Hey guys!
Perhaps you didn’t notice I’ve been MIA because I try to show up on twitter every now and then, but I do feel like I’m missing out on everything lately.
Most of you know I’m Brazilian, that I lived in the US from 2004 to 2009, came back to Brazil, and now I’m moving back to the US.
And that’s all I’ve been doing lately. Packing and organizing everything for our move in one week!.
If you guys ever moved before, you know how much work it involves. But now imagine moving to a different country!
Oh, God, I can’t even start listing all the things I’ve been doing … selling cars, looking for new temporary apartment, packing bags that will go with us on the flight, packing things that will go later through cargo, trying to sell the things we don’t want to take with us, visiting all kinds of doctors and our dentists (who knows how long it’ll take till we find a nice doctor we trust, or someone recommends), visiting family and close friends who live in other cities, planning on how to keep our Brazilian house closed but clean while we are away (we plan on selling it only after we have our greencards in hand), looking for school for our daughter, coming up with a plan of action for the first week (example: look/find new apartment, enroll kid on school, buy new cars, buy the stuff a house needs to function right away—plates, glasses, sofa, bed, TV, garbage can, cleaning supply, food, etc), get my EAD then my SSN …
And much, much more …
The worst part: I’m not writing. For over 30 days now, I’m not writing.
I’ve tried writing a few nights when things are calmer, but it’s useless. The writers out there know that, after a vacation, it’s hard to get back to writing and the first days are not that productive … well, these calmer nights weren’t productive at all.
I didn’t stop writing down the stuff that my mind brings to me, as plot twists and ideas for new novels, but there is no way I can just sit down and type for hours. No way. And it saddens me. It frustrates me. I feel like a part of me is missing. I think I’m even crankier than usual since I stopped writing.
But I need to just let it go, since I know I won’t be writing for the next 20-30 days … that’s a fact and the faster I accept it, the better I’ll live with it.
Anyway, my flight to the US is scheduled for March 26th (in one week!). Hopefully, by April 15th everything will be settled down and I’ll be writing again. Hopefully.
And then, oh my, I’ll be writing. Non-stop.
My goal for this year is to write at least 4 novels (and revise them). Even with the 2-month-break I’m taking because of the move, I’ll do everything I can to meet that goal.
Now you know why I’ve been quiet on the blogsphere and on the twitterverse. Sorry.
I’ll see you guys soon ;)
Cheers,
Wow, So you’re really busy, I know how they are changing, but lots of positive energy that you can, girl! Ah! Breathe … coffee break and lots of patience: writing is an art, and you have the spirit of an artist!
All the best! ;)
I understand completely, having relocated from the UK to the US. Granted, that was 20 years ago, and my wife and I were newlyweds, so we didn’t have a lot of stuff. But I still had to sell all my electrical equipment, settle bills, visit relatives, pack up stuff, arrange for stuff in boxes to be sent by ship, etc. It’s a logistical nightmare, and I’m glad we had great friends who helped us out.
I wish you the very best for your packing, planning, and travel, Juliana. :)
Moving is always traumatic. Moving to another country probably compounds that a thousand times.
Don’t worry, you’ll be able to write again soon!
Wow – you are ambitious and I LOVE it! If anyone can meet that goal, it’s you Juliana!! Such an inspiration and a true force to be reckoned with. Woot woot – I am shaking my hot pink pompoms at you!
I hope you have a safe and smooth move. I can’t imagine the stress and insanity of it all so give yourself a break, take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back for all that you ARE getting done…
HUGS!!!
It was a nightmare for me moving around during university. In the last three years I’ve moved from London to Leeds from halls, to rented accomodation to the flat I’m settling in now. I couldn’t imaging moving countries. I’d be too much of a wimp haha. Don’t worry about writing because of the move. There’s tons to do and they need to be focused on. There’s always the flight to America, even if it’s a short one. There’s a little bit of time to just chill out and get a bit of writing done. Good luck with the move!
You must be quite excited :D And it is A LOT of WORK to move from one country to another…When we moved back to Europe after living in the US for a few years, it seemed like the preparations would never stop (and we didn´t have a house so I can´t imagine how much you have to do!).
Good luck with everything and soon enough, you´ll be working on those novels again! (by the way: super impressed with your goals!)
Thanks guys for your support! It means a lot!
I’ll let you know how things go when we arrive in the US next Monday ;)
Wow, I can’t even imagine moving countries! My husband and I have talked about moving within the state, and I’m daunted by having to find all new health care providers as part of that proposition. I’m sure you are facing far bigger challenges. That said, welcome back to the United States! So glad you’ll be here. :)
Sometimes life intrudes on the writing. Giving yourself permission to have a short sabbatical sounds wise. You can kick it into gear when you arrive and get a little bit settled. Best wishes!
Wow, moving and four novels. Your a wonder woman! Good luck!
Wow! That is insane, I hate pack and moving… but to pack and move to entirely different country, you are awesome! Your post made me feel for you at how much prep goes into such a huge move.
I hope everything goes well for you!
Good luck with the move! It sounds like a ton of work so don’t worry about taking a break from writing. It’ll be there when you’re settled in your new place. I’m really impressed by how lofty your goals are! 4 more books written and revised? Wow!