Last week, we announced that TMSM is packing up and moving across the country to Florida! As part of that process, I decided that I’m going to write about what’s going on and document my own personal thoughts about the move. I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve with our readers, and now’s no time to quit. I want to take you all on this journey with me, so here we go… Blog one of our Moving to Main Street series!
It’s May 21st. Our target day to leave for Florida is June 16th. I bet you’re thinking that I have half of my house packed up already? Oh….. heck no! Here we have roughly 3 1/2 weeks left before we head South, and I have half the kitchen done, half of my younger son’s room, and most of my clothes packed. That’s it. I’m finding it hard to balance running the site, taking time out for our readers, being a Mom and taking care of the boys and house, and yet still having time to pack. Not as easy as I thought. I know what needs to be done, I just have to get it all together. I’m working on it.
Part of me wonders if I’m dragging my feet on packing out of fear. Yes, fear. For some, you may see moving to be closer to the Magic as a fun and exciting thing, and it is. It’s also a scary move. I have only lived in this area in Southern Michigan. I’ve never lived further than 10 minutes away from my family. This is a huge deal. I’m the type of person who resists change normally, and I still find it hard to believe that I’m actually doing this. The decision to move to Florida wasn’t an easy one. I’ve always dreamed to moving to Florida. The cold weather is rough, I’m a warm weather person, and of course I have a huge love for Disney. It should be a no-brainer. The hard part I think is the fear of the unknown. I love Florida, I’m always sad to leave when it’s time to come back to Michigan, I left part of my heart there. But, the other half of my heart is here, in Michigan, with the family and friends that I love. Where is the balance? Self doubt creeps in, but in my heart of hearts, I truly feel like moving is the right thing to do. I spent a lot of time praying about it, asking God what I should do, and He seems to keep pointing me in the direction of Disney. Even my parents who I’m very close with, keep telling me that going South is the right thing to do for TMSM and for my family. They are sad that we’re leaving, but they also feel it’s best and are happy for us. So, I’m taking a big leap of faith, and I’m doing it. I’m scared, but I’m doing it!
This weeks blog finds me to be at a crossroads. I look around my house and you’d never know we are moving. There are no boxes in the open to be seen. The decorations are still on the walls, tv stand is full, dishes in the cabinets, etc. Now what? Time to stop being afraid and start getting excited I suppose! I wanted to have a garage sale, but I’ve procrastinated so long that I don’t know if there will be time. I intend to give a lot to the local Salvation Army, clothes, household items, etc. I have a lot of things around here that are really nice, but I know I can’t take it all. There goes that inner conflict again. I tend to put sentimental value on items at times, so it’s hard to part with certain things. Yet another thing I have to work on. “Purging” our stuff as they say….. not as easy as I assumed. I’m hoping when I check in with you all next Wednesday, I’ll be able to report a lot more progress being made. Fingers crossed there. Anyhow, thank you for following me along on this exciting journey! Until next week…… send us some extra pixie dust and prayers, we’re going to need them!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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You are doing fine! The day after I got married I moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan after living in Ohio all my life, that was 22 years ago and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was a huge move but I did get through, just like you will. Your dreams are coming true and everything is saying go, take the leap and all will be great in due time. Don’t be so hard on yourself, everything will get done! I love your site and hearing about all the exciting things your going through. Just remember to breathe and make it memorable!
You got this! My hubby and I left SE Michigan in 2002 for Florida and never regretted it! We have since left FL and have lived in other states, and always wish we could get back to FL! You are so lucky to have a business that you are passionate about and that allows you to embark on this new, awesome (magical???) adventure! The packing will get done; it always does. The mental and emotional part of moving and leaving family is a little more of a struggle, but stay confident in your decision and know you are doing the right thing. Best of luck!
Michele, you are doing fine. We had to move once and every night I would come home from work fix dinner for 2 boys and myself. Then I would start packing. I didn’t get it all packed up to suit my husbands time table so he brung my nephew in to help while I was at work. My nephew bless his heart was a teenager. He called me at work and asked me how to pack. I told him to take the glass ware and wrap it up in paper. And to mark on the outside of the box what was in it and what room it was in. My husband who has no patience, just scoped my collectables into a box off of tje shelves. A lot got broke. Enough about me. Make a list of what you have to do and as you do it mark it off. It sure helps me.
You can have all the Pixie Dust you need, hon! I know what you’re going through, having made a major move myself last year. “Purging” is the hardest thing in the world to do – and when you’re making such a big change, it’s even harder to let go of the things that are familiar and sentimental. I also procrastinated, and ended up with several bags/boxes I didn’t have time to go through, and I just couldn’t throw them away without checking them over. So, I ended up putting all of it in storage until I have a chance to “purge”! You know we will ALL understand if you need to spend less time on TMSM until you get packed, right? Hang in there! Stay calm and think Mickey!!