It’s been two months since we moved from Euless, Texas to Columbus, Ohio, and yes, the moving process was stressful. In fact, it was a wonder I didn’t get sick. Get ready for some academics, in 1967, two psychiatrists, Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe, researched the link between stress and illness. The Holmes and Rahe stress scale lists life events and assigns a number to the stress levels they cause. Once added up, the number predicts the risk of sickness.
The stresses I underwent included death of a close family member (63); change in different line of work (36); major mortgage (31); child leaving home (29); change in residence (20); change in church activities (18); and change in social activities (17) = 214.
The score of 150-299+ predicts the risk of illness is moderate.
I had to put my beloved dog, Lucy to sleep. My husband changed his work (hence, the move). We obtained a mortgage on a commercial property. Our only child remained in Texas to finish school. We downsized from a house to an apartment. We changed congregations. We determined to amp up our social activities.
The stress of packing was lessened by the help of our friends. My husband packed everything in a 16-foot Penske truck and a car carrier for our drive to Columbus.
We left on Tuesday morning, November 20th at 5:30 am and drove straight through to Columbus, my husband insisting on driving the whole way. Actually, I was relieved he did that, as I didn’t realize how many 18-wheelers traveled across the country each day. Note to long-distance car travelers: wear sunscreen. Rats! Now I have a big freckle on my nose because I didn’t wear sunscreen.
I wonder what number the Holmes and Rahe scale would assign to that? Freckle on nose (86).
Hogging the road
When we opened the truck, I discovered it was only three-quarters full. I wished I had paid more attention to when the truck was being loaded, as I could have, and would have filled it completely. The moving guys took two hours to move our stuff to our fourth-floor apartment.
Apartment complex
Truck and car carrier
The truck was filled three-quarters full
Now, the fun part began with the unpacking. I was pleased to see that the closets were spacious. My husband decided he wanted the closet on the guest room/office side and the bathroom. I was to get the master bedroom closet and bathroom, which had the bathtub. However, I regret I left a lot behind. And after unpacking, I regret taking some things. I mean, I brought 45 rags! Whaat!?!
Unpacking
We bought a TV at Best Buy. The Black Friday sales were in effect, so the next day we went furniture shopping. I don’t regret leaving my sofa set (circa 2000) behind and starting afresh. We chose two office chairs, a coffee table, a loveseat and two side chairs from West Elm. We brought home the office chairs and one side chair immediately, but the rest will come in 8-10 weeks. Ugh.
I mentioned earlier that we planned to increase our social activities. Our apartment complex has a lounge we can reserve, and we have been taking good advantage of the amenity. My next post will talk about how I am transforming into a social butterfly.
