So, I vacuumed my ceilings tonight. 

Does anyone do that on a regular basis? I have to think that it's one of those chores only done when prepping for a move. Not just a move, but selling a house. The actual move comes later, and after lots of sweat, tears, and luck. And pit-of-the-stomach anxiety, in my case. It's all the usual worries, I'm sure.

I'm exhausted just writing about it!

But we'll get through; we'll keep reminding ourselves that this is for the best, in the long run. And we'll pray like crazypeople that some sweet little family falls head over heels for our house.

Thanks to my one lone reader who checked out my last post - your kind words were much appreciated!

As tired as I've been at the end of these days, I still have the urge to write-- even if I don't actually get to do it. We spent most of the recent Blizzard days packing up the house (in ways that don't freak ot the kiddos), but couldn't get boxes to the storage unit. It's amazing to see all that we could pack away; all the stuff we don't need day-to-day. It does feel good to live this simply, without the clutter. 

Also took some time to play with the boys. My oldest was thrilled to share his Transformers tattoos with the rest of the family, so we could all match.

We are moving. 

The last time we did this, we were selling an incredible rowhouse during the best housing market in decades. It was just me and hubby and one dog. We had competing offers 2 days after we listed it, and the resulting bidding war ended with an offer $7,000 over asking price.

6 years later, it's a different world, to say the least! But we'd love to move closer to work and my in-laws - basically, our lives are in another town. We're tired of living in the car. The poor dogs have such long days alone.  The realtors call it "a convenience move" and assure us that we're in a great "position".

The anxiety I usually manage well is quickly slipping from my grasp.

Our seller agent came over yesterday and we asked - we were eager! - for her input about "staging" the house. I love this. I love getting organized, clearing out clutter. In my mind, I had already removed extraneous pieces of furniture. I was prepared - with an open mind partially full of HGTV. 

Still, I could not adequately steel myself for the experience of a stranger touring and critiquing my home. 

*sigh*

 It's not that she was mean about it or went crazy about it; in fact, I know that she did not say half of what she could have.  I might have dissolved into tears if she had gone through each detail - 

"ummm, yes, you really just need to get each dog hair removed from the house. And if you'd just go ahead and basically move out, that'd be great.  Right, I'm sure showing the house will be a bit complicated with 2 huge dogs and 2 small children. hmmmm. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

We will, of course. Figure it out. And I'm well aware that we are doing this completely voluntarily. It's the right thing for us to do right now. We could certainly suck it up and keep living in our cars, back and forth almost daily; i think the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

It's tough to live in the unknown. To tolerate feeling uncomfortable in this unsettled way.  

Say the Serenity Prayer and get over it, kiddo.