Thursday, March 04, 2010

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.

10 comments:

One Big Happy said...

We just moved clear across the country (Colorado to SC) right after losing our youngest child (10 months) I have 6 kids who range from 6-12 and it has been such a great thing for our family! Embrace it, and think of the bright side...you're going to have so much to blog about!!!

Moll said...

This post makes me happy. I know you are having good moments and bad moments, but your captured a great one here. I am so impressed with how your kids are handling it. And if your new neighborhood isn't as cool as your Chicago one, well, you're just going to have to MAKE it be that cool.

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Joshua, Ambyr & Co, God BLESS YOU! Oh my gosh, how brave you are for all that you've been through! I am so sorry for the loss of your baby, and will keep your whole family in my prayers.

Rebecca--thank YOU! You make me happy!!

Feisty Irish Wench said...

We had a visiting priest one Sunday. His homily told of the circus as a kid and being amazed at the high wire act. He went on to tell about how the guys would go further in the act, and one would get in a wheelbarrow and be pushed across to the other side.
He said he was always amazed at the amount of trust the guy in the wheelbarrow had in the guy pushing it, because you can't be both in the wheelbarrow AND pushing it.

I have to keep frequently reminding myself, that I'm the one IN the wheelbarrow, not the one pushing it.

word verf: wipingi - the noise that guy makes hitting the net because he tried to push the wheelbarrow while sitting in it too.

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Feisty--so I'm guessing God is the dude pushing the dude in the wheelbarrow (I never know how to spell that--doesn't it seem like it should always be wheel-barrel?), and that we are the people in the wheelbarrow? Great one!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a timely sermon...I wish you luck. You know what's strange. Your whole life will change, but you will always look and be the same in here...your blog will remain in tact. Unmoved. That's something...Oh and your readers too! So if your real-life neighbours suck...maybe your on-line ones will help buffer the situation?

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

SB--I was thinking about that--I can move there and no one will know I am Manic Mommy and I can blog about whatever I want to! And also become a recluse if I want to, which I may, if it's too hot to do anything! : )

Kate said...

I've moved more than a few times in my life and it's hard and it sucks, but there are always good things that come out of it. In my last move, I gained a husband, but you already have a great one of those. =) I'm praying for you all. I can appreciate how hard it is to leave friends. You will make new ones--not the same, but different and good in their own way.

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Thank you Kate, you've always been a gret cyber-blog buddy and have always given me helpful sound advice that I appreciate more than you can know. I truly truly appreciate you being here. You have no idea what it means for me to have blog friends that are comforting to me you guys, especially when I'm embarking on something like this where I'm heading to a world of strangers! Thank you!

Word Verification: Snessup. As in, I hope I don't snessup my life! Hahah

Anonymous said...

Sometimes its pretty amazing of how direction comes to us...definite a good sign :)