6:32 pm
And, in more ways than one!
We made the leap to the mainland two weeks ago today, and I have to say, it not only went much more smoothly than I thought it would, but we are settling in much more easily than I thought we would. I mean, we have everything we need, and it’s so damn convenient, and clean, and new, and affordable in America! I didn’t appreciate this the last time I moved back; this time, I honestly could not be happier. And, man, is that a crazy-new feeling for me.
Needless to say, there will be no drinking in this apartment. Ever. And, I think this actually might be a first for me–I have never in my adult life lived in a place that will have been, in the end, an absolutely alcohol-free (well, for me, anyway) home. Sha-zam!
It’s good to have begun the moving-on process, admittedly. And, it’s such a relief to have some normalcy, which for people who have lived in the “rest of the world” (i.e., not America) actually equates to luxury. We have electricity all the time that is also affordable; with that comes always-on high-speed Internet; with all that comes new and clean and abundant STUFF–stores and food and furniture, manicured shrubbery and planned communities and stewarded (by laws!) natural recreation areas (the best of them in this part of the country, I would say). Gasp! It’s all too much. And I fucking LOVE IT. The abundance here is overwhelming, yes, but frankly, I was exhausted of island life–the endless inconveniences, the sort of dirty living, the hostility of locals toward “Americans” and vice versa–yah, I don’t think I’ll be able to inhale the abundance fast enough. Not to say that I don’t miss aspects to living in the islands; but, when I return, it’ll probably be to a different island, or maybe the mainland Caribbean.
So, now what we’re working on is settling into a new rhythm, which can be frustrating. Like, I still haven’t found much time to write; my days consist of keeping up with my “real job” and figuring out a new daily routine that works for me and for us. (Our “bear” with canine lymphoma is slowly making his exit; but, I’m grateful that he made it here, and has already been able to see snow, and will probably hang on long enough for us to let him go). And, I have to remember, it will take time. Settling into a new normal takes time, and patience, and self-care. Just like sobriety!
Looking forward to actually writing more this year. I just wanted to check in and say howdy, folks, and hope all are doing great. No wine here; no whine here.
Drunky Drunk Girl 
Welcome to America!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sober here too!!! Alcohol free, 3 years in April!
Congrats–that’s awesome!!! And, thanks–really happy to be here!
Welcome and good luck. Hope to see your posts as you have time!
Glad you’re here! I lived in St. Thomas years ago, and I remember coming back to the mainland and marveling at all the FREE air-conditioning in stores and the unlimited water! You do end up feeling kind of sandy all the time in the Caribbean. Here’s to your sober new life!
I actually feel guilty about using too much ice–haha. After the storms, ice was a hot commodity; now, we have an ice maker with a full bucket all the time. Yikes! Thanks–I am looking forward to new adventures!
I still do dishes by barely trickling water across the plate and then turning it off between plates. I’m used to the cistern! Ice was rare, so I understand. Yay for your new life!
Shawna
That’s great. Enjoy your new space!
Your blog was one of the that I devoured and help me to really understand my situation and issues are way more common than I originally believed. So after reading your blog (and some of your blogroll), I was inspired to start my own!
Welcome back to the good old U.S. of A!
Fantastic! Enjoy your new apartment.
No ‘christening’ the apartment with, well, what becomes aftermath and clean-up (hi,new neighbor). Ah, GOOD to be free.
All the best, mon amie