Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Stages (and a Fitness Winner)

I've come to the conclusion that moving is a cathartic experience - and that I have become someone who no longer likes change.  In my 20's I was a leap off the edge, risk taker, change seeking kinda gal - moving far away, taking chances, moving even further away, oftentimes not even looking before I leapt.  Over the weekend I realized I don't think I'm that person anymore.

On Saturday a friend came over in the morning to help with the move.  He and his wife are relo'ing to Texas this weekend and throughout the course of conversation he said something that stuck with me all day, "sometimes you need to shake things up."  Later in the day a couple more close friends rolled in to assist with organizing and along the way one of them asked how long I'd lived in my other place.  When I responded saying six years - he looked at me and said, "it was time for you to make a change."  I laughed saying, "oh yeah big change I moved upstairs," but he stuck with it saying he really felt I had needed some sort of change to keep moving forward.  Even though I didn't say anything in response, I've been thinking about it ever since.

On Sunday it donned on me, as I walked through my old apartment, that this is the longest I've lived anywhere in 20 years.  And then the strangest thing happened - I got really sad and had to swallow a sizable lump in my throat.

Isn't it funny how when you're in a situation you don't see how weathered and worn
it's become until you remove yourself and look at what's left.
This was my favorite room in the house - it has the best natural light and I'll really miss it...despite the fact that it clearly needs a new paint job in a bad way.
I lived in every room of this place - no space was under utilized as evidenced by the wear and tear.
Even though you can't see the full size, this was my office.  I'm an Executive Recruiter for anyone
who doesn't already know.  I burned my voice out on the phone, counseled
people into and out of jobs, laughed my head off, cried my eyes out, and ripped people
a new one in this room.  I learned just how strong I am in an 11x11 space.
I couldn't fit the entire bedroom in this picture - it's much wider and has big windows behind me.
What I'll remember most is the light streaming through the windows, the amazing deco
detailing on the walls and ceiling...and the door that provided escape when the
place was broken into in the middle of the night. (See here).
Even though I'm nowhere near unpacked, organized and situated one thing I know I'm going
to love about the new place is all the soft warm light that streams in in late afternoon.
When I was sitting on the couch yesterday afternoon I happened to glance outside the door 
to the lanai (that's what my Hawaiian friends call it and it sounds so much better than deck, don't you think?) 
and notice the tops of the palm trees in the distance.  Sigh
This is a win-win-win for all three of us.  Two of whom may just be 
even more traumatized by the simple change than I am. 
But we all made it in one piece.

Onward and upward to the weekend when hopefully there will be many spare moments to get things in order.  I am most definitely having an existential crisis which is probably a good thing, otherwise how does a person take tally of where their life is and if it's even on track?  Pardon me while I go locate the track.

On a lighter note - Winner of the Fitness Giveaway is #57 - Bella Gets Real!  Email your information to me and prepare to Shred and Pilate, my friend.  I shredded once over the weekend, but with moving to a place that requires me to climb 15 stairs multiple times per week I feel toned legs are on the horizon.  My lats are screaming from all the lifting and my calves are tight as ever.  Bring.it.on.  I'm so far behind on the shred I fear everyone's moved on to Level 3 and left me in the dust.  cough cough

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

Still on Level 2. More technology woes lead to some off days, so I'll be Level 2-ing through the week and likely taking the weekend off, at least one day.

Sounds like youre getting there, existential crisis and all. Cant wait to see more pics :)

this free bird said...

oh i'm definitely having a breakdown. hopefully jillian can beat it out of me once i clear a path to do the shred in. can't risk shredding down the stairs. hehe

Tiffany Kadani said...

I haven't even started!

Well, I'm happy for you. It must be sad leaving all those memories though. You'll take them with you, just in a different way.

k said...

aw, I kind of felt bittersweet for you while reading this. Perhaps the change will be super refreshing as well! We are moving in to Luzern the city instead of outside of it, cutting down some commutes - I'm quite excited :)

Lisa Griffin said...

oh girl moving burned plenty of calories i bet you're ready for level 4! change can be a pain but ooo it feels so good when you're moving onward and upward- fight through!
www.indramaticfashion.com

RosaLovesDC said...

Oh moving, I always hate it but then once I get it all done and I unpack, I am always happy to move to a new place. That's always exciting. Your place looks lovely and I am sure you will be happy at your new place. P.S. Any news on the neighbors?

little luxury list said...

It definitely seems like a good change. How can all that natural light NOT lead to good things for you?

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

taylor said...

congrats on surviving the move! i think it is good to change it up a little, even if it's just moving upstairs. i was late to the shred party so i'm just moving up to level 2 today. don't even feel left in the dust!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I'm so excited for you! Change sounds perfect to me right now! I'm sticking on 3 of ripped for a bit longer, not going to jump up to 4 until next week.

Stephanie Shepherd said...

I've always had to remind myself that change is growth, and if you don't have uncomfortable moments then you're not growing. You grow girl! ;)

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you. I agree Stephanie--change is growth and that's always a good thing.

