Tomorrow is the big day. Well, one of the big days at least. This 150 plus mile move is going to take more than a day to complete but tomorrow is the day for me. I've already started packing up the trailer with the as-is table I just picked up from IKEA. A couple returns and a gift card stuffed into my driver's side door handle wishing me a Merry Christmas from a stranger while I was grocery shopping and I have an actual table for all of us to eat at this holiday. It might not be new but I couldn't be happier.
I'm freaking out just a little. Little enough to push it back to the further reaches of my mind where it's easy for it to hide behind the frantic last minute packing and even frantic-er childminding. The new farm seems to be a fantastical dream. A perfect orb floating on the thermals of high hopes.
I'm quite a bit afraid it will burst.
It is such a huge step to go from a couple chickens and rabbits in the city to three hours away from friends and family with calls in to a lady with a pregnant cow. I'll be honest here, I've never actually touched a cow. In a few months I could be watching -and possibly assisting- one birthed in my own backyard. It's not just a little bit frightening.
Questions pop into my brain at random moments. Like yesterday, while I was getting juice boxes to help stave off thirsty screaming children in the car my mind reached out and whispered to me "What if you can't do it? What if you don't even like cows?"
"Pishaw, brain. Of course I'll like cows...right?"
Here's another confession...ready? I've only once had raw milk and I was about five. Right now my life is built on concepts and ideals that in all honestly might just not work out. And currently, there is no Plan B. Hell, Plan A is a bit loose itself to be honest.
Though one thing is for sure, tomorrow we're heading out. Here is our good-bye to the lights that ooze twilight over the city night, the sirens screaming at all hours, the homeless folk on every corner I've come to recognize by intersection, the friends I never got enough time to really connect to and the ones that are more family than friend, the grocery store within walking distance and the houses close enough to touch with arms outstretched. Good-bye to zero-lot lines, paved roads home and the skyline pockmarked with mile-high buildings and turbulent air traffic. Good-bye to my house that's seen home two of my five kids and the neighbors I love, the church I've called my spiritual home these past four years and the streets I tromped in my wild youth.
Hello, my new country life.
Yay! I'm so excited excited for you! Tables are very important, good! If you need a backup plan, one will present itself to you at that time; that's what I've always found to be true, anyway. I have picked up & moved a lot, but fairly settled now :)
ReplyDeleteDON'T WORRY! We jumped in with both feet too, and it's not really as scary as you think. You can assist in a calving - you'll know what to do. If you discover you don't like cows, sell the cow and calf and get something you do like. Can't walk to the grocery store? Build up your own mini-store at home and only go once in awhile (and eat from your yard as much as you can). You just adapt. It's different, it's harder, but the way it makes you feel is unmatched. Congratulations on your new home!
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog for the first time and must say you have an exciting life ahead of you! We live a life away from the big city and wouldn't trade it for anything!I can't wait to read about all your new adventures! Best of luck with everything :)~Cary Ann
ReplyDeleteI have all sorts of ideas for plan B!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have you in my prayers. What a great adventure for your family.
ReplyDelete"A perfect orb floating on the thermals of high hopes." Very poetic.
ReplyDeleteGrocery store within walking distance...that I'm afraid to walk to.