15 Days and Counting...

Denial, Depression, Deluged

So, maybe I'm over exaggerating just a tad. On a scale of 1-10, with one being my most peaceful, I'd have to say I'm approaching a 7, and I'm coping completely chemically unassisted, thank you! My husband is faring similarly, only because he has the added pressure of his new job.

Deluged - With only 15 days left to departure we're far from prepared; the house is in disarray, we've not packed the first item, I'm STILL dealing with old business matters, we've yet to finalize medical, legal, financial affairs and the list goes on. The thing is, we've made headway in all matters, but at this point absolutely nothing is completed.

Depressed - Biggest concern du jour - I am woeful over giving up our beloved family pet! I don't expect anyone to understand this unless they have a dear four-legged family member. We have found him a new home where he will be safe and loved, but we're dealing with the guilt and loss of a most fun and loving spirit. I imagine a reader or two will roll their eyes (if indeed there is someone out in cyberspace reading this) - I'm well aware in the scheme of all the world depravities, finding a cat a new home is trivial, and yet the loss of relationship is very real to us today.

Denial - Or the refusal to deal with the fact that we're really moving to the other side of the planet. I can't bring myself to think we're leaving our growns (who are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves) and leaving family, friends and all things familiar. Dealing means feeling, but I'm gonna have to take the preferred southern approach on this one - as Scarlett O'hare so aptly put it, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

So, for me at least denial, depression and being deluged = wanting nothing more than to cocoon. I'm really having to fight the urge to roll up in a blanket and watch mindless reality shows to escape mine. I am overwhelmed, panicked, sad and excited - I'm a walking cocktail of emotions! But this is just another phase of the expat displacement. I'll get over this only to hit a 10+ at some point - fun times ahead...