Should it really be like this at the end of March? Younger Dad doesn't seem to think so. But I can still remember the long, extended, snowy winters of my childhood - the 1970's - white Easters with big fat wet flakes settling on the lawn, hiding the purple crocuses, confusing the migrated birds - home from sunnier climes.
And so to the clean up.... not my wardrobe, or Little A's toys, or Younger Dad's pile of Which magazines, but my on line mail. For the last year or so, I've woken to the bold black list of numerous unread emails choking my inbox, a stress inducing sight first thing in the morning - How many are there to read today? Where will I find the time? - over a-would-be calming bowl of porridge (with added fruit). But today I completed the changes I've been making over the last few days - there will be no more posts raining on my yahoo account screaming READ ME, READ ME. I love the blogs I've subscribed to but it was becoming overwhelming - like piles and piles of homework. So I've moved all my reading over to Blog Lovin - please don't be offended if you see I've unsubscribed to you, I'm now enjoying your posts over there.
This evening my inbox was like a freshly mown lawn, trimmed and tidy. Now I just need to deal with the few unexpected weeds - those requests from PR's and marketers asking for endless plugs that are totally at odds with the theme of my blog. Can you see 'How to Improve Your Financial Savings' nestling along side Once Upon a Time and One Week? No. Neither can I.
And that, sadly, apart from two delightful evenings spent in lovely female company, has been the highlight of my week. My inbox. You see, I'm stressed at the moment - very stressed. I've taken to resting as much as I can for a mummy and eating one too many M&S chocolaty bites. The house move is taking it's toll, and there has been other unfortunate news too. The move was set to take place the beginning of April but the date of completion is slipping ever in the wrong direction. And we are in the dark as to what is happening further up the chain - Have their mortgages been fully approved? Have all the surveys been completed? Our seller's solicitor is being vague with our solicitor, our buyers worry we are going to pull out, we are stressing the same of them, our seller is being unnervingly quiet - I think she's stalling, I fret about the chain staying intact... and so it goes on and on.
I dearly want to move into our new home. I love the area we are relocating to - the family connections, the schools, the slower pace of life.
If the upper chain falls apart - please, no, no, no - we have decided to sell our flat, up sticks, and rent in Croxley Green. In the meantime, if the completion date moves beyond the 12th April, I will be ferrying Little A forty minutes back and forth to her new pre-school - I've already decided I'm going to plant myself in the nearby library and write while my daughter paints and dresses up with her new friends.
I want to start sorting - organise those books that will go into storage, and the unread paperbacks that will sit on the bookshelves of our new home. I want to start packing, to hear the stretching sound of masking tape on cardboard as our memories are squeezed tightly within the boxes. Limbo. Limbo. Limbo.
Blimey, I'm wound up like a spring at the moment - which brings me back to today's unseasonal weather.
Spring - where are you? Please come soon. Come brighten up my day. Bring us hope and a house move with your sunshine. Please...
If you enjoy reading Older Mum in a Muddle, please spare a thought for me in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards - The BIBS - there are sixteen great categories to chose from but I think I'm best placed in the writers category. You can click on the badge below to take you through to the nomination form on the Britmums page..... Thank you! X.
Horrid stress caused by the things you most want but can not control, the very worst of stressful situations. I really do understand. At least you're managing to do a couple of positive things despite the stress. Just keep being kind to yourself and find creative distractions to keep you going. Really hope it all comes together soon. I will keep all things crossed for you. xxx
ReplyDeleteThat's the worst part - we have no control over the situation - we can only do what we can do. I'm still trying to do some writing here and there and fiddle about on the blog - helps the sanity cogs. Fingers crossed for the next few weeks! X.
DeleteOh the stress. The stress! Moving and relying on solicitors to communicate to each other and to you can really take it's toll on one's sanity. I really hope it all works out for you soon - and at the very least if you are commuting with little A for a few weeks that you're doing it in the spring weather :0)
ReplyDeleteIndeed! It's like you are plate spinning the whole time - the only respite is the two days of the weekend before the drama of the next week.... fortunately our solicitor is working hard. I won't mind the commute if it's just for a couple of weeks! :o).