Love your new view--and one of my requirements when I am looking for a new place is good light!

Collette Osuna said...

Awwww, you are moving on to bigger and better things doll......I know how you feel about memories, Im the same way...its tough. You are going to fall in love with your new space and be so very happy there....new memories are on the way.....havent mailed the bag yet..hoping to tomorrow!

Courtney Erin said...

When I moved from my apartment in Edmonton to come to New Haven I got really sad (not so much because I was moving so far away (although that was probably part of it) but mostly because I was leaving the first apartment my helpmeet and I had ever had together and I had so many memories attached to that place. But we're always making new ones! Glad you and the kitties survived the move - my cats are always deeply resentful when I relocate them.

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Taylor said...

Oh the new place seems ten time better! Like WAAAY! I am going through something similar, I have been in my place for 3 and I am ready to find something new...but i can't find what i want!

PS - I haven't shredded in a week! Shoot me now...might as well start all over at this rate!

Marissa said...

Haha - those poor kitties! Congratulations on the move. I'm sure you'll make wonderful memories in your new place and you'll come to love it just as much as the old.

torrie said...

No siree.

Not left in the dust one bit. Spring break hit @ our house, which meant everyone home, a zillion home improvement projects- and shredding only once. Jumping back in this week, but on L1 for a few (to get readjusted :).

This is a perfect opportunity to reevaluate a little, reorganize, ... and to get on track (even if that track is a new one).

Alyssa said...

very proud of you for moving up! may many great memories be had at your new place. i just read your break in story...so scary! good job at being prepared!

Lila said...

Ok is this a sign that I really need to get into shape? ha

SO excited I won. Emailing.....
I hate moving too but it is a perfect time to go crazy on the organization- your summer will thank you for it.

Valerie said...

Yay, it looks like you're almost settled, Carrie! What a refreshing feeling. I know exactly what you mean about feeling sad/happy/nostalgic when you're making a big change. Even if it's necessary and a long time coming, there's something distressing about leaving the past behind us and moving forward. I'm definitely not a person who likes change, but I always appreciate it AFTER THE FACT and I realize it helps me grow. I hope you're doing okay! Thinking of you!

xo
Val

Marie a la Mode said...

Moving is always sad but it's also exciting. You get to start fresh. I would give anything to be able to have a palm tree in my back yard : )

Your cat (the one in the back of the picture) is my cat's twin. They look identical! Did you happen to get him/her on a farm in Alberta? ; ) And is he inbred? Because mine is lol.

Blogs said...

here's to getting settled in new places:) i too call it a lanai....well here in FL we do:) sounds so much better fo sho! love the pics lady! enjoy the day

kimbirdy said...

6 years IS a long time! the longest i've lived anywhere was 5 years, and leaving that apartment was pretty bittersweet. i had a little last date with my apartment before i moved so we could say goodbye to each other, but it was definitely a welcomed move. i think living upstairs, with your lanai and treetop views will be such a great upgrade for you. plus, you can't really beat the convenience of moving within the same building - no moving trucks required! i hope you have even better times in your new place. and have you found crazy-free people for your old place yet?

Kayla said...

Moving is bittersweet. You're always ready to go but never really ready to leave. I had no idea you were an Executive Recruiter. I was thinking of jumping in with a recruiter myself. Mind if I pick your brain for tips and ideas?

Ramblings of a Small Town Girl
Fanciful Brainstorm - Tumblr

Julie and Lauren said...

I love love love those dark wood floors in the first room!
xx

Unknown said...

I think your new place looks pretty great - and sometimes moving on is the best thing you can do for yourself. The longest I've been in a place since i moved out of my mom's house at age 18 is 2 years. I'm so tired of being in these spaces that are like owning H&M clothes. They only last so long. I'm ready to transition into a house that I can put my roots down and stay in for a long, long period of time. I'm having the existential crisis too but we'll get through it!

Closet Fashionista said...

I know exactly what you mean! Change is so hard especially when you have been somewhere for so long. I've been living in the same house for 22 years, I was born in this house (well...in the hospital, but thats where we lived) so its going to be so weird when I finally move out into my own place, I know I'll feel the same as you are now.
But the new place is looking great and I know its going to be awesome! :D
http://www.closet-fashionista.com

A Crimson Kiss said...

The new place is gorgeous, but I know how hard it is to leave. John and I moved just 4 blocks, but when I think about home, I still see our old entryway, the odd multicolored carpet, our little kitchen. It doesn't matter that the new place is so much bigger; I still miss the first home I shared with him in SF. Hell, I still miss our first apartment in Baltimore! I guess I'm just a sap, and will happily admit that I'm a homebody-nothin' wrong with that!

Val said...

I have always had a love/hate relationship with moving. I get very attached and hate to let go but, once I'm in a new space I feel re-born!!! Good luck with everything, sweetie!!!

Josie said...

I think that moving is always such an emotional experience. There's just something so final about it, even if it's only temporary. It's like a part of your life is coming to a close. But your new place is GORGEOUS -- the light is amazing and your "lanai" is gorgeous (LOVING the word, by the way). Can't wait to see what you do with it, gorgeous!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

i think more than anything, moving is just annoying! it takes so much time!

