox

    ———————————–
    Shades of Pink is holding a giveaway for one of my custom Photoverse prints – swing by and check it out!

  4. Amy

    I know how hard it will be to move but….YAY, you’ll be close, possibly really close, and our boys may end up being great friends. Lord knows they are very similar. Let me know what town you are looking to buy in. Good luck!

  5. Wow! Didn’t see that one coming at all!
    All I can say is avoid cardboard boxes, invest in rubbermaid & your move will be easier, drier & nothing falls out the bottom. And, just when you think you couldn’t possible use all of that rubbermaid up after the move I will show you whats left of mine after moving our house 7 years ago – none. Used it All! Bought some more.

  6. Oh my holy freakin’ hell!!!!! WOO HOO!!! I’m so excited about this! I’m with Cursingmama. Totally didn’t see that coming! Girl, I seriously want to have you guys over for a Welcome Home Dinner!!! I am NOT kidding!!!!

    Sorry things have been rough for your family healthwise, though. I’m so glad you’ll be closer to them (physically) now. And, what a Godsend that hubby’s job is working out so well! The planets have totally aligned on this one. I’m so excited at the prospect of actually being able to meet, face to face. I know, I’m a total geek! You, Christina and I will have to get together once you settle in. And, again, I’m totally serious about making you dinner! 😉

  7. Hi!!

    I’m Kath1213 on Twitter and yes, I have clean boxes & clean (if slightly smooshed) packing paper.

    Looking to get rid of it asap! Feel free to contact me -> kath1213 at the email made famous by Google 🙂

    Kath 🙂

  8. So sorry to hear that life has been so stressful It is here too. That’s why no updates to the blog in like for-ev-er.

    I am selfishly glad you are moving back to Chi-town. Maybe one day we can meet up for lunch (and wine). I hope the house selling goes smoothly and your packing is easy.

    All the best wishes are coming your way.

  9. Pingback: Never Say Never The Sequel - Laughing at Chaos

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