It’s Tuesday and I’m supposed to be working on a project for my old boss but instead I’m blaring Bad Romance on repeat from my laptop speakers and dancing around my room pretending to pack. I leave for Colorado in three days and I’ve packed four boxes. Which is one box more than I packed yesterday. It’s a slow process. (So far, I’ve packed books, purses and shoes. All very important things.)
So while I’m pretending to pack I’m also fielding questions from a certain russian princess back in NYC and it’s all in caps like WHY ARE YOU MOVING? WHERE WILL YOU LIVE? ARE YOU MOVING FOR A BOY? DO YOU HAVE ANY FRIENDS? And while coming from some people it’d be annoying, from her it’s rather cute because this is just …her. Just like putting anything sparkly or shiny in front of her and you’ll have her devotion forever.
All of this, the emails, the Lady Gaga dance party, are just distractions from the big, huge changes that are about to happen in my life.
In three short days, I will finish packing up my stuff (hopefully), shove it into my car and drive the nineteen hours it’ll take me to get from Michigan to Boulder, Colorado. Despite it being only three days away, it still hasn’t hit me. I have my music to sing along to picked out for the ride and have mapped out the route my dad and I will take but I have no idea what I will do when I get there.
Two months ago I moved twelve hours away from my life in New York City. While I technically left it in mid-August when I left for Europe, it wasn’t official until I arrived back in the states and found myself in the attic room of my parents Michigan home. It hasn’t been so bad, once the initial stress of living with the parents went away. I have friends nearby, I have somewhat of a life and I have a home cooked meal ready for me every night. What isn’t there to love? But yet, I want more.
In three days, I will be nineteen MORE hours away from the life I used to have in New York City and while I am so excited to step into these new shoes and give them a twirl, I am also scared shitless. Yes, I know. I traveled through europe by myself for three months, I should be able to handle moving across the country. Right? Right.
Right?
I know this move is the right move for me right now. Living at home with my parents, while good for the bank, is getting me nowhere fast and the only way to get what I want is to take the proverbial bull by the horns. The fact that I don’t have a job, that I don’t have a means of income, is terrifying to me, though. The practical part of me is screaming at me, telling me that I have to be careful, that I have to watch my money because all this could come back and seriously bite me in the ass. What I have to do, is take that fear and face it head on and if I can’t get a job right away, get creative. I am a survivor. There is no failing at this, there is no turning back, no returning home with my tail between my legs. I have to do this. I HAVE TO DO THIS.
Just like I have to go combat this horrendous insomnia which is currently plaguing me. Last night (this morning?) I was awake until 4am and awake at 8. (and then fell back to sleep until 11:15. Whoops) Body, I could really do without the staying awake til all hours. I know we need to be prepared for the two hour time difference in Boulder, but this is a bit much. Fix yourself and fast! I have cupcakes to grab with Ria tomorrow!
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I cannot wait to read the rest of this story.
Because I *know* it will have a happy ending.
Such an exciting move, and really, I’m kind of jealous. Picking up and leaving today would be amazing (and super scary!). Good luck!!
Well this much I can promise you: I will bring you champagne in Colorado at some point SOON. You will have an amazing adventure and you get to live with Doni. {Jealous.} And if you’re lonely/scared/insert-other-adjective here? You’ve got a captive audience to bounce ideas off of and of course get encouragement.
I’m holding you to that champagne thing.
Hooray! Your life is about to get SO exciting!
I can’t wait to hear alllll about it.
Good luck & travel safely!!!
So exciting! CO is gorgeous! And yes everything is scary- but the second you get out there, you’ll be fine! Good luck! I cant wait to hear more
Oh, how awesome. There’s really nothing like a big change. I know what you mean about being scared even though you’ve made it through scarier siutations. I moved to a place where I didn’t know anyone and did just fine, but the thought of doing it again makes me anxious. Lady Gaga will get you through.
Purses and shoes packed? Then you have all you’ll need, lady!
You, love? Are excellent. You HAVE to do this and you WILL do this. No doubt in my mind. Travel safe. Boulder isn’t going to know what hit it
I am so excited for you! It will be great! Making such a huge change in your life is frightening but I am sure it will all work out fine. I cannot wait to read more about your adventures in Colorado!
I was always so impressed throughout the summer that you made your way through Europe all by yourself, and now you’re moving and I feel like I can (sort of) relate—at least to the packing part, since I just moved too! It is quite a task so good luck! I had some insomnia too while packing – something about it keeps you wired because you can’t stop thinking about all that you have to do!
So excited to hear about all of your adventures!! And I can totally see how moving to a new place would be scarier than Europe, you’re pulling up stakes and making a new home for yourself! Europe isn’t supposed to be permanent, this kinda is =)
Travel safe and keep us updated! *big hugs*
Dude, if I can do it, so can you. That’s all I’m saying. I didn’t even have a place to live when I moved across my country.
Just remember how fabulous you are. Be confident, but not cocky. Work hard. Everything will fall into place.
Also, sign up for a class, join a team, scour Twitter, anything to meet new people.
Yay! So excited for you! And can’t wait to meet you!
Good luck on your new adventures and drive safely!
PS: insomnia can be torture!
You absolutely can and will do this. I am so excited to hear about your new life in Boulder and all this move has in store for you!
You are being so brave. It’s amazing. Now, all you have to do is jump!
I’m sure it’ll be 80% scary and 20% amazing at first, but that ratio will flip-flop right quick!
I know this will be absolutely amazing. You are going to have such a fantastic time, I can’t wait to continue reading your adventure.
I think Colorado is contagious! Two of my friends just up and moved to Denver in 2009, and now you and Doni to Boulder! It’s such a fun state and Boulder is a great town, I’m totally jealous. Good luck!
I’ll deny it if ever asked but sometimes Rob Schneider does make sense.
“You can do it!”
I may never feel clean again.
Eeee!! I am so excited for you!! Just found your blog today, and love the way you write!
I know this is gonna turn out great, you’ll have an amazing time in Boulder. I’m jealous.
Goog luck!
It will hit you when you are on the road. And again as you cross each state line. And then every single day for at least weeks when you see the mountains IN YOUR BACKYARD. I’m so excited for you to get here! Let’s chat soon about when you’ll be arriving – Saturday’s going to be CRAZY! WEEE! ROOMMATES
Cannot wait to hear about your journey out to Colorado. Hard to believe that I just saw you and now you’re moving cross country! So exciting.
Hope your trip is going well. I don’t know why you’d ever want to leave Michigan though — such good weather here and so many opportunities
I can joke about this because it’s my stomping ground!
I can’t even imagine packing up and moving cross country! So brave of you and so exciting for you!!