<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons

Bonnie said...

I hate moving. It isn't just because it is annoying as Hell, but it is because you become accustomed to certain things in certain places and you associate different rooms with memories. Your home becomes a part of you. I completely understand how you can become emotional. :(

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Amber said...

I am sure you will love your new place. There has to be a good reason why you have stayed in your current location for so long

Anonymous said...

The light is fabulous. I no longer like much change either but I do like adventure.
Thanks for taking us along.

Rachel from Love a la mode said...

Your new space looks so spacious and airy! Moving is always stressful but getting to design and arrange a new space has always been kind of relaxing to me.
Bisous,
Rachel
http://lovealamode.wordpress.com

P.S. Check out my blog today for a special treat from Lulus.com, it's a neat discount that only lasts until Thursday so you won't want to miss it!

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

I feel you...change is definitely not the easiest thing. Takes a while to get adjusted and to feel comfy in some place new. As I have gotten older I have found that I don't welcome change as much as I used. Hmmmmm....this is making me think that it's time to make a change! BTW...LOVE the wood floors. xo

My Heart Blogged said...

It's funny how moving does that to you. Hopefully the move is great for you, and gives you a fresh start. It sounds like it is already pushing you forward.
My Heart Blogged

LyddieGal said...

Shaking things up. That is not something I've done in a long, long time. Moving? forgetaboutit. The mere thought of having to reduce my life to boxes is completely unnerving.

I hope you enjoy your new space, and hopefully the neighbors you choose will welcome you into your old one from time to time.

Chic on the Cheap

PursuitOfLLT said...

I don't like change when it comes to certain things. Moving especially. I feel like I get a deep bond with my place and then all the memories of the past come rushing through and it makes it hard to leave.

Like your friends said, sometimes you do need change. It's just so hard to wrap your head around it at first. I think this move is going to be fantastic. You've got a new perspective on where you live (literally) and a lanai? Um yes, please.

Life moves fast....unfortunately even faster as you get older. Gosh I wish I was a bored out of my mind teenager again.

Vintage is for Lovers said...

Welcome to your new home! I hope you are enjoying your new space. The sneak peeks look lovely! Lets meet at Long Beach Flea on Sunday and get some treasures to make you feel even more excited!!?? xo Samantha

Gorgeous Glam said...

aww it's always sad to leave a lived in place but like you said you are movin up! Literally! Change is def good ;) Can't wait to see you sunning out on the lanai!

Keira Lennox said...

Carrie, I loved this post. Sending you a big virtual hug to get you through the tough parts of your move, and just remember -- no matter where you live, we'll still be buds ;-)

Jess said...

Yay for bigger and better things! I've moved every year for the past 5 years - no kidding!! My girlfriends and I moved to different apartments for so many different reasons - one got married and we'd have to move to a smaller one, and then one wanted to buy a house so we moved in with her, and then I got married and we moved into a condo, and now we finally have a house - so hopefully I'm finally settled!
Not sure which is better - feeling like you're not moving on, or feeling like your moving on far too much!! haha

Discovery Street said...

i'm envious...i want OUT of this apartment...plus decorating the new place is so much fun!!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Congrats on the move! Packing, etc. can sometimes be a real pain in the behind but it forces you to get organized and, yes, start fresh, which is a great feeling. xo

stylenuggets said...

Best part about moving is clearing away stuff you don't need. With each move we threw away so much. Love seeing the photo of your cute cats.

alli/hooray said...

I loved your commentary on this post. And, being the crazy cat person that I am, I let out an audible, "aww!" when I saw that last photo.

Corey Thompson said...

I got little teary eyed when I saw my room.... sigh....

Claire Kiefer said...

This really resonated with me, given that I have lived in my big, sunny apartment for over 5 years, and I often dream of moving upstairs (with an incredible deck and a HUMONGOUS living room and immediate access to the roof). Everything you said about needing to shake things up and embrace change, especially. Whether you move upstairs or all the way across town, you still have to experience the process of re-acclimating and adjusting to a whole new set of routines, a bunch of new associations, etc. I think it's gonna be amazing.

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

I just got the chills for you. Very raw and beautiful post....life is ever changing and that means the view too :) Love, Kelly

TheChambrayCountess said...

Onward and upward is right! It is good to reflect, but I am glad you are moving forward :) Best of luck to you!

Corks + Caftans said...

It looks just bloody fantastic. Well done! Look at the cat alertness there--probably sniffed the perimeter a few times already, eh?

It really does look lovely... cannot wait to move. Cannot.

Byebye house. Byebye office. Tell your ex-mom to find me a badass job now. HA.
xo
C

Ashleigh said...

I'm so glad you posted this. It's true sometimes we need a 'push' (I'm ready for mine anytime - come on universe!!) but even still, saying farwell to the familiar is a bittersweet experience. Your afternoon sun sounds amazing and I'd totally sip on cockail on your lanai with you ;)

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