In our twenties we moved from our home near the ocean in Southern California to Carson City, a lovely town at the base of the Sierra Nevada. We were 500 miles from our friends and families, including our siblings and our parents. We knew no one. Our slates had been wiped clean of commitments and responsibilities, other than those required of new parents.
In the nearly forty years since, we made friends, raised two wonderful daughters, built a house, our careers, our lives. Together, we constructed a web of routines and relationships that supported us and bound us to a place. So this summer’s move to Reno, even though it’s less than an hour away, has disrupted things in somewhat surprising ways. The move once again wiped my slate clean, as if a zephyr had swept through and blown away everything we didn’t hold tight. Each other, our family, a few friends, a comfortable bed with those pricey, high-thread-count linens, and regular appointments with my hairdresser. You know, critical stuff.
We keep our two reasons for this move in mind: downsizing our home into something more manageable as we age and being close to our daughter. Okay granddaughter, but you understand. Still, I’ve had to let go of some things I enjoyed. Like the two-decades-long habit of weekly coffee with my pals. Or weekly walks with a friend on the trails around Carson. And leading Weight Watcher meetings and several volunteer gigs. But by giving up those things, I have time for others. As I did when I retired eight years ago, I’m rethinking priorities. I’ll try to only add back in the most important things. That’s the challenge. That’s the hope.
Here’s a partial list: Volunteer at my granddaughter’s school and have regular sleepovers with said granddaughter. Weekly family dinners and long walks most mornings. More reading. More writing. Coffee with friends now and then.
You know what? I can actually see daylight in my schedule. Breathing space. Elbow room. Except this Wednesday, of course, when I’ll drive down to Carson for coffee with my friends, have my hair done, go to yoga, and be back in Reno in time to pick up granddaughter from school. Yes, my life is still full, but only of the best possible stuff.
Lorie Smith Schaefer 
Rethinking priorities: isn’t it wonderful that we’re never too old to rethink what we’re doing, change directions, try something new. I so enjoy following you in this life transition you and your husband have undertaken.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Each stage of our life offers possibilities, I guess. Sometimes it’s hard to keep that in mind. The sale of our house still isn’t final and our next place is still a huge question mark. I have a “wish list.” Hubby has a “won’t list.” But that’s another blog post. Stay tuned.
LikeLike
Lorie, It sounds like you are getting adjusted and enjoying Olivia so much! The grandchildren grow up so quickly that is is exciting that you need to spend time with her. I love to read your blogs. I made it through my first day at Bethlehem Lutheran yesterday. Back today for day 2. Much different than a law office but very interesting. The children are a delight. Made it to 1 WW meeting. Will try to check in Saturday or next Tuesday AM. I miss the members (and you) but not having to get to the meeting and set it up. I miss Irene in the breakfast area so when I am there I always stop and talk with her. Enjoy your day. Debbie From: Lorie Schaefer To: debbieyaba@yahoo.com Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2015 9:01 AM Subject: [New post] The challenge and hope of a clean slate #yiv3310436726 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv3310436726 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv3310436726 a.yiv3310436726primaryactionlink:link, #yiv3310436726 a.yiv3310436726primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv3310436726 a.yiv3310436726primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv3310436726 a.yiv3310436726primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv3310436726 WordPress.com | Lorie Smith Schaefer posted: “In our twenties we moved from our home near the ocean in Southern California to Carson City, a lovely town at the base of the Sierra Nevada. We were 500 miles from our friends and families, including our siblings and our parents. We knew no one. Our sla” | |
LikeLike
I always thought being a mom is good training for being a school secretary. You know how to deal with interruptions! My masseuse’s little guy Dylan is in kinder at your school. I’ll weigh in @7:15 Friday morning.
LikeLike