HoTTeR THaN HeLL?

No flowery words just the facts here. The kids ask every day: "Are we 100 percent moving to Arizona?"

Mr. Manic's answer: "It will be 100 percent when the moving van is backed into the driveway and we are on a plane headed west."

Because nothing in life is guaranteed.

But yes, we are moving to Arizona.

When people have been asking me how I feel about it, my answer has been, "What choice do I have, to live in a box under a bridge, DOWN BY THE RIVER!?!?" (think Chris Farley)

But of course, that wouldn't have been the case, it's just fun to say, fun to sound pathetic!

We're excited about the possibilities, the adventure. The kids are keeping it all real. They are really excited, and that's what's keeping me focused on the task at hand. They keep asking questions, wanting to know about Arizona, what the temperature is, what kind of pool we will have, and when can Diva get her cell phone (cuz I promised she can get one before we move rather than having to wait till Christmas now). They're keeping it fun for me to look to the future.

Of course, I'm sad to leave all that I have here. All my awesome, awesome friends and this way terrific neighborhood. I have always said that this neighborhood cannot be replicated. I just hope to God I am wrong. And that there is a place like this out there.

I went to pick up a pizza last Saturday night and knew both the people there waiting for pizza. Every time I go to Starbucks I am guaranteed to run into two or three people from the neighborhood there. At the healthclub, it's like a party--everyone from the neighborhood is there, you're never by yourself when you go to work out. This neighborhood I live in is frickin' Cheers, and in the summertime it's got just as much alcohol and gossip as Cheers did too! I will miss that like you won't believe.

But that's not the stuff I can dwell on because that will put me three steps behind where I need to be, and will put me right smack into my bed with a handful of Xanax and what good will that do? Nothing. I've got to keep my head on straight and go through the motions to put this plan in action to get this shit done-to get this house ready to sell and pack it up and start the next chapter for our family.

At church last Saturday night, Mr. Manic was in AZ, so I took the kids. We were discussing how Jesus was a man and experienced human feelings. We discussed TRUST. And how we can't know what the future holds. I nudged Diva and AJers when the sermon was about trusting what God has in store for us. It was the perfect message for all of us. My kids were wide-eyed at the relevance. Even the songs were meant for our situation. "I walk in faith. Each day, in faith. I put my trust in God."

And that's exactly what our family has got to do in the weeks and months ahead.