Unpacking priorities
Last week, I moved. In doing so, I left behind a tiny apartment without a view (unless you count the neighbors across the street as a view) for a much larger apartment with a view and a balcony from which to enjoy it.
Though my partner and I were happy in our cozy little apartment, it had crossed our minds over the years that something slightly less claustrophobic might be more suitable for a couple that includes two people who work from home. As the move approached and we allowed ourselves to really see where we’d been living since 2007, we concluded that my mother had been right all along: if a couple can weather living together in such small quarters, it’s nothing short of a miracle.
As with any big change in life, the move has taught me a a few things about myself. For starters, it made clear how lucky I am to have the family I have. My father and his dog may not have done any of the heavy lifting but they were integral to the team—they kept an eye on the truck and then the new place along with providing moral support. And my mother, brother, and sister-in-law all lent their hands and backs to the business of hauling stuff with David and me.
I also learned that I have too many things, specifically things of the book and frame varieties. Books belong at the library and there’s only so many that I need in my personal one; rescuing and reusing frames only works if you get around to reusing them in a timely manner.
What’s more, the image above is how I labeled just one box that came to the new place but it described the contents of at least one other. That said, as I unpacked I managed to combine the boxes’ contents, getting rid of the stuff whose sentimental reasons now escape me. That felt good.
Finally, this move taught me what are the physical objects that I value the most. In order of how much neurotic care I took for the items:
1) my thick glass palette whose dimensions are perfect.
2) all my paintings still in progress.
3) the one nice (read: “pricey”) dress I ever bought myself.
I’m sure this says something about me and I’m sure I don’t want to know what it is…!
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CATEGORIES: - Philosophy -
(2) Comments / Commentaires: Unpacking priorities
Merci and thank you! Je suis toujours enchantée de rencontrer un autre artiste bilingue!
Jean-Marc Robert...
Yes, moving can be quite an experience and an occasion to see how many things we gather and cherish…like your article
Bien aimé votre façon de parler de votre déménagement, tant de petites et grandes choses à déplacer, ranger, on ne sait jamais quoi garder, ou laisser de côté, etc…à bientôt.
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