As of last night about eight o’clock, the last of the Christmas decorations were back in containers and on their designated shelving units out in the garage. All that packing was a bit too much for Bella because packing makes her anxious. I suspect that somewhere in the past and long before we knew her, someone she loved packed up and went away for ever.
As far as Bella is concerned, separation anxiety is a very real condition, but the same is true for humans.
We’re getting ready to launch off on this year’s snowbird adventure. Early next week we’ll be heading for Tucson. When we arrive will the Internet be working? Or the well? Or the security shutters? And when we leave this house, what could go wrong here? Another fish die off in the pond? Another broken pipe resulting in an interior flood? I know for sure the heron is back because I saw him last week. Unfortunately he flew away before I could lay hands on my Nerf gun. When we get to Arizona, there won’t be any herons because there are no fish in our outdoor fountain, but what are the chances that something we need to have in Tucson—like the Garmin, for instance, or paperwork Bill needs to do the taxes—will still be here in Seattle?
In other words, Bella isn’t the only one dealing with separation anxiety. Bill and I are both lying awake, tossing and turning, and trying to make sure we’ll get all the pieces pulled into some semblance of order in time for our scheduled departure.
That’s the thing about change—even change for the good when you’re going from to cold to the warm. It’s as unsettling as it is inevitable. It’s easy to point that reality out to someone else and tell them they’ll just have to learn to “roll with it.” It’s a whole lot harder when the one required to do the rolling your own darned self!
I suspect that there are a lot of other people out and about who could use a dose of the serenity prayer along about now, especially the part that says you should change the things you can change and accept the things you can’t.
That being said, I believe it’s time for me to go walk a few laps. Today’s 10,000 steps may not be a sure cure for my current case of separation anxiety, but I’m pretty sure they won’t hurt, either.
See you at the other end of the road.
Change is hard. Worrying about what is comming is what I do. I don’t worry about the big stuff, no I lay awake at night worried about the small stupid things. Drives my husband crazy. I inherited that from my Mom. Now that I am 68 I have learned to say screw it, what will be will be. It was hard to let go.
So long as you don’t forget your writing materials relax and enjoy going to that Beautiful home in Arizona with the warm weather the small stuff will take care of itself.
Travel safe the weather south is nasty. California is getting rain . Enough to build Ark…. Jan
Last summer we went to CA for two weeks. What could go wrong? Monsoon rains shorted our outdoor lighting and the outdoor refrigerator shut down. We lost a freezer full of food. Now I worry every time we leave overnight. Fun getaways, not!
I thought you had “kids” etc in WA who could send you whatever was forgotten? Of course, when it comes to taxes, maybe not. I guess I expected someone to check out the property in AZ if left alone and catch the issues that are harmful. Perhaps it is just everything after the crazy holidays and times preceding it. Once on the road, you will be fine. Weather seems to be wetter everywhere, so travel safely. Good luck.
I’m having separation anxiety from Joanna Brady, but that’s what I get for reading the entire series in one year. I just started reading Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire series, but it’s not the same. Maybe Sheriff Brady can give him a few tips.
Whatever happens, you will be welcome back here in AZ. You are loved by many!
Sold the home in Washington when I moved back to Tucson. Eliminated the separation anxiety and worry. Tried to keep two homes for awhile, just enjoyed it less & less. But, after we sold the house. Our daughter decided to move back to the old neighborhood from Alaska. Love the non-stop flight on Alaska air for going back and forth.
Looking forward to you new book!
Around 12 years ago I flew to LA for a 3 day business meeting. Sadly my work clothes were still hanging on the back of my bedroom door. Since that time I have triple checked my suitcase but remember that I can always buy locally what I need, or have a friend UPS the items to me,