Confession...

I seem to have developed a bad habit. It's been going on since August... and it's gotten to the point that I'm finding it difficult to control and contain. I just can't get enough, even though I try to tell myself to slow down.

I've been...hoarding... boxes. There. I've said it. It's out there and there's no denying it now. It started when I applied for a job back in August. I told myself to gather empty copy paper boxes from work whenever one was available. Box by box, they added up. I smiled when I thought about how prepared I would be when the time came to move. Now empty boxes are stacked in the garage, in my spare closet, and a few on my bedroom floor...even 2 more at work in my office!

It doesn't stop there, though. At work we've had a lot of people moving from one building to another and for weeks there were all these collapsed boxes stacked by the back door. I kept telling myself not to take them without asking ... I promise I didn't take any without permission, but when I got permission, oh joy! I took quite a few sturdy boxes! The collapsed ones take up even less space in the garage! More room for more boxes!

Tonight I actually eyed-up an empty box at my friends' house. A nice-sized amazon.com box was sitting near where I left my shoes and I wondered if they were going to use the box, and if not, could I have it? I got a small box from my mom the other day and was irritated that she covered the whole thing in so much packing tape that getting the box opened basically ruined it so that I couldn't use it! Dammit!

This problem of mine may have been going on for a long time. I just thought it was common sense to save the computer box. And the blender box. The humidifier box, the microwave box, the weed wacker box, the box from my cell phone, and even the tiny boxes from my jewelry.

But now I'm starting to wonder if I've always been a closeted box hoarder.

Well, Here Goes...

Dear Diary,

This is my very first entry and I really don't know what to write about... though as I was writing "Dear Diary," I couldn't help but think of that episode of The Office where Michael's diary gets read out loud at a deposition. He started each entry with "Dear Diary" and ended with "XOXO." I'm not sure I'll be doing that, except maybe on special occasions, like this first-ever posting!

Anyway, my Canadian friend Steve suggested I start a blog to keep in touch when I move to back to Wisconsin. I thought it might be kinda fun to try, though I warned him it might get the award for the most boring blog ever! :-)

Lots of changes and excitement in my world lately. I got a new job, getting back to doing what I love and miss. I'll be moving back to Wisconsin, closer to family and friends...and good cheese. I feel overwhelmed and excited, happy and sad, and really, really tired. It's only been a week since I accepted my new job and I think the reality is sinking in that I will be leaving Colorado, my home for the last six and a half years. I will be saying a lot of goodbyes. Needless to say, this amazing opportunity is bittersweet, indeed.

XOXO