Twenty minutes ago I returned from a “turn and burn” trip to Houston with my fiancé to visit his grandmother before we move. It was a spontaneous visit which we squeezed into our schedule, because no matter how much we must do to prepare for our transition, we could not imagine leaving Texas without seeing her once more. Tasks recede in comparison to connection with loved ones.

In two days, the moving company will send people to our house to pack our belongings. The following day they’ll bring a truck and load it. We’ll wave good-bye to our stuff (we hope that’s temporary!) and embark on our journey to California. With two cats. (Ack!) I’m excited about a new life there.