DeleteI so feel for you, having agreed a sale in October 2011 we were in exactly the same situation this time last year, but in the end the chain stayed intact and we moved on 24th April, so my fingers and toes are crossed for you, too x x x
ReplyDeleteWow - that's quite a long wait you had, and it all depends on the circumstances of the chain. We sold in January, so I guess the process is moving as fast as it can. X.
Deletewell I shall still love you if you dumped me on BlogLovin :)) I haven't moved for years & the sheer expanse of packing up makes me feel faint :) Hope all goes well from here, it's such a delicate process, everyone relying on everyone else to do their bit & in good times.
ReplyDeleteWe had the snow last week, if it comes back before the summer I think I may need therapy xxx
Thank you MLM :o). The whole thing is a tightrope - just like you say, you are relying on a number of channels to communicate effectively with each other, and quickly too. The weather is driving me bonkers - nice weather can make such a difference! X.
DeleteOh I hope it goes ahead soon... I imagine moving house is stressful enough without chain problems. Its different in Scotland - set in stone once deeds are signed. And good for you sorting the inbox, mine is a bloody disaster zone. As for this weather I'd like to just crawl under my duvet and hide... x
ReplyDeleteFor the sake of my marbles, I hope so too :o). I think the Scots have a much better system - done and dusted much faster - no pfaffing about. My inbox is heavenly now :o). And I'm so with you on the weather! X.
DeleteI used to subscribe to blogs via email but found the constant ping of my inbox completely stressful too. I now have my absolute favourites on a page on my blog and I normally pick one night a week to read all the new posts. The others I catch from twitter whenever and whatever takes my fancy. I found it too overwhelming to keep up with them all so check in now and again.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with the house move from here on in. It's not until you're opening the boxes in your new home that a sense of peace will surround you again, I imagine.
Take care of yourself, busy lady xx
I think that's the thing about email - with all those mails coming through - I never feel quite on top of things, and that's stressful. I like your approach - very sensible! I'm looking forward to the day we open those boxes too! Thank you - I will X.
DeleteThey do say moving house is one of the top 5 most stressful things you can do in your life and yours must be even worse not fully knowing what's happening. I do hope it gets easier Sarah and you find out some definite dates soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm also in the process of moving to Bloglovin for pretty much the same reasons, my inbox was a disaster after nearly 2 days of no internet. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day at the minute.
The weather doesn't help things at all, it's awful. It was actually worse than this 3 years ago when I had our eldest girl. I remember driving to hospital in deep snow and the power lines were down over the roads because of the weight of snow. I lay in the warm cosy hospital and my husband had to go home with no heating or power for 2 days ha!
Stay warm and stress free, as my wee mammy would say. This too will pass xx
Yes they do, along side marriage, divorce and death - I think this might be the lesser of those evils! Crossing fingers - we are hoping for the next few weeks. I am finding Blog Lovin a much nicer platform for reading blogs. And I will keep that mantra in mind - this too will pass - as it will. Let's hope the sun comes out soon! X.
DeleteI hate moving house - the feeling of not being in control! It is funny what gets sorted when all around us is out of control, glad the inbox is sorted, I know that I should follow suit. I hope now that the inbox is sorted everything else falls into place. Xx
ReplyDeleteAnd that's it in a nutshell - not being in control! Well at least the inbox is - I've compensated :o). I hope it all falls into place too! X.
DeleteUrgh, I've been thinking of you so much recently - it really is so stressful isn't it? It will all seem worthwhile when it's complete (keep the faith!) but be kind to yourself until then.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the BiBs - hope to see you as a finalist!
P.S. I got such a shock when I read that you had a maternity cardigan on - thought I'd missed something major!
That's so very kind :o). I think I need some valium, but I do know it will be worth it in the end - when the end actually happens ;o). No, definitely NOT pregnant. Thank you for the luck re. BIBs but I'm not holding my breath! X.
