Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Like a woman possessed


My head is spinning.  So much has happened in the last 7 days.  This time last week I was distraught at the prospect of having to move AGAIN (3rd time in 3 years).  Our lease expired last Monday and I got a call from the agent that day advising that the owner was selling.  

I instantly went into 'losing my shit' mode.  

The agent tried to reassure me that it wasn't a 'fait accompli'.  We may be able to stay, if an investor buys it.  But, that would still mean a 'Home Open' every f/night and us hanging by a thread not knowing what the future would bring.

Well fuck that!

I decided to take my power back and pre-empt any move.  I started looking Tuesday.  I wasn't sure if it was the right decision, but ex-hubby stepped up and said he'd pay for the move so I thought I'd roll with it.  And I'm so glad I did.

We are moving 'home' :o)

Eight years ago when I split with my husband, I moved up from a semi-rural area to an inner city suburb.  It was a big move.  It was scary, and I felt completely alone...but not for long.

I moved into a little street that leads to a park.  But this wasn't just any street.  This was a street where the neighbours care.  They want to know you.  They hang about on the verge and chat, day or night.  The kids play on anyone's front lawn, at any time, even if you are not home.  There was 'the tree' - a beautiful climbing tree that swallowed up several children at a time.  On summer days when there wasn't a sign of a single child in the street, if you stood under that tree, a faint giggling could be heard.  It was a good street.  

My next door neighbours were the BEST.  A couple in their sixties who acted as surrogate grandparents for my two (who were 3 and 6 when we moved in).  They looked after me through my hip injury, took me shopping, to the physio and made sure the kids got to school.  I sat with them and held their hands when their baby grand daughter died.  They were like family.  

We lived in that street for six years.  I'll always consider it where the kids 'grew up'.  And then, one day, we had to leave.

That was 3 years ago.  We've still kept in contact but it's not been the same..until now.  I found a house..right next door to where I lived before - in the street!

We are so excited!  The house had only been advertised that day when I found it online.  The owners had spent two weeks re-painting, putting in new window coverings and getting the landscaping organised.  It's a great little house (and I knew I was going to take it straight away as I'd been in that house a hundred times before).  Yesterday the agent confirmed my application was successful.

I drove down the street on the weekend.  Word had gotten around that we were coming home.  One of my old/new neighbours spotted the car and rushed out to get the gos' on whether we were really moving back.  It was a beautiful feeling...no really, it was gorgeous.

I'd been worrying whether it was the right decision, as the house is a little more than I can afford, but after the greeting I received and the excitement on my 'family's' faces, I knew this was going to be a wonderful thing for me and the kids.

So, I've been running around like a woman possessed and I've got most things sorted.  Removalists - TICK, electricity - TICK, gas - TICK,  phone - TICK...now it's just.........the packing.

Here we go again......




21 comments:

Raechelle said...

That's awesome Frankie!
But I HATE, HATE, HATE that frickin' picture because I HATE, HATE, HATE that movie! I had so many nightmares as a kid-and I have never even watched the whole movie all the way through...ever!

But really happy for you!

Frankie said...

It is STILL listed as the scariest movie of all time. My daughter and her friends have been having 'horror movie nights' at our place recently so it's a recurring theme here. I have NOT let her watch it though, but her friends reckon it's 'lame'. Seriously?

But thanks, the move is going to be awesome for us! xxx

Bambam said...

So you turned a potential nightmare situation into a great result for you and the kids...

YOU GO GIRL!!

How fucking cool is that - right next door to your old house, great neighbours and people who care about you. Your kids are blessed to have that environment, as are you. Good things happen to good people babe.

fitandfabinmyforties said...

Frickin' fan-tastic Frankie! What is it with teenage girls and horror movies these days...? I swear they are so de-sensitized :o

Shar said...

What a cool story Frankie and I can hear (yes I can hear through the blog!) the excitment that it is probably going to be the best thing you have done for you and the kids in a while.

You will settle back in to your family and that can only enhance your world!

Good luck with the move.

Michelle said...

I am so excited and happy for you. What a great story. I've done my fair share of moving, and the upside is it stop you from hording too much stuff!

Nicole said...

Fuck Frankie, I had goosebumps reading that entire post.... The universe sent you off to experience some poo cherries to bring you back to your safe place, a bigger (metaphorically) and wiser person. Its heart warming and fucking awesome... good on you love. If anyone deserves that feeling, its you xoxox

Friday said...

I am thrilled for you. This is awesome news.

Happy days...

xx

lastchancetraining said...

Am really happy for you Frankie. I think the move will be good for you!

Frankie said...

Thanks Mr Bam :o) it is indeed extremely cool. Someone's definitely looking after us.

Hey Sandra! Yeah thanks.. and teenage girls are hilarious. They keep me amused for hours.

Shar I am so thrilled about having 'family' around me again. It's a comforting thought x

Mich, OMG that is the best thing about it! The new place is half the size so we are chucking stuff big time. Luckily the council junk collection is the week before we move.

Thanks Ms Friday..happy days indeed!!!

I agree Nic. I was telling a friend this morning that I'm a totally different person to who I was 3 years ago. I'll be going back changed for the better and looking forward making the most of EVERYTHING from now on. xxx

Thanks Liz. I think it's going to be a real breath of fresh (yet familiar) air :o)

Kerry W said...

Hey Frankie. Well tears welled up in my eyes this morning reading this post, I was so happy for you! :) It seems that maybe the universe has been slowly aligning itself to help you after all. Sometimes what we think are poo cherries turn out to be blessings in disguise. I can't wait to hear about the next chapter in your wonderful new home! XOX

Frankie said...

aww thanks Crusty. You know, that house had come up for rent before but we couldn't afford it. Now that I have this new job, we can. Everything is turning out as it should :o)))

Kek said...

Must be karma, Frankie. You're overdue for some, of the good kind. :)

Em said...

Fuckin A! I am soooooo happy for you and your little family! :') WOO for Frankie! XX

Frankie said...

Thanks Kek :o) I try to be nice to people, it does come back around x

Frankie said...

FUCK-IN-A! Ms Em! he he...letting myself get excited now. All the paperwork done and dusted. Now to just pick up the keys next Friday! Yippee!

Em said...

hehe! its just so fucking awesome! yeahhhhhhaaaaaa!

K said...

Very happy for you, that is serendipitous! I am dreading the day when I will have to move from my abode, so good luck Frankie!!!

Frankie said...

Thanks Katie, we are all so excited about it! I hope your move doesn't come too soon.

Iris Flavia said...

Now I call that BEING LUCKY! :-)
How awesome, that sure was the right time for the right things to happen!

I hope our new neighbours are a wee bit as nice.
I just so hate moving!

Frankie said...

I hope your new neighbours are nice too Iris. It makes all the difference :o)