This week is it… the Big Move I’ve been talking about for years. (I’m not one for spontaneity, for sure!) But it is a moment to stop and reminisce a bit. I’ve lived in this city for 35 years or 90% of my adult life. I got married here, I made close friends here, and I’ve become “me” here.
I’ve had 5 homes in different parts of the greater Cincinnati area. Although I only worked for one company, it was in multiple business areas. I know my way around the “back roads”, except for the West Side or Anderson Township – there I still get lost. But in general, I know this place – it is familiar and comfortable.
I’ve loved living in this city, notably the food scene, the theater scene, the festivals, and the parks. I’ve even enjoyed the occasional professional baseball, hockey, and soccer game. I love the small city size that allows you to engage in things (festivals, events, theater) without big crowds or big prices. I love that if you meet someone new, you’ll most likely find a connection in common! Even though I’ve engaged in a lot the city has to offer, It’s crazy that there are still some “local” things I never did get to do, things I put on my list when I moved here.
But it’s now time to say good-bye. I’ve been able to do some finals – my final visit to the zoo, my last shopping trip to Jungle Jim’s food boutique, a final walk at some of my favorite parks. And of course, I’ve done some final walk & talks, wine & whines, or dinner & conversation. I’m on the final stages of the packing, final stages of managing the go-away pile (sell, donate, give-away, toss), and the movers come mid-week.
Next up, hopefully after an uneventful move, is unpacking and another (big) go-away pile to manage. And then, a list of “Hello St Petersburg” activities! Hopefully I’ll not have things still on the list in 35 years. It’s sad to say, “Good-bye Cincinnati” but I do know we will be back to visit.
retirementtransition 
My niece moved from Chicago to Tampa a couple of months ago.she said the community and the beach are the best .and the best part was getting rid of things and getting new things to express her new beach vibes .simple and uncluttered is her new matra.but she said she will visit home during any hurricanes.Happy Moving to you! Too.A new adventure awaits enjoy!
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I’m not sure uncluttered will ever describe our home! It’s so hard to let things go – from items that have memories to items I know I paid good money for …. there is just too much stuff in this house. I’m still in unpacking mode and really eager to switch to living mode!
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Bittersweet for sure, Pat. Savor the memories. Travel safe.
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Travel went well, but we moved way too much stuff. All I can advise you it to start now and downsize more than you think you should!
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Aww, my heart hurts for you. I know these months have been difficult as you’ve sorted through all that’s accumulated with 35 years of life in one city. Emotions, friendships, belongings. I bet driving out of town was tough. Hope you are safely well on your way to Florida. Give yourself some grace when you get there. Send me an email if you would like to chat. It would be interesting for you to share tips on how an enneagram 1 prepares and manages a huge cross-country (vertically) move. Thinking of you, friend.
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It’s been crazy trying to fit 2 houses wort of stuff into a single house. Even with the downsizing we did in Ohio, we moved way too much stuff! I’m not sure how to just get rid of it all… I keep whittling away at it, but it needs more than that!
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Bittersweet but exciting all at the same time. Good luck! – Marty
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Good luck with the move. My last move was just two miles and it was still hard. But we have memories and develop attachments that we’re afraid of losing. Let yourself feel the loss and then jump into your new adventure. I think you’re very brave!!
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Great advice to feel the loss; it’s been helpful to blog about that aspect of the move. And I am looking forward to jumping into new adventures…. although not quite yet. Our next “adventure” is unpacking and getting everything to fit… or not (and then get rid of more stuff!).
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I shall be doing the same thing some time this year when hubby retires and we sell our home we have lived in for 24 years and leaving Dorset on the South coast of the UK where we have lived for over 30 years.
We hope to be moving a tiny bit further north where we can afford a bigger piece of land.
Good luck to you, I shall be following your journey.
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My advice to you is to start as soon as possible deciding what is going away, so you have time to try and sell it, find right places to donate it, etc. It took a lot longer than I expected, and I ended up giving away things I could have sold if I had more time. And moving too much stuff.
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Congratulations Pat! It’s finally here. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but you are going to love saying Hello St. Pete! Your location is great for enjoying everything Florida has to offer. Just take things slowly and brace yourself for the summer heat.
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Suzanne, We have been here before in July and August. Before I agreed to the move, I wanted to see how hot was hot. We are on the water and often get a breeze. And even Cincinnati gets hot and humid… here you have the bonus of going to the beach!
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I will miss you terribly! But I am also incredibly envious of your next phase of life! It is going to be amazing! You know you will find all new friends, new adventures, new food and most of all new and fabulous weather! You always have a plan to stay in Cincinnati anytime!!! And I’ll be down next week, right after the cicadas make there appearance!!! LOL
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Candyse, I am expecting a call to pick you up at the airport!
Gosh darn, we have a ton of stuff…. not sure where it will all fit!! But weather today was glorious!
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I didn’t realize you’d lived there so long Pat – a big move indeed! I’m sure it will be a wonderful new adventure and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Good luck with the move and with the stress that inevitably comes with it – soon you’ll be sitting back and congratulating yourselves on making the choice to move and pulling it all off wo well. xx
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Leanne, I know I am not alone with this kind of move… a number of folks we know here in Florida did what we are doing. Moving 900 miles and downsizing …. to be able to live in this glorious weather. I’m sitting on my patio, looking out on the bay, light breeze blowing… glorious! Yes, there is unpacking to do…. but it’ll be there tomorrow.
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I can’t help but think you will have great adventures ahead for all the new exploring you will be doing. How exciting (and scary) this can be. I hope once you settle in to your new home, you don’t do what I always do … find that I got rid of the stuff I should have kept and kept the stuff I should have tossed. 😉 Happy trails!
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Irene, I laughed. We haven’t got rid of nearly enough stuff to think about things we should have kept. I know there will be more going away.
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😃
* Loretta *
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Wow! It’s hard to believe your move date has come! I’ve lived in my home town my whole life (other than college and a few jobs) and I haven’t done everything either. I guess that’s the good thing about having out of town guests: they encourage more exploration. Enjoy your new adventure. I look forward to hearing more about St. Petersburg (I’ve never been there).
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Janis, I’m looking forward to exploring here. But first, we need to unpack…and figure out where everything fits. We have downsized again, and most notable is the no basement situation. Lots of stuff was stored in our basement!
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Oh Pat…it’s here. I remember that day well for us, leaving Sydney after 35 years. Yes, we do get back to visit but once it stops being home, the changes (traffic for one for us!) are noticeable…wishing you well. I think I have been following your blog for almost the 5 years now. Take care.,..and let the emotions flow because whether we like it or not, that is grief in transition. Denyse x
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Denyse, the last night was an interesting range of emotions. And driving away … really heart wrenching. As you pointed out, visiting will be different!
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