I have to admit, I was MORE than a little apprehensive at first. I have been living alone since the age of 22 and had a roommate for the three years before that. I was feeling like Miss Independent, having finally gained control of my life. I had a good job in Advertising, a nice place in pretty cool part of town and a cute little ride. I was traveling regularly, dining out frequently and overall just enjoying my life and my friends. But all of that can change overnight. The next thing you know, I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do with myself after being laid off. It just so happens that this was the third lay-off of my seven year career in Advertising. My first instinct – jump ship and get out of that industry. I’d had enough of the ups and downs that go along with the Ad business and wanted off the roller coaster. That then begged the question, “what now?” I had a hunch that my job was in jeopardy and had already begun working on Plan B, which included professional school and a new career. But how would I get from point A to point B? Could I go to school and work full-time? Obviously I wouldn’t be making the same salary I had been starting at the bottom in a new field – how would I support myself? What about my bills? These questions and more began to swirl around in my head, almost to the point of eruption, when my Mom had an idea. She asked me, “why don’t you move home?”
Why don’t I move home? The thought hadn’t really crossed my mind. I had already left the nest, could I go back? The more I pondered, it sounded like a great idea - I should move home! I’d be able to take a lesser paying job because I wouldn’t have expensive rent to pay. I’d actually be able to save some money. I’d be able to concentrate on school without the weight and worry of making ends meet. What a blessing to be able to move back home! I was decided, I was home bound. That excitement lasted about two weeks! Those were the first two weeks of unemployment when I was a busy bee – I had personal business to get in order, errands to run that I never had time to run before. I also enjoyed a little me time, it was like a mini-vacation. But then it hit me…I have no job and have to move home. Not sure when the situation changed in my head from “choosing” to move home to “having” to move home, but it did. Enter my drama-queen, depression phase – “I’m a loser!”, “I’m almost 30 and have to move home!”, “I’m a burden!”, “What happened to my life?” The most important points were evading me. I was so blessed - I had a future, I had a plan…and the very most important, I had a home to go back to! So silly of me for not wanting to take advantage of an awesome opportunity to further my education, gain experience through volunteer work (and hopefully a real job soon) in a rewarding field like Health Care and to enjoy my Mother and being able to bond with her.
Technically, I don’t have to be out of my apartment until the end of this week. But knowing there would be a significant transition period, not just for me but for my Mom and puppy too, I thought it best to ease into it and try make it as smooth as possible. So, I brought just a few things over on Thanksgiving. We enjoyed a happy holiday with friends and I settled into the guest room for the night. And the next night. And then I brought more things over. And then stayed over again the next night. Here we are on the fourth night and so far so good. No one has killed anyone. There’s enough space that we’re not getting on each other’s nerves. Even the puppy has gotten acclimated. And mom, who’s not a dog-lover, has found a soft spot for Roman (I think). I complete my move later this week and then it will be official.
So yes, there is no place like home. Home is familiar, comfortable and safe.
H – home is Heart and where love is.
O – home is Open and welcoming.
M – home is Memories and a place to make new ones.
E – home is Everything good.
I am so grateful to have a place to call home!
Bravo, bravo. Great start. Need more entries.
ReplyDelete-Katrina