DeleteOh dear. At least you've taken a decision to take control of what you can. It will all be worth it in the end. Another Chocolate bite will definitely help :) Hope it's all resolved v soon xx
ReplyDeleteI think that's the only thing we can really do under the circumstances control the small pieces that are controllable. Those choccy bites are yum! I hope it's all done and dusted soon too! X.
DeleteI've my fingers crossed for you that the chain holds, and all the pieces fall into place for your move. So horrible not being able to get a straight answer from anyone. Stressful enough without uncertainty creeping in.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you have to do the commute, library visits sound like a great idea - think I'll be doing the same when my kids move to their new (40mins away) school in september.
Btw you've inspired me to do some blog spring cleaning - not going that well yet.. got as far as upgrading to Google + and now feeling a little lost! xx
Thank you! I'm crossing everything at the moment! That's the thing - it's out of our control - in the hands of solicitors and estate agents! The only thing we can do is nag! I added you on G+. X. Croxley Green library here I come! X.
DeleteI'm glad someone remembers snow at Easter because I don't. As long as I can remember, the end of March has heralded hot weather. Sarah Mum of 3 showed how her 3 were in the garden in trunks playing with water bombs on 23rd march last year - what a difference a year makes. I am ffffrrrreeeeezing.
ReplyDeleteSuch synchronicity: I went on Conscious Mum today and noticed that you are no longer an email subscriber AND I joined Blog Lovin today. Then after going to Co-Op I came here, only to find that you mention both. We're on the same page.
I am loving blog lovin.
Oh and as for emails, my big problem is that I get too many G+ notifications on email, they make me feel like I am DROWNING. Need to do something about that.
I wish you auspicious success with your move and your house chain. Pray for what is in your "highest and best" to be what transpires, and stay open to all signs.
Take care sweeties; thinking of you.
Liska xx
Well if you lived ooop north like I did - there were a fair few snowy Easters. I saw that post by Sarah Mum of 3 as it happens - there you go again - synchronicity! Yes, I am liking Blog Lovin too - makes it much easier and more organised. And thank you for your lovely wishes with the house move! X.
DeleteMy inbox is constantly exploding and actually it makes me feel out of control too :( I actually have 695 unopened emails in my inbox! A lot of those are posts from blogs I subscribe to but probably shouldn't have. I am actually far more likely to read something that I just happen to come across or a blog I have in my blog roll. I should take a leave out of your book! I do hope that your house gets sorted soon and that you can start to make sense and order of the craziness! x
ReplyDelete695!!!!!! My goodness me - I think it's time you hit the delete button :o). I was in a very similar boat to you - I had over subscribed to too many blogs - a lot I didn't read. I hope house gets sorted too! X.
DeletePoor you. We have been either moving or thinking we might about to be be moving for the last ten and I was just today thinking thank goodness we're relatively settled. For the moment!
ReplyDeleteI guess you move around when the vicar changes Church? Could you ask the vicar for some divine intervention for this move - pretty please? :o).
DeleteI remember snow in April once! We started spring cleaning this weekend too. Mainly as we were snowed in. Hang in there, it'll all be worth it in the end!!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's going to be very cold over this weekend too. Brrr. I hope it all sorts itself out soon!
DeleteMoving house in a chain is a nightmare...poor you :(
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to clear my inbox daily, but there's hundreds of the bloody things!
Hope things improve for you soon xx
Can't say that it's calming and zen :o). Thank you - I really hope so too! X. Ps. Stick in there with the inbox, it will be worth it in the end.
DeleteSorry to hear about the setback with the house move. It really is THE most frustrating process, isn't it? All you want to do is get settled. I feel for you - we've found our dream house but can't get in there until summer as the buyers have teenagers in school (fair enough). I can't help thinking that something will happen to make the whole thing grind to a halt between now and then - impossible to relax until we've got the keys. Hang on in there, I'm sure you'll be in there before you know it.
