Today we flowed with the wind. Well, I already knew which way I was going to go, but the wind was cooporative. What a nice feeling.
I want to talk about getting ready to leave my mom’s house. It’s been quite the feat. I had a break fluid leak. I called a mobile mechanic named Dave who diagnosed the leak to be behind the back wheel, soaked the pads, yay! and the fluid puddle in the front was a power steering pump hose. My dad paid Dave as my birthday present and I got to help out on the job, however, the pressure hose we replaced turned out to be… fine, while the return hose had a hole, so I ended up having to replace the return hose myself. It took me 2 days and some frustration, but I managed.
The next step was moving everything, inclusive of my kids, out of my mom’s place. I ran all around the house making a pile on the shoe cabinet by the door, leaving behind small things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, clothes into the washer, etc.Then moving piles into the bus, where it fell to organizing into places. I looked through the garage, den, and on the outside property to make sure everything needed made it onto the bus. Shoes, with socks neatly put in them, sat out by the trampoline. A bucket of matchbox cars and toy mermaids, boxes of games and a couple puzzles, movies and dvd player, chargers, small food items specific to the kids (I forgot to grab a couple tea bags DX ) a couple dog toys, school work books. Honestly, the bus feels over stuffed right now.
As I grabbed things, I cleaned. All of this took me a good 36 hours. I couldn’t drive thanks to high winds anyway. It’s getting cooooold. So today, the only real break in weather, though tomorrow should be warmer, I had to jump the chance and bounce out. So anxiety over getting everything/leaving anything was wrenching my gut, while a light flutter of excitement kept my feet moving.
The kids were not excited to leave. Well, Galixy was pretty ok coming with me, but Atreyu was TORN. He’d mentioned that he wanted to be in snow, so my amazing friend Crikett offered a spot for him to be with her. He said he didn’t want to go to public school and wear a mask all day, but Crikett said had said she’d homeschool him, which appeased that front. It was a battle of snow and wifi and being close to Omi and Uncle Niki who also said they’d be happy to have him over to play often vs. Mom and traveling and Galixy. It was too short of a time for a decision. He had to come. I would miss him so much and he might regret such a short hand decision.
The kids hugged their Omi and Uncle Niki. I got hugs too. I counted the dogs, Gizzi will be missing Nik very much as well. Everyone strapped and settled into their spots and off we were! East we go!
I drove a while and then we stopped to get groceries. It doesn’t really hit that we’re on the road until I sort the groceries into the bus, trying to plan a couple meals. Mentality feels different from when we’re traveling than when we’re at my mom’s. It feels strange, but somewhat freeing. A little on edge because it’s an adventure, but we’re really just bouncing around. So maybe the edge has something to do with me being cold.
Today, before leaving, I swung by Crikett’s to see her and her babies one last time this year (it was also very lovely seeing Sam, reliable dad and husband. They’re a sweet couple.) I’m very grateful to having some amazing people in my life. It’s bittersweet saying good bye. I’m pretty sure I’ll be seeing everyone again before I know it, but winter is looming and it’s a crazy world out there. So, this is my shout out to all the amazing people I know and enrich my life and especially my kids’.
I wanna say more, how people aren’t wearing masks to this gas station, but I’m getting more cold the more tired I am, and the light being on is keeping Atreyu awake. They were so happy to get into their beds. After saying it wasn’t bed time yet over and over (are we at that age already????)
I’m gonna leave it at this. I’m eager to get back into this life and can’t wait to meet new people, learn new things, and see new sights.
Stay grateful, lovies, and share a smile
Matilda the Bugus 