HERE WE ARE (40 down)

(Here we are sharing/counting UP Forty Days and Forty Nights of our lives, our last on the inner-west side of town and, eventually, some of our first on the other (far) side of town, where we envisage some big changes coming our way. Thanks for joining us as we remember, celebrate and experience gratitude for our time here, and sometimes feel completely overwhelmed and exhausted by the changes underway!)

 

(Warning: this post contains an inordinate supply of photos because one, it's Day 40 so I can (!) and two, my exhaustion is rendering me too lazy to make choices! You should see me trying to chose door handles for the kitchen - some options below)

 

So, day 40 here you are. I thought you'd never come. Back when this began, we anticipated having left Yarraville by now and having been in the new place for around six days but, alas, ke sera, sera etc etc. We're happy with the decision to delay (the painting is going well!) and look forward to the move, scheduled for December 3. To be honest, I'm not at all looking forward to the move itself but, the following 'bit' is highly sort after around here! (being settled in the new place that is). Despite it being so close, there remains plenty to do so, the move seems a faraway, elusive concept, just as 'Day 40' once did.



The view around here is soooo fantastic, bursting with scenes of natural wonder reminiscent of trees (I'd prefer some more of the real thing - trees that is rather boxes posing as them!)

Technically, we'll be living here for one more week but, much of our mental and physical energy is already directed towards our new home. And, largely, what remains here is in boxes, bags, crates etc so it's difficult to feel connected to, and comfortable within, this place. But these things are all relative are they not? I mean, it's just an inconvenience and one we'll get over!



Today, I felt inspired to take my lovely, confused, overwhelmed children to the beach. We threw in the packing towel (i.e. rejected the idea of filling yet another box) and darted off early this morning, not returning until early this afternoon - oh bliss.

Climbing, always climbing

We spent much of today chatting about the upcoming changes, reading picture books about moving and talking about how we can come back to our favourite places in the inner-west whenever we like (within reason!).

But perhaps most importantly, we simply played! And minus calls to trades people, rushed and last-minute car trips, email and telephone. Pip the Gnome was shown our favourite parts of the beach, a seaweed garden was created, water was splashed, shells were collected, rocks were thrown, you know, just the things that happen at the beach. But today felt special, one of our last visits here as residents of this side of town. We enjoyed every minute - and so did Pip, I know because he told me.

Our seaweed 'garden', confirming for me that green truly is my favourite colour!

This afternoon, Elsa even managed to squeeze in a play date at a friend's place around the corner while Mama and Rafa enjoyed a rest. We are so blessed to have such great people around us and will miss them to no end. So, while the busy-ness continues, today it's a relaxed, more balanced craziness filled to the brim with gratitude. I guess those deep breaths helped, that and a morning at the beach! (and the ice-cream no doubt!).



Succumbing to the disproportionate ratio of take-away food to healthy, home-cooked meals! (with take-away dominating! I'm told it's to be expected in a moving household but, I do feel a tad guilty)



I'm happy to have undertaken this little '40 day festival';  it focused my attention on the positives of our upcoming life change, helped me purge the frustrations, allowed me to celebrate and contemplate the wonder of now, of where we are and how we got here and of where we're headed! Sitting and taking the time to reflect and celebrate these things redirected the angst I feel around change and generally helped me focus!!!

And because I can't contain myself, here are some photos taken yesterday at the new place. I promise I'll have more interesting 'stuff' to share some time soon!!!! And to all you international friends and family, this is meant to inspire a visit; we have the space for you now!