Moving Day Musings

Something is better than nothing, always…but especially when you’re pregnant and moving from Japan to America by yourself because your significant other moved back 2 months earlier to start working. Not bitter just the facts. In my delicate condition I had to organize the export of a classic car, a comedy of errors as I navigated the Japanese Tax Office, Title Office and Customs officials. I also drove the 32 year old car farther than it had been driven in 2 years. In fact it stalled on the train tracks one of our last trips off base before Chris moved back and left me with a dead, poorly connected battery. Fast forward back to present, inspired by confidence in the battery I installed 3 days prior, I drove that son-of-a-bitch like an asshole for 2 hours, weaving through traffic and blaring T-Swift. Maybe it was the freedom of the open road, the excitement of moving or just sheer relief that the bad girl ran like a dream but T-Swift hit me hard and I sang along in tears like drunk Tokyo Karaoke Cerre. I later realized, it could also be the pregnancy…random joyful tears…anyone?

Additionally, I packed up two separate shipments, ensured the dogs vaccine currencies, health certificated and export licenses. I prepped the house for inspection which included fence tear down and organizing a team of experts (free squadron labor) to haul away the hand crafted deck Chris expertly installed in our back yard.

I even turned in old train passes and rolled left over yennies before leaving. I felt on top of it. I should also mention that every super productive, bass ass day that progressed was certainly followed by a barely get off the couch day. This is where I believe we give ourselves a break and remember that even a quick walk around the block, or even to the mailbox should count as a win. Something is better than nothing but no use getting down on yourself for a full day spent on the couch every once and a while.

Packing day brings particular stress. Below are the tips which helped make the process more palatable. Mostly I just kept reminding myself that the work is never done and something is better than nothing.

1. Download a book, podcast or new album you are excited to listen to while you work.
2. Set a schedule and work in chunks in the days/weeks leading up to packing day. Maybe you have a dedicated weekend or a 3 Saturdays in a row. Plan your day to include some normal activities too whether its a workout, walk or dinner with friends. Don’t just plan to wake up and work all day. I went one room at a time and threw out trash, pulled out donation items and returned random items to their proper room/location.
3. Identify necessities. I taped off one closet for clothes, linens and towels which I planned to carry with me. I also taped a kitchen cabinet to safegaurd a pan, spatula, knife and dog dishes. Knowing that my dogs necessities and that I would always be able to make eggs made me feel self sufficient until the very end. It also helped settle in faster on arrival.
4. Secure a bathroom. I moved everything out of the master bathroom except my travel toiletries. That way the movers didn’t have to enter my master bathroom and I had a sanctuary if every I needed it…plus my delicate condition put my bladder in a compromised state and I didn’t want to risk both bathrooms being occupied in a time of need.
5. Build your nest. I rebuilt the spaces I need. With all the boxes around, I built a short table for journaling and kept a tiny supply of incense to give me that familiar calm feeling I’ve come to rely on during hectic times. I journaled all the frantic concerns going through my mind and the gratitude for the small successes.

Click for a link to some quick prenatal moves. There are a couple of modifications to note. If you are in your second trimester be careful with the seated chest opener, keep your feet on the ground and remember it is about deep core and pelvic floor engagement, not abs! Maybe skip it if your in your third and your belly is causing you to lean to far back. Secondly, drop to your knees for chaturanga pushups and when transiting back to downdog.

Option 1 (26 minutes): 8 moves, one minute each with a 30 second break in between, followed by a two minute break and repeat with opposite leg forward.

Option 2 (14 minutes): 8 moves 30 seconds on 30 seconds off, followed by 2 minutes, repeat with opposite leg forward

Option 3 (12 minutes/8 minutes): If you are really short on time or very pregnant, just do the 8 moves one round through 1 minute/30 seconds with a 30 second break in between. Be sure to swap legs half way through for the 2 moves which are leg specific.