You may have noticed (or not!) my absence from the blogging scene in the last few weeks. Why you ask? Was I closely involved in the canadian election or the Paulson plan? Was I busy globe-trotting to far away exotic destinations? Unless your idea of exotic is Trenton, or London, Ontario, the answer to both questions is no. So where was I really? I was at home TOTALLY FREAKING OUT!!! Deadlines coming fast, work needing to be done before winter hits (yeah I know, you California or Australia residents have no clue!) but more importantly, the Urban Panther moving in.
Although I was extremely looking forward to this moment, and I had a very good idea of what was remaining in her apartment, I was ill prepared to face the state the house was in when the move was completed but before anything was put away. You think the previous pictures were bad? You have absolutely no idea! Two heavy gauge wires of different colours touched inside my brain causing me to go completely beserk! As the Urban Panther posted previously, I have no experience in moving. My father was military and all moves were relatively painless. I did move a few times as a student, but my possessions were restricted to a few cardboard boxes. But the Den is completely different. This place was Ali Baba's cave even before the Panther moved in, so imagine it with all of her stuff piled up wherever space was available! Despite words of encouragement from the Panther, and a friend of mine who graciously helped us move, it was simply beyond my ability to make any sense out of this. So what did I do? I retreated outdoors to accomplish simple tasks that my injured psychological state could accomplish. You know, counting stems of grass, pulling wings off of flies, etc.
Well, as promised, the Panther had everything placed a matter of no time. And so the healing process began. There is still quite a bit to do, like hang her frames, and clean out the basement and garage, but at least the house is livable once again. I am still not top shape, but well on my way to total recovery, with no discernable permanent damage to my nervous system.
Have you ever been placed in a situation that was completely beyond your reasoning and had to retreat? Were you able to participate in the finalizing of the task or did you have to wait until it was completed?
Welcome back!
And yes, I've totally been there, usually around big big unknowns like when I first moved to Spain and was finishing up my classes - I knew I needed a job and an apartment and was totally freaking out so I kept retreating and throwing myself pity parties. Fortunately I had Raul to alternately console me and tell me to get over myself.
Posted by: Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome | October 02, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Alex: I have to say that this is the first time I literally 'froze in the headlights'. It was just too much. No room to move around the house. On second thought, it was probably my claustrophobia that was kicking in. Enjoy your last day in Spain before your trip; the weather here is pretty dreary!
Posted by: Urbane Lion | October 02, 2008 at 04:30 AM
Urbane Lion - I'm coming back from a little hiatus myself, so I know where you're coming from. Retreats are healthy, so it's all good!
Posted by: Al at 7P | October 04, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Al: You bet retreats are healthy. What do you think would happen if your the breakers in your electrical panel didn't go off? Glad you're back!
Posted by: Urbane Lion | October 04, 2008 at 08:32 PM