Jackson Free Press

I hate moving! If I had to make a list of my least desirable things to do, moving would be just above being held hostage in a Cambodian prison camp and getting a prostate exam from a blind doctor. Folks have asked how it is that I've only lived in two or three different places in more than 12 years of adult life. Well, it's because I didn't want to go through the horror of moving furniture, food and clothes across town. I once moved from one apartment to another in the same complex only feet away and still found it to be an awful experience.

First of all, the 12 people who practically forced themselves on you to help never, and I repeat, never show up. You're left to fend for yourself usually with an unwilling family member or a neighbor who happens to walk by while you're trapped under a mattress or couch looking completely helpless. Suddenly, the guys you talk to at least three times a day don't answer their cell. And it's amazing how many weddings, funerals and vacations take place the weekend of your move. It's understandable payback for the many family emergencies I've had when others have been moving. Did I mention that I hate moving?

Second, I always find myself wondering how in the hell I even got the furniture moved in the first place. Somehow it grows a few feet after sitting in my living room for a few years. It doesn't go out as easily as it came in. Third, I'm a creature of habit, as my beloved will tell you. Being a businessman, I've saved cards, receipts and paperwork from countless meetings, and they've stacked up so high it has become another piece of furniture. You know, those papers that you never use or need, but are sure you will as soon as you throw them away? Even after the lower discs in my back have become swollen carrying sofas and bed frames, I've still got days worth of trash to thumb through—all the while knowing I'll never get my deposit back anyway.

You begin to get settled and realize the outlets aren't in the same place. Phone jacks are in the wrong rooms. The toilets sit in a different direction. And, somewhere in front of your old spot, you figure out that you've dropped half your stuff on the ground while you were loading your vehicle. You'll never get those 16 hours back. Am I the only one who wishes they were rich enough to just leave all their old stuff and buy new stuff—with movers to boot?

But moving always presents the dawning of a new day. Moving represents change, whether it means moving "on," moving "out" or moving "back." Either way, the day eventually comes when you leave familiar surroundings to take up new digs. You can't be afraid to try new things and experience new people. I should hope that the people who try to deter you are just sad to see you go.

So hold on to your hats, Fondren; Kaze and the fam have moved in. Hope you're ready because Casa de' Cool is going to make sure things will never be the same!

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff!

Previous Comments

ID

142518

Comment

Hey, I'm with you on this. I've been moving off and on since I was 15: Upward Bound, college, moving from one apartment to another, moving back in with Mom (twice!) or helping a relative move. One of my sisters is moving soon, so I'm be embarking on another moving adventure which will probably include finding the occasional dusty pacifier or sticky lollipop under a piece of furniture.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-12-26T11:56:46-06:00