Slowly Settling Into Our New Home

It has been exactly a month since we moved, but a part of me still feels like I am somewhere between our old life and our new one.

The new house is somehow organized now. Most of our things already have their places, although I still have a few things left in the old house. My office is probably the messiest room at the moment. I suppose that is what happens when you keep moving things around while telling yourself you will organize everything later.

Still, little by little, this place is beginning to feel like home.

Almost Eleven Years in Marfori

There are many things I miss about living in Marfori. After all, I lived there for almost eleven years.

On the day I got married, all my belongings from my parents’ house were already packed. Marfori became the home where I began my married life. It held almost eleven years of our routines, memories, ordinary days, and different seasons.

I became so familiar with everything around us.

Marfori is close to the center of Davao City, so almost everything felt accessible. Downtown was only a short drive away. Abreeza, Gaisano Mall, Davao Doctors Hospital, Brokenshire Hospital, and DMSF were all relatively easy to reach.

There were also plenty of homegrown cafés, matcha places, restaurants, and casual food spots nearby.

Food was never much of a problem either. I rarely cook because Gay2 is usually the one in charge of the kitchen. On days when she did not cook, we could easily order through Grab or Foodpanda. There were always plenty of choices, including many of my favorite restaurants.

I can still order food from our new home, but the choices are more limited. Most of my favorite restaurants are in the downtown area, and many of them do not deliver this far.

I will admit that this has been one of the adjustments. Sometimes you do not realize how spoiled you are by convenience until your favorite restaurant suddenly disappears from the delivery app.

Trading Convenience for Peace

Even with all the things I miss, there is so much that I love about our new home.

It is peaceful here.

There are trees around us, and I can hear birds instead of the constant noise of motorcycles and other vehicles. The area feels private, but it does not feel lonely. Our neighbors have been welcoming and friendly, which made adjusting a little easier.

In the morning, I go outside to enjoy the sunlight and fresh air. In the afternoon, I can ride my bike around the subdivision.

Although I have to admit biking here has not been all peaceful and graceful for me.

I have lost my balance twice already, and the funny part is I was not even biking either time.

The first time, I was only trying to pull the bike out from its stand so I could ride it. The second time was just yesterday. I was right outside our gate, about to hop on, when my phone almost slipped out of my hand. I tried to save the phone instead of saving myself, and down I went.

I ended up with a few scratches, which I quietly hid from my dad. My parents came over that day to celebrate my husband’s birthday, and I already knew what would happen if my dad saw them. He would have scolded me right away, so I just kept it to myself and said nothing.

These are simple things, but they have changed how my days feel. Bruises and all.

I did not really have this kind of routine before. Now, stepping outside does not feel stressful or noisy. I can sit quietly, breathe, and let myself slow down.

The Dogs Finally Have Their Own Space

One of the best parts of moving is that our dogs finally have their own space.

Finally.

Their area is huge and well ventilated. They have enough room to move around, and they also have a proper place to pee and poop. Everything is easier to clean, which has made such a big difference for us.

The house does not smell like dogs anymore because they now have a place designed especially for them. I love seeing them enjoy the extra space, and I think they are slowly getting used to their new home too.

Sometimes I simply sit outside and watch them. Seeing them comfortable makes all the stress of moving feel worth it.

Life Feels Different Lately

It has also been a week since I left my job, and I must admit that life feels a little strange.

For a long time, my schedule was completely different. I often stayed awake until seven in the morning. Sometimes I would still be awake well into the afternoon.

It was not purely because of work, but working at night became part of the routine I had grown used to.

Now I usually fall asleep around eleven or twelve at night.

It feels unusual to sleep while most people are sleeping and wake up while the morning is still happening. My body and mind are still adjusting to it.

This change may not be entirely because I left work. I honestly think our new home has helped me too, especially with my mental health.

There is something comforting about getting some morning sunlight, listening to birds, seeing trees, and having the space to go outside whenever I need a little air. The peaceful surroundings make it easier for me to slow down.

The Moments That Make It Feel Like Home

The moments that make this place feel like home are not the big ones.

They happen when I sit outside in our rocking chair and enjoy the fresh air.

They happen when I listen to the birds, watch my dogs, or ride my bike around the subdivision in the afternoon.

Nothing exciting needs to happen. Sometimes I am simply sitting there.

Maybe that is exactly what I need right now.

I still miss Marfori. I miss how familiar it was, how convenient everything felt, and how close we were to the places I loved. Almost eleven years of memories cannot be packed into boxes and left behind so easily.

But I am also thankful for where we are now.

Slowly and Peacefully, This Place Is Becoming Ours

Our new home is quieter. Our dogs have more space. My days are slowly becoming gentler, and my sleeping pattern is finally starting to feel normal.

There are still things to organize, routines to build, and a very messy office waiting for me. But for the first time in a while, I do not feel like I need to rush.