ReplyDelete'Frustrating' doesn't come close to describing what it's like :o) But it's just so frustrating! You have to wait until summer? I cross my fingers for you - I am sure that it will be fine - sounds like a term time thing! And getting those keys - I can't wait - let's hope it's in a few weeks!
DeleteBeing in limbo is the most difficult thing, I think. You just feel totally frustrated and powerless! Fingers crossed that it will all fall into place. xx
ReplyDeletePS: Cannot wait for spring either, this never-ending winter is wearing me down...
Tell me about it! Thank you - I want it to be all done and dusted too. Apparently the weather is supposed to get a bit better soon!
DeleteMoving house is so stressful, we thought we were going to lose ours right at the last minute but it all turned out ok in the end.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for you.
Good luck in the BiBs lovely, would love you to make the finals x
Isn't it just! It's such a roller coaster - hopefully, fingers crossed, we will be moving middle of April, if the chain stays solid! Thank you for that lovely compliment! X.
DeleteMoving is so stressful I can't even think about doing it at the moment. Glad it's not just me that can't cope with subscribing to blogs x
ReplyDeleteMy inbox is a safe haven now! Just a few emails now and again - and I am really liking Blog Lovin! Hopefully the move will be done and dusted soon - fingers crossed! X.
DeleteMoving house is one of the most stressful things in life to navigate. I feel for you and hope you are not too long in Limbo-land! Resting when you can is good, deep breathing too. Just think, when you do make that move it will all be SO worth it :-) As regards our Wintery Easter, as I've said on twitter and fb, I'll gladly put up with it so long as we get a Summery Summer!
ReplyDeletexx Jazzy
Thank you so much Jazzy! I hope we are not too long in limbo land either. The whole thing is making writing rather difficult too at the moment! I am too tired to feel inspired! With you on the Summery Summer! X.
DeleteOh no, sorry to hear you are feeling stressed. We last moved three years ago and I can still remember the stress of it all now. It's all so very important and yet so seemingly indefinate until that very end point.
ReplyDeleteIt's my eldests birthday next week and quite a few times as a child his birthday had snow, I'm beginning to suspect the world just seems a colder place now I am older - after all I still see teenagers outdoors in tshirts!
You are so right when you say 'seemingly indefinite' - right up until that end point - that's what makes it so trying! And so agree with you about winters - they seem much colder with age! :o)....
DeleteWell, according to a friend of mine, the most likely day for snow each year in the UK is 21st March. So the weather isn't as unseasonal as we all feel it is - I've been griping and snarling about it for weeks. So, whatever will be will be... and in turn, that's how it will be on the moving front too. These things are never (or rarely) straight forward so try and role with the punches and hopefully it will lead you all where you are meant to be going... Happy Easter xx
ReplyDeletehat's a very interesting statistic - hopefully all this cold will give way to lots of warm! And very sage advise - roll with the punches... I am feeling rather more chilled today - hopefully it will all turn out right! And a Happy Easter to you too! X.
DeleteSorry to hear that you are none the wiser this week. Sending you a hug. I do hope you get good news soon. Have a lovely Easter x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Me too. And Happy Easter to you too! X.
DeleteSorry to hear that this is all so stressful. It is awful to be relying on so many other people and factors over which you have very little control. Fingers crossed for you. Happy Easter x
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's the not being in control thing which is the biggest stressor - here's hoping it happens soon! X.
DeleteHoping it all works out for you and you have some Spring sunshine where you are! Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much - I hope so too :o) And a Happy Easter to you too!
DeleteEmail inboxes are the stuff of nightmares. I had about ten Google Alerts set up which brought me about fifty emails a day, so I've now set up filters and they all go directly to separate folders, where I'm supposed to read them. Yeah right!! By the way, I have just made a promise to start blogging regularly again - at least once a week - so look out for me. Off to nominate you in the writer category ... x
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you are going to be blogging regularly again - I've missed you! Oh thank you (for the vote) - that's lovely! X.
Delete