Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Big Moves Equal Big Headaches?


Not long ago, I moved to a new state and a new city. I’ve moved before but always within the same county so avoided many of the issues that confronted me for this relocation.

Changing from the Central to the Eastern time zone seemed like a minor thing and I was not prepared for how much this would affect me. In Illinois, the sun's first light always woke me. In the summer, that meant rising well before 6:00 AM. Now, however, it is still dark at 6:00 AM so, without the alarm, I don’t wake until 7:00 or even 7:30. I gave up trying to watch the local news. I can’t make myself stay awake until 11:00 PM to see it.

Changing one’s address may or may not result in mail being forwarded. I had a post office box for more than 25 years. When I submitted the change of address form, the post office refused to forward the mail saying I was a business and they couldn’t forward business mail.  Oh puleeze. The post office recommends individuals get a box for security reasons but refuses to accept that a person might move. Where is the logic in that?

Also regarding mail, there must be an automated change of address notification process in place because I receive lots of junk mail for companies in Illinois. Frankly, I do not intend to drive 730 miles for an oil change. Yesterday, I received an advertising flyer from my former electricity provider. Of course the company has my new address so it could send the final bill but that should have been the end of it. If it sends flyers to all former residents, imagine the expense. No wonder it needs to raise rates.

I’ve moved several times and each time, something gets left behind or gets lost. From my first apartment to my second, it was a box of books. From my townhouse to my apartment, it was my favorite soup pot. In the flurry of packing and the chaos of moving, I am resigned that something will disappear. The moving gods must be appeased.

No matter where one goes, traffic patterns are different. When and where the rush hour windows occur can be a surprise. Here, after morning rush, traffic is fairly light until about 1:00 PM. Then it doubles or triples, increasing until after evening rush.

Moving out of state adds to the adventure. In addition to finding my way around and locating new grocery stores, the library, and a Starbucks, I bumped into new rules for driving and voting. (More proof that there is nothing united about the United States.)

I’ve been in my new city for four months. I am somewhat settled and can explore for fun rather than out of necessity. There are several museums nearby and many large parks. It was a big move and included some big headaches but now I rarely reach for the ibuprofen.