The rumors are true. I have pretty good executive functioning. I'm an organized, focused linear thinker who doesn't really mind doing housework. I'm an ADDer's dream spouse.
But even those of us who "have it all together" can snap like a twig if the pressure is great enough. The process of selling the apartment and building a new house 80 miles away has been the greatest test of mental stamina I have ever experienced, second only to job hunting on the AAAAAAAAH! scale.
You know how they have professional wedding planners? They should have professional house selling/buying/moving planners. Someone to take on all the stress and walk you through each step of the process. Someone who has your best interest in mind. Where a wedding planner would say, "Don't let your guests throw rice; it causes pigeons to explode," a moving planner could say, "Don't forget to pick up your dry cleaning before you move 80 miles away. And by the way, I know you haven't had time to read the paper, but Home Depot is having a big sale on appliances. Don't miss it."
For now, Jen and I are our own moving planners. Our emails back and forth during the workday have turned into "Did you call the lawyer?" "Did you email the builder?" "Did Angelina Jolie have the baby?"
And our conversations with colleagues and acquaintances have become:
"We've been very busy this year. We're building a house upstate."
"Oh, that's great! You must be so excited!"
"Actually my blood pressure is skyrocketing and I'm screaming in my sleep."
"How wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"
We're in the 8th month of this journey, and I can't say it's been all bad. I will never forget the first time we turned the corner and saw the wood frame high on that snowy hill. We're about to move into a brand new house - of course it's exciting. I joke about it, but it really is one of the best experiences Jen and I have shared together.
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