Moving is always a big change, and a scary one. Even if you're only moving a few blocks down the street. There are a lot of people that move only one or twice, or maybe even not at all. Then there are people like me, who have moved more times than they can even remember. Sometimes it's because they have a family member in the army, or because their parent has a job that moves them around a lot. And sometimes it's because they just can't find the perfect place. Whatever the reason, as you move around, there are a lot of things you learn; some of it good, and some of it...not so good.
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1. Kids can be really cool
No matter how old you are, the first day at a new school is terrifying. It's a whole new environment chalk full of people you don't even know. You start to wonder if you'll make friends, how much your classes will suck, where your classes even are. But as you experience the new school thing more, you start to realize kids are...really cool. It's not like the movies, where on the very first day the new kids gets the tray slapped out of their hands and shoved in their locker. Instead, everyone introduces themselves, helps you out, and you find that all it takes to make a friend is a smile.
2. ...Most of the time
Most of your new school experiences have been or will be great. You'll make lots of friends and learn how everything goes quickly. But, once or twice, that won't be the case. Sometimes, kids can be really mean. Even for little things, like your accent or your acne. It's not fun, and it can be really hard, but you know you'll get through it.
3. No two houses are alike
A lot of moving means a lot of houses. And you'll find that even if they're built the same, no two houses are the same. Every house has its quirks that makes it feel like home. Maybe the front door sticks, maybe there's a crack in your bedroom ceiling shaped like praying hands, maybe it's built on an ancient burial ground. Whatever it is, it's annoying, it's crazy, but you love it.
4. It's hard to keep in touch
You find out you're going to move, and you soon tell your friends, giving promises through tears and hugs that you'll keep in touch. But as time goes on, and you've moved again and again, you know that probably won't be true. Keeping in touch is hard. Especially when you have new friends in a new place, and they have their own friends, and you're trying not to cry every time you think about the old place. It works at first, but eventually, it fades. It's sad, but it's for the best.
5. ...Most of the time
When you say you'll keep in touch, you know most of the time it won't really happy. Things will fade, and the most that will happen is you stalking old friends on Facebook sometimes. But, once in a wonderful while, you do keep in touch. You make phonecalls weekly, maybe even daily, and visit each other often as you can. And that's how you find true friends: the ones that are willing to travel across a country, or maybe even several, to come see you.
6. Weather changes everything
It will happen at least once. You have been living in a state or states with wonderful, sunny weather with winters that barely have a snowflake. But then you'll move, and find a new meaning to the word 'cold'. You'e close to wearing you're entire wardrobe, and then see locals walking around in flip flops. It's disheartening, sometimes it makes you hate everything, but you learn to deal.
7. Packing gets easier
Your first few moves, for packing, the struggle was real. You wouldn't do it until there was only a week left, and that week your house would be a tornado of all of your belongings. Your hallways would be lined with boxes, and you lost many plates in the process of trying to figure out how to pack plates. But after that, you become a pro. You never even unpack all of your things, and when you move, you start packing at least a month ahead of time. And at this point, you've learned to fit all of your belongings in two boxes and a suitcase.
8. Leaving never does
No matter if you do it once, twice, or a hundred times, moving never really gets easier. It means leaving a home, neighborhood, city, and friends you've come to love. And it's not fun, or easy. It's a part of life, and once you cry it out, you'll come to terms with it. You might leave, but your heart never really does.
