If you're one of those people who care enough to read this post, get ready for a crazy ride!
1) House in Florida
I can't believe it's done. I can't believe I spent the last several months clearing out a house that has been lived in since 1986. It was a roller coaster of emotions. Exhaustion, overwhelming urge to stop, sadness, giddiness, hopelessness, hopefulness....ah, you get the idea. And it was a massive pile of stuff...some, treasured memories, some tired junk. What wasn't donated was given away/sold, or simply, trashed. The sheer amount of garbage one has in their house after 26 years is astounding. Seriously. Thank goodness for the help of my cousin and her family, though. It wouldn't have gotten done without them pushing the crap out of me to well, get it done. I'm ever so grateful to them, and everyone else (mainly my boyfriend and two best friends) for listening to me bellyache about the amount things I had to do. Panic set in several times, and at one point, I was even ready to give up. Needless to say, it got finished, and I'm so happy to be out of a place that holds too many memories for me.
2) Journey
The journey to Scotland was one I'm unfamiliar with, having lived here previously. Unlike last time, however, I didn't have 6 suitcases and had to wave goodbye to a boyfriend. The plane ride itself was uneventful. I was looking forward to a much-needed bout of sleep. My body decided to betray me and I wound up asking a stewardess for pills to calm my aching migraine. Top it off with stomach problems, and you have kind of a horrible flight.
Once I got to London I was able to take a shower, and treated myself to a pedicure. Feeling much better, I slept the entire flight to Edinburgh, not caring if I snored or not...
Upon my arrival, I saw the hills that surround Edinburgh, and almost, almost cried for pure joy. FINALLY, I had made it! The always amazing Kate (my relocation specialist), picked me up, and we crammed 6 suitcases into her tiny European car! "I don't need to see out the back," she exclaimed!
3) Cats
The cats left me on Saturday, and were picked up by the owner of the kennel of where they would be staying before their flight. I cried like a baby. No, seriously. You'd have thought someone had just killed me. It was awful seeing their little faces in flight carriers as they were taken away. I was, of course, worried beyond belief. Their kitty case worker assured me they would be fine, but I wanted to scream, "screw you, these are MY cats." But I digress...
They were supposed to arrive at my new house in Edinburgh between 11:30-12:00. After 12, I started getting anxious and even went out front to wait. My nerves were getting the better of me, so I decided to pull some weeds while I waited. Hey, I'm in charge of keeping my garden tidy anyways, so it became a good outlet for my stress. They FINALLY arrived around 1:30. Apparently customs took too long, and they had tried to contact me...on my old cell phone. Awesome. Needless to say, everyone WAS fine.
Out of the carriers, the nosy little critters went right to work learning their new place. Grace hid under the couch for most of the day, but finally came out to explore. One of funniest sights was watching them navigate the stairs. None of them have ever been in contact with stairs, so it was a hilarious sight! I put on a load of wash this morning, and Isis went all commando on the machine. She was fascinated by it!
They've stuck to my side, following me around the house. They're settling in just fine and are having a blast learning their new surroundings. I guess the kitty case worker was right. Ugh, I hate being wrong.
4) New House
My new place looks pretty much like I left it in May, except for the garden of doom. In the past few months, Scotland has had torrential downpours for most of those months. My garden had grown up so tall and thick, it was unbelievable. Knowing I am responsible for its upkeep, I decided to get out the mower (or what they call a mower) and take a shot at it. I've never mowed in my life, so this was going to be an experience. Since the grass was up to my knees, it wasn't easy to do. My electric (yes, electric) mower was sort of puny for the job. I kept at it until the motor was smoking and wouldn't turn back on. Needless to say, I called in a professional and as I type, he's cleaning it up while singing "All My Lovin,'" and being watched by Isis.
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| Out of control jungle |
Don't get me started on the month and a half wait for internet, thanks to the Olympics and the above torrential rains. I'm not going there right now.
Or maybe there's the fact that the recycling is only picked up every few weeks or once per month? I have a PILE of boxes from deliveries that need somewhere to go, so I've spent several hours ripping them apart and bagging them in the world's flimsiest garbage bags. That's my only complaint so far...bad garbage bags.
Ah, and there's the council tax and the fact I'm exempt as a student, but I keep getting threatening letters from sheriff's officers! Seriously?!?
And IKEA doesn't deliver to my address. I. Am. Angry.
Oh and let's not forget that I don't know what the name of things are such as surge protectors/extension cords, weed whacker, etc.
And I guess I should learn the pin number for my new bank card...
It just takes time to get it all sorted out. I've come this far, and must be a bit more patient in order for everything to be accomplished. It'll happen, just on its own time.
Just to make you a wee bit jealous, here's the lavender from the title. It's growing like a weed in my garden, and I'm loving the fact I can go get a whiff whenever I want!
