Exhausted with today’s effort, I am now sitting here absolutely amazed by the number of boxes I have stacked up in my living room. I even went through some intense spring cleaning, yet numerous boxes still resulted. Labels like “kitchen-utensils” “Michigan coursework” “Photo frames” “Glassware-Fragile!” are now lying on top of each other. Amazed because, I traveled 8000 miles with just two suitcases, and now 3 miles needs a U-Haul truck to be rented. Back then, my suitcases had all the labels contained within. In last 6 years though, I racked up bigger memories in mind and in cardboard boxes.
I stayed at this place for four long years. That’s the longest I have ever stayed at the same place ever since I left home for undergraduate college. But yet, this move isn’t really triggering any sense of drama. Ironically, I chose to move on Memorial Day.
It is not that I don’t have memories associated with this place. This is the first time I lived by myself. I lived through a broken knee and six months of therapy. I celebrated birthdays with three champagne filled flutes and homemade cakes. My parents visited and I timed my dad’s lap at the clubhouse swimming pool. I sat on balcony and wrote blogs. I hid in corners or screamed out songs at the top of my voice. I laughed here, I kissed here. I missed her here. I always came back from long trips to a welcoming green wall and comfortable 68 degrees F no matter how badly it was blowing that day.
But I don’t feel that I am leaving them behind here. They seem to have fit snugly into boxes. Ready to be transported somewhere else; to begin their foothold in new surroundings and wait for new ones to come in. I shouldn’t at all be surprised with all the materialistic stuff that I have gathered over the years. Rather, I should be wondering, why couldn’t there be more. Yes, they are heavy and pain to carry over staircases.
But they would always mean more than minimalism ever could.
it's easier when quick, I feel.
What is easier when quick?
Wow D, much like you, i promised that 2010 was going to be a year my life would change in a big way. I am glad you have taken control and are 'making the move', If nothing else know that you may have inspired atleast one other person!!!!(which is a good place to start, don't you think?)
Here's my take on this – it is a new place, probably a new beginning in some way – as much as old memories haunt you, try to live in the 'now'. Enjoy every minute of unpacking those boxes and putting things away. In case you aren't a creature of habit, try to do something different with your place (don't try to make it look like your old one!) But wait, is this like a girl-thing? I don't know but I think that would work for me anyway.
Not surprizing that you needed U-Haul to move all your stuff – but I think that is a sign of progress?? Be proud of all the stuff you've gathered over the years, it was hard work! Sometimes a new place can give you the much-needed new perspective 🙂
oh shifting out boxes.
Jasmine: I am glad I inspired you but honestly if you open the taps of your saving account, inspiration comes pretty easy.
By the way, can you email me so I can reply. I cant seem to find you on Fb?
Haha, I think of the crap I have collected over 6 (or 5.5) years too, especially when I move. And also compare it to the beginnings of 3 suitcases (students got 3 bags if you rememeber).
I like to keep it light, and keep disposing away things of which I have no emotional value or practical use. Yet sometimes it is difficult to throw away that thing that you never use, but you may need someday !
Also, now parents have started bringing in things with their every trip for 'Ghar Basana'… things they have collected to give as part of wedding gift.. things they would have given all at once at marriage, but cant because it all wont fit in the 2 suitcases that are allowed on flight.
So move over crappy junk collected on Career Day in February 2005, and make room for formal dinner china planned since I was born.
2 large suitcases, we all set up a whole house like that when we first came here and now I'm on the brink of moving in a month's time and I have more furniture than I ever had before and I've only been here for 2 years. I can't imagine what would happen after 6 years!
Dear Dushyant,
I believe this change will bring in more new changes and I am sure that they all will be great. You can see that your cherished wish of owning "Lotus Elise" is now fulfilled in this new House, within Three days of Shifting.
Love,
Aaee & Baba