Time to hit the reset button.
Smash it…
jump on it…
tape it down for maximum effectiveness…
whatever gets the job done. That’s how I’m choosing to mentally approach the decision Cliff and I made to move in with my parents a few months ago. Yes, the reason I’ve been so quiet on the blog the last several weeks is due to this big life change that dominated our time.
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Taking the Plunge
Some might call us crazy pragmatic, and we wouldn’t couldn’t disagree. This past spring, we discovered a clause in our lease that made us uncomfortable and decided we needed to find another option. As you may know, Cliff is working to finish his dissertation and working part-time, so we thought the best decision might be to save some cash and become temporary houseguests at my parent’s place just a few miles away from our original location.
The move involved completely renovating my childhood room (roller coaster of emotions, you guys) and I quickly learned that a move across town is not always as simple as it seems from the start. SO many UHaul trips back and forth between houses made me want to scream. I didn’t. Out loud, at least. I think?
We have all experienced some highs and lows adjusting to the new arrangement. Cliff and I could not be more grateful for the graciousness and flexibility to share a space with my parents, who probably thought they would be empty nesters for good once I got married. At the same time, it has been hard to forego our space and the newlywed phase of learning to live together. Packing so many of our wedding gifts for storage was a little heart-wrenching, along with figuring out how to decompress when we aren’t alone. Note: I am the type of person who loves people, I love socializing, and wouldn’t be able to spend much time alone. HOWEVER, I also need to recharge my batteries. There are times I don’t want to talk, text, or even change my facial expression. It's a little harder to get away with that now. Anyone else out there like me?
We Are Not Alone
My 18-year-old self would be surprised at this new arrangement, but the more I’ve matured over the years (I think – ask my parents), my surprise has waned. Our generation faces a unique set of circumstances that has impacted the trajectory of our lives in ways that are still developing. Btw, if you’re looking for some interesting stats for your next dinner party, the U.S. Census Bureau report is a real gold mine. Cliff and I do fall into almost every category of the obstacles discussed, but we choose to look ahead, plow forward, and make us stronger. Rinse and repeat. And stress eat some cookies.
I hope that – in some way – we can be a positive addition to the household while we are here. It is temporary, and will probably provide for some fun stories for our future children. We may not have walked miles in the snow to get to school (true props to our grandparents for that, by the way), but we also did what we needed to do to make life work. At least we are trying. So, cheers to new adventures. Cheers to the future. Cheers to family and community. More to come!
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P.S. If any of you have experience with this life change, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts and suggestions! We know we aren’t alone and would be glad to make the connection. 🙂
Melissa says
We too have lived with my husband’s parents after we were married for about a month while we searched for a home (it was out of the country and rentals were not overly available). Blessings, it can be stretching but also bonding 😉 and certainly memory making.
hearthhealthhappiness says
It is great to know we are not the only people who have experienced these living arrangements...thank you for the positive thoughts and encouragement! Life does require a team effort most days! 🙂 Looking forward to the memories and know we will look back on this as a unique experience.
paige says
LOVED reading this - your honesty was so refreshing and i found myself nodding and agreeing with you throughout the post!! i hope you are enjoying the change, especially since it is for the best! <3 x
hearthhealthhappiness says
THANK YOU, Paige! We really appreciate the support. It's definitely a change, but absolutely for the best. Thanks for the encouragement! <3