Adjusting to the New "Normal"

In the past 7 months, everything has changed. I moved, sold our house, moved back with my parents in their home for 6 months, and one month ago moved into my own house. Though, when I say house, I went from a really lovely house that I could see myself living in for the duration, to a 2 bedroom duplex, where I expect to see out the term of my lease.

When I bought the house back in 2010, I loved it for its kitchen. Extended counters, gas stove, dual ovens, large dual side sink, amazing dishwasher (an important tool when you like to cook), and cabinets galore. We bought a kitchen with a house attached. It was, for lack of a better word, my dream house. LOTS of common space, great space in the kitchen, open, and functional. I had 5 years of time in that kitchen. I had 5 years of kitchen experiments, of Thanksgiving dinners, persimmon cookies, Irish feasts, family nights, and of course, "oops" moments while I cooked.

When I moved into my parents' house, it was home, but not really HOME. My kitchen remained in storage. It was perfect for what I needed at that time - a safe, stable home during a time of great transition. That kitchen was the one where I learned to cook, where I would help my mom make dinner as a child. It became the kitchen where either my dad and I, or my mom and I would make dinner, often with Aiden wanting to see what we were doing, or with him directly underfoot.

Now, both of those homes have sold. Aiden and I are now in our own little space - it's not fancy, but it's functional. It took me a while to even want to cook in here, perhaps because it doesn't feel like it's mine. Gone are the big counters, the gas stove, and the copious cabinets. It's in its own separate room - quite different from any other kitchen I've had, even in apartments. They at least opened into the living room. Well, and my washing machine didn't reside in them, either.

But, I'll make it work. My storage space has moved into the garage, as has my pantry. I'm learning how to cook on an electric stove once again, and how to not make a huge mess in such a small space. Meal planning has become a requirement, since I don't have the space to have stockpiles of stuff. I have just enough space for just enough.

Soon, I hope, I'll be ready to venture out into culinary adventures once again. Soon. Once I finish unpacking the rest of my kitchen which is boxed up safely somewhere in my garage. I think.

That's basically everything...stove/oven, counters, sink, dishwasher, and...washing machine.

The dining area, which includes seating for 3.5, and a built-in ironing board!