Swimming in the Pensieve

We, the family, have been holding our collective breath over the possibility that we might be relocating. Not far. Just around the corner, as a matter of fact. The problem, in today’s market, is obviously one of pricing. Real estate (to buy or let) is ridiculously priced in California–moreso in Long Beach–and one finds oneself emotionally contending with others for a particular property when one crops-up that is about as close as perfect for one’s family as reality will permit. We serendipitously noticed a property which had been available about a year ago–avaliable anew because the last candidate didn’t work-out well in the situation. We were too late calling the last time but, for us now, it represents a step-up at a time when we need it most.

Space! We need space so the kids can have the room they need. We need space so that everyone can sit down and eat meals together.

Apply…and wait…and wonder how many other people are putting-in applications too…if Murphy is going to zap us from some unseen quarter…if we might have been too late on this go-’round too.

Sorry folks. Life on the West-Side of Long Beach doesn’t allow for much benevolence on the part of others, nor perfection of situation for a family of two parents and five children left at home–no matter how well-behaved and respectful of others’ property those children may be.

Hence, our collective breath-holding. We already know what typically counts against folks like us.

My hair is now on the long-side. Combine that with a beard and people think I’m the next Charles Manson, or the original one–recently escaped. Annie works to keep the family coffers full and–no matter how guilty I feel about it–I stay home and take care of the children. THAT puts us in the category of “a bit weird.” Add to it the fact that we have five children still at home–three being schooled within the home–and you have a case of “they’re way out in left field”-ism.

More waiting and wondering until yesterday; when I received an email indicating that our wait is over, and we can (FINALLY!) move outta here!

The four girls will now have a bedroom of dormitory-like proportions; our son will still have his own room; there will be enough room to teach, live life and cook without turning sideways to let one of the kids slither past me on their way to the ‘fridge. Room enough to open the oven or ‘fridge door with more than one person in the kitchen. There will be room for desks and book shelves and play time…and to just be a family.

Now, we start packing; money will change hands; we will pack some more. Then move. Then we’ll unpack. All of this while keeping the kids up with their studies at home. We’ll actually do this with an air of joy.

By the way: Here is a screen shot which shows the two youngest girls’ progress thus far, and the fact the our son became part of the CAliVA family last Thursday:

How many of you noticed that the CAliVA/K-12/Apex OnLine curriculum works just fine on a Linux-based web browser? (I know that there have to be literally 3 or 4 of you, out there, who are worried about that.) Giver that I am, I have saved you the hassle of beta testing the scenario on your own cache of Linux machines. Take my word for it, it works just fine.