Why this blog?

 Today is Feb 16, 2021 - it is 17 days since I moved in with my younger sis (after having moved out of the house 15 years ago). I have 73 days to go (on this temp lease) and I don't know if I'll make it!

So why did we move in together?

My Parents and youngest sis live here in town. I lived 7 hours away from here and my younger sis lived about 2 hours away.  My parents and youngest sis caught COVID19 in Dec when my youngest sis's social worker came for a house visit. No one knew she was positive till a few days later, by then the whole family started showing symptoms and also tested positive. :(

My younger sis, P temporarily moved in with my parents so she can caregive for them and after they got through the worst part, P also tested positive and became a patient herself. Thankfully all 4 made it through but we came very very close to losing Dad. 

P and I both shared sentiments that we did not want to live so far away from mom and dad - we want to be closer to them because we don't know how much time we have with them. We also wanted to show up for our youngest sis, J. She has a slight developmental issue so she lives at home but also has become Dad's caregiver. As a result she's doesn't have freedom to work, come and go as she pleases, travel, have friends, etc. P and I realize we can't wait to help - we need to step in for her ASAP and give her the freedom she deserves. This pandemic has made us very aware at how vulnerable we all are and how precious our time together is. 

So Jan 1, 2021 I submitted my move out notice and so did my sis. We decided to move in together temporarily till we secured permanent housing on our own - either renting our own places or buying a home (goal). We know from our past that we don't do well living under the same roof but during this time apart and also growing older, we figured we can get through rough patches and really make this work - because ultimately, we both want to be near family - that means mom, dad, all of our sisters and nieces/nephews. 

I'm starting this blog because although we have good intentions, we are both adults, independent and have our own lifestyles/priorities/quirks/good & bad habits/pet peeves, etc., it is not enough. We get on each others nerves, we argue and the smallest things become problems. 

I decided to write here to get my thoughts/frustrations out vs. speaking my mind directly to P because that hasn't boded well. I become the bad guy because I'm older and its expected that I take it, do the extra work, and be the one to make things right. 

So.. I'm hoping that by sharing how I'm feeling with you, I can get some advice on how to tackle my issues with living with my fam in a productive manner. 

Thank you in advance!