Settled at last.

We moved for the fifth time in five years almost two weeks ago, and my head is finally above water. Based on the frequency of relocations, you'd think I enjoy packing and unpacking but it's actually my least favorite thing to do -- especially the packing (I don't know how people choose to become professional movers). Our first move was from San Francisco after we got married. Keith was offered a job in L.A. and I also wanted to move back down closer to my family and friends. Since then, we've been renting in different places between Santa Monica and Hancock Park trying to find our niche. After living in Hancock Park for a year, we're back on the west side in the Pacific Palisades and, I have to say, the living is easy here. Through all of this reshuffling, I've been tested in a few different ways. First of all, boxing up a house is much different when you have two toddler pulling at your legs. My patience, mental, and physical stamina were all challenged on a daily basis. When we started on the huge task of bubble- wrapping all of the dishes in the kitchen, Keith asked me which side of the wrap went against the glass. That gives you an idea of who has done most of the packing over the last five years. After I mocked him for such a ridiculous question, we set off in a steady (and familiar) pace, and we got a lot done quickly. I guess that's one of the perks of moving often -- you know exactly which rooms to tackle first. I have to give my children credit, too. During the last few days before the movers came, our downstairs living room was literally stacked with boxes from floor to ceiling, with just the tiniest path allowing us to get to the kitchen. I was frustrated and claustrophobic, but the kids didn't even seem to notice. Madeleine pushed her garbage truck and Owen pushed the shopping cart on the floor in the cramped remaining space, they threw balls and built towers with the blocks. None of it bothered them.

I was worried about how they would transition to their new bedrooms and because of that, our top priority when moving day finally arrived was to unpack their rooms and get them organized as quickly as possible. By bedtime on the first night in our new place, toys were put in their proper places on shelves, clothes were folded in the right drawers, and their lovey's were waiting to be cuddled in their cribs. They both slept through the night with only one brief squawk from Owen at 1am. I was relieved and impressed. Over the next 24 hours we unpacked every box and hung all of our photos and paintings. Besides needing a few new pieces of furniture, our new home felt comfortable and inviting. (I guess that's another perk of moving often -- you don't accumulate a lot of junk so finding places for things isn't too difficult).

Now that we've been here for almost 2 weeks, I can say with 100% confidence that we don't want to think about moving again for quite some time. Living close to the village allows us to have access to everything we need without the hassle of driving. I started working with a client who lives 6 blocks away and with her, I'm able to explore the beautiful streets surrounding us. Living close to the ocean and having such incredible natural scenery reminds me of why I'm so happy being a personal trainer; I'm inspired by the dedication of the people I work with and I'm also motivated by the simple pleasure of being outdoors. At the end of the day, home is definitely where your family is, but it also has to be a place you take pride in. I'm glad to be home.