Curveball
Hello lovelies! I want to fill you in on the need for my emergency blog break last week. I won't be able to share every single detail because of time (and I really don't want to bore you all), but will do the best I can to explain.
To begin with, my daughter and I are moving again...in 7 days! We only found out just last week and I've been frantically trying to throw everything into boxes and tie up ends that I thought I'd have another 4 months to tie up. The background story is this:
Last Summer we moved across the country from our home in California to start what we hoped would be a fun and fresh start for us here on the East Coast. From day one things started to go wrong. First it was the black slime coming up into our kitchen sink making the room unusable. The fridge gave out shortly thereafter. Next it was the bathtub drain, and then nasty stuff started to come up our bathroom sink as well. From outside appearances this place is not a dump, so we had no idea what we were in for when we rented the place out. I wish that was the entirety of the situation. Unfortunately our apartment is also sandwiched in between two sets of unsavory neighbors that I wouldn't wish on anyone. On one side we are assaulted by the daily barrage of their screaming fights coupled by the strong scent of marijuana and cigarette smoke that seems to seep through our walls. Second (not as bad) is our neighbor who likes to wake me up early in the morning by ringing my doorbell incessantly until I answer...and then proceeds to go into tirades about the alarm system in her unit...asking if I ever hear it go off, etc, etc (completely nuts).
Next, I've been having some health issues that are making blogging/work very difficult and painful for me...and I strongly suspect that these are in great part due to the growing stress I've been under over the past 8 months.
Finally...and the reason for this sudden acceleration in our moving schedule (we were already planning to get out of here when the lease ended in July)...is that my daughter has been suffering from horrible bullying at her school. If you follow me on twitter then you know a bit about what has been going on for her. I've also just posted a more detailed infor in this post earlier today. Basically any attempts I've made to have the threats, verbal and emotional abuse stopped by the school went nowhere. The last straw came this past Tuesday when my daughter was thrown against the wall by a girl in her class. After she crumpled to the floor in pain a lunch aid came over to see what had happened and told my daughter that she would report the attack. She didn't. I only heard about the incident from my daughter when class got out that day. I just could not wait around for another more violent act against my daughter to take place and I went into the office and withdrew her from school immediately.
So dear ones...I am packing up my life again and moving to Oklahoma. Yes, it sounds crazy even to me. But my family lives there (after relocating there last year) and I really feel the need to be near to them once again after such an ordeal. We have found a sweet little house that seems the perfect place to find the peace and happiness that we were so hoping to have here in New Jersey. I will be sad to leave behind the friends I have made here but know that this is the right step for me to take in my life right now.
This week I will be doing my best to keep regular posts up here on Creature Comforts and then some incredibly generous blogging friends of mine will be writing a few guest posts to get us through the following week as I pack the moving truck and drive to Oklahoma. I thank you all in advance for your support and understanding. I will try my hardest to keep everything flowing as smoothly as possible here on CC during this process. xox Ez
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| by Ez Monday, March 22, 2010 
Reader Comments (147)
Just dropping in to give you a big Oklahoma welcome! We're lucky to have you both coming our way! : )
Oh dear. What a rough few months you and your daughter have had. It's tough to fight all these battles at once. Your family will be there to support you and it might be wise to start fresh again. The blogging community will be here to support you whenever you feel ready to come back. Have a safe drive.
You are doing the right thing, good for you! Where in Oklahoma are you moving to? I grew up there, and can give you a great list of things to do and places to see.... Best of luck to you, and congrats on your new adventure!
I am so sorry for all that you have been going through, i wish you peace and joy when as you move into this next phase.. Take care of yourself and your family first and foremost.. Sending positive thoughts your way..
http://www.toliveinspired.wordpress.com
I'm SO sorry to hear what a horrible ordeal you have been through!! I wish you the best of luck with the movie, and I think you're going to find an amazing life in Oklahoma! It's a wonderful place full of wonderful people.
Ez, you and your daughter are truly resilient, and I wish you the best of luck in your move. You have brought me inspiration and comfort on so many of my own rough days with your imagination and the wonderful things you share with us. I know Oklahoma will be amazing for the two of you.
