Moving In

Many of us awake New Year’s morning with a headache, and the resolution not to overindulge the next time. We avoid the sunlight breaking through the windows. And we wonder how the next year could be any different from the previous slog. I’m not feeling any of that. At this time last year, I had no idea I would be going to Haiti, moving to the West Coast, and finding new meanings and opportunities. Or enjoy moving a house.

It’s quiet in the rental, the kind of quiet that you experience after front row seats at a concert. The continuous hustle and activity of the movers ended at 10pm last night. Gentle Giant had packed the old house and did the move here. Alfonso and Ish were both from Providence, and you would never put the two of them together. It was good to share stories of kids, RI drivers, and how they liked this lifestyle where they could chose when to be on the road, work intensely, then be able to stay in Providence to coach football for their kids. These two guys unloaded the whole truck, smiled the entire time, and kept asking how I was doing trying to keep up. Over deli sandwiches and Mountain Dews, we laughed at stories of heated political debates at truckstops. We shook our heads at their experiences in the South, where they couldn’t find a place to get a beer together. (Alfonso is African American, Ish is from Eastern Europe with an accent.) And when the move was all done, they were under budget. It’s a good sign for 2011.

What the last year brought me, which was reinforced yesterday, was that when you are open to the experience of the moment and to new opportunities as they present themselves, you may be surprised what you can learn about yourself. I never enjoyed moving before. Perhaps because I am looking to the future with a new perspective, and with the spirit I in learned about in Milot, even the simple act of unpacking brings both memories of the past, and excitement for the future. Ben and Janine helped set up the bar. It’s about 5 feet from the sliding door, looking over a small pool. We found the martini shakers, tall juice glasses and the nice wine carafes. This morning, I’m seeing ripples of light against the water, and visualizing friends and family enjoying a beverage and each other’s company. And I’m excited about the challenges and potential in my new job.

Given the housing market here, another move locally will be likely, if I ever want to own anything. Another goal for the future, while enjoying the now.

Happy New Year. Hope to see you in 2011.

And in the words of Jed Clampett and Granny, from “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Ya’ll come back now, y’hear!”