No Turning Back

Up until now it hasn't really sunk in that we're going. I mean, we talk about it and plan it - but it hasn't felt real. Until yesterday that is. Yesterday, I gave notice at work and officially resigned. True, I gave them 6 weeks notice, but it feels like the end of a huge chapter in my life. Being at my company for 5+ years, it's become part of who I am...and there's a sadness over closing that chapter and starting a new one.

I stressed about telling my team and hyperventilated every time I started thinking about it, so it was obviously not a decision I took lightly. In the end, they were really supportive of me and happy that I have the opportunity. I feel like a huge weight's been lifted off my shoulders because I've been worrying so long about it.

On the flip side, it makes it feel SO real. I've been putting off packing or buying anything for the move because sub-consciously I wasn't ready to face the reality of what we're about to do. After I told them I was leaving, I emotionally shopped and impulsively (not really, I've been tracking the prices and it was on for a ridiculously awesome sale) bought an elliptical. I figure I will need something to keep me active on the days that it's too cold or snowy to go outside, and I've always wanted an elliptical...the cherry on top was that it was 70% off and poor Jeff found himself lugging the box home.


We also scanned the flyers for good deals on food/household items because we get a huge shipping allowance for the move that we fully intend to take advantage of. Every blog I've read has said that if you can stock up on your non-perishable foods and house stuff, to do so before moving up because the cost is so high once you get there.

Do you know how stressful this can be? Do you have any idea the amount of anxiety that goes into thoughts like, "how much toilet paper do you think we'll use in a year?" or "how much pasta do you anticipate you'll crave in the next 6-12 months?"

I don't know these things! I don't know how to gauge if the equivalent of 300 rolls of toilet paper is enough for a year or less (or more??) - the best part is going to the store and coming out with said toilet paper and feeling the need to explain to the (extremely) young boy at the cash register, in a high pitched voice because you're embarrassed/anxious, that we're moving far away and toilet paper's really expensive, so you're...just...stocking up. It's not that you have a problem or anything. And then you give them shifty eyes and they look at you funny and you shuffle out with your cases of toilet paper...until you reach the car and you ask you husband if he thinks 2 cases was enough and if you should go in and buy more.

Anyways, the moral of the story is that I don't know how much toilet paper we're going to need, but 300 rolls sure did seem like an awful lot at the time but now I'm questioning it. I'm sure when we have to go out at some point and buy a 12 pack of toilet paper for $25, I'll turn to Jeff and say "I knew we should have bought FOUR cases!"

Until then, here's a picture of what we did buy so far. First shopping trip of many before the end of the month!

-L