Moving is awful and other Non-delights

Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative is still on hiatus as we move from ArtStreet to the Roger Glass Performing Arts Center. Let’s be honest, moving sucks. It is simply awful. Moving is often considered one of life’s most daunting tasks, a process laden with stress, exhaustion, and emotional upheaval. The mere thought of packing up one’s life — or in this case an entire radio station — and relocating to a new place can send shivers down the spine of even the most resilient among us. Several factors contribute to the universally acknowledged sentiment that moving is an awful experience.

Firstly, the physical exertion involved in moving is undeniable. From the moment one begins to sift through CDs, vinyl records, and cassettes (yup, we have some of those), rolling up posters, and packing away fragile equipment so it can safely be moved is daunting. It does not feel unlike going through belongings, deciding what to keep and what to discard, to the arduous task of packing fragile items with the utmost care, the process demands a considerable amount of physical energy. Lifting heavy boxes (damn, these records are heavy!), navigating through narrow hallways (you have seen the pictures of the station), and loading and unloading furniture can take a toll on the body, leaving movers fatigued and drained. And remember all of the equipment is incredibly sensitive and expensive! “Do not drop anything!” is a repeated refrain.

Moreover, the emotional toll of moving cannot be overstated. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, our Artstreet friends, and changing the routines can evoke a profound sense of loss and nostalgia. The attachment to a place goes beyond the physical structure of a house; it encompasses memories, experiences, and a sense of belonging. Saying goodbye to all of this can be emotionally wrenching, leading to a mix of sadness, anxiety, and apprehension about the unknown that lies ahead for the station. I wrote about this and stand behind those ideas and memories. Leaving a space that was home for over 20 years is simply not easy.

The logistical challenges add another layer of complexity to the moving process. Coordinating timelines, arranging transportation, and dealing with unforeseen hiccups can turn a seemingly straightforward relocation into a logistical nightmare. The pressure to ensure that every item arrives intact at the new station destination in a brand new building, coupled with the need to settle into an unfamiliar environment quickly, amplifies the stress associated with moving. Of course, we want to be preparing a radio show today instead of moving an incredibly sensitive studio board!

Sure, moving is an inherently challenging and unpleasant experience due to the physical, emotional, and logistical demands it places on us. The disruption of established routines, the strain on relationships, and the overall upheaval of one’s life make moving a universally dreaded endeavor. We can’t even listen to the station unless we set up a laptop or bring in a radio because studio speakers were among the first to get disconnected. While it may signify a new beginning and the prospect of fresh opportunities, the process itself is undoubtedly an arduous journey that tests one’s resilience, adaptability, and good nature.

Perhaps this is just