I'll keep you and your daughter in my prayers as you move to Oklahoma and start anew. And kudos to you for making what I'm sure was a difficult decision. Good luck!
How awful, Ez. I'm sorry you've been going through such a nightmare. I totally feel for you and your sweet girl. Nothing hurts more than when your kids are in pain. You're doing the right thing.
Good luck! I hope you find what you are looking for and your daughter is very lucky to have a mother who is so willing to shelter her from harm- good mama. My children are too young to be bullied yet, but I would pick and move to Oklahoma too if I needed too. We look forward to your return! Take care of your self and your family ez.
Good Lord, Ez! I'm so sorry for everything you and your daughter have experienced! I was horribly bullied on in grade school, including physical violence. My teachers didn't do anything about it. My parents didn't really know about it (they didn't really believe the little bits they heard from me - thought it was made up, apparently). I'm so glad that you took immediate action and that you're protecting your child as you are! I'm a firm believe, through experience, that as doors close, all sorts of doors fly open up ahead. It takes a lot of courage to do what you're doing - I applaud you! Big hug!
Goodness... how awful. Big hugs for you & your sweet daughter. I hope the new home brings much love, peace & comfort for both of you. Safe travels...
You bring such beauty and inspiration to so many through your lovely posts each day. I hope that your move allows you to bring that same beauty back into *your* everyday life. I respect and admire your Mama Lion reaction to the situation.
Ez, Wise to move closer to your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you and your daughter the best.
I am so sorry to hear about this turmoil you've been through...and am ESPECIALLY upset about what's been happening to your daughter. It makes my stomach turn. I wish you nothing but the best with your new move.
That is SO terrible, I'm so sorry this was happening to your daughter. My thoughts will be with you guys, I'm so glad you will be moving. You definitely need to find somewhere new where you can be comfortable and happy. Good luck with everything!
By the way, I wanted to tell you how much I LOVE reading your blog. It really makes my day better each time I visit. It has given me LOTS of inspiration for my own artwork and I've used lots of your printables, etc to make my house and office prettier. Thank you for your wonderful posts.
so sorry to hear about all the mess in your current situation, but it'll be great to make a fresh start and being near your family will be a big hug for you guys. don't worry about us here! we're rooting for you.
I'm sorry that this has happened to you...and to you daughter. I hope (know, really) that family will be just the healing balm for this sore. Here's to new beginnings! And to OK getting you back to okay.
FYI, if you run short of guest posters, feel free to email me. I know we haven't worked together, but I love to write and love your blogs and would be happy to help in any way I can.
best wishes, ez!!! i'm sorry to hear that things didn't work out here but i hope you find the peace you're looking for close to family. hugs, hugs, and more hugs for you and your daughter.
Oh my gosh, Ez! How awful about your daughter :( I wish you a much better fresh start in Oklahoma! xo
I can't even begin to imagine the stress you're under! Take your time, remember to breathe, and we'll all be here when you get back.
Oh my goodness -- I am sorry to hear about all the recent problems! How awful for both of you. Good luck with your move!
omg Ez! how horrible for you and your daughter, i think everyone wil be able to appreciate how stressful things have been for you both... take all the time you need (i'm sure all your lovely blog readers will be happy towait!) and i wish you the best of luck with the move... :)
emma
x
My prayers are with you Ez, good luck. And may all the happiness and peace come your way. I hope Oklahoma works out for you and your daughter. xo
Oh my god. I'm so sorry you and your daughter have been going through all of this. Especially the bullying. She is very lucky to have a mom like you to stand up for her, and to take her out of a school that obviously cares very little about the health and safety of its kids. I hope Oklahoma welcomes you and treats you both with the love and kindness you deserve. If the Oklahoma bloggers I've encountered are any indication you will have a wonderful life there. All the best to you both!
This post is very hard to read and stomach. I can only imagine the suffering you both have been through these past months and I'm glad to hear you are moving away. I know exactly how stressful it is to work all day and come home to a miserable living situation. My heart goes out to you and your daughter on your new journey. Best wishes!