I think it's rather surreal the way some milestones in your life kind of sneak up on you and then are gone...while some things you anticipate the hell out of...and...not such a big deal.

I don't really know where the sale of my parents' house falls yet. On the one hand, I haven't lived there for nearly 8 years. It was only my home from 1988-1997, so not all that long of a time period even. However, it was my home from age 12-20, and I have to say that I think that's an important time in just about anyone's life.

I keep hearing this ad for Garden State on the radio. There's a quote in it that goes something like this:

"You know that point in your life when you realize the house you grew up in isn't really your home anymore? That idea of home is gone. Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people who miss the same imaginary place."

I've been interested in seeing this film anyway, but this may just be the kick in the arse I was needing to do so. I'm a big fan of Zach Braff and his character on Scrubs. (Raven swears that I am that character...) I also hear that the film pays homage to The Graduate, which is another of my favorites, so I hope the film lives up to expectations.

As for the house/parents moving to Florida business...I don't know that it's anywhere near sinking in. Raven & I still plan to move in a year or so, and this year is the Michigan family's turn to have us anyway.

Anyone have any thoughts to share on families moving apart? I don't know if anyone's noticed but we've gone to registered commenters only (one day with 178 SPAM comments kinda forced my hand there), and the registration process is pretty painless. It also will let you post on other MovableType sites that require registration. Give it a shot!

Oh yeah, one more quote for the road:

Martin Q. Blank : Dr. Oatman, please pick up, pick up! It's Martin Blank! I, I'm standing where my, uh, living room was and it's not here because my house is gone and it's an Ultimart! You can never go home again, Oatman... but I guess you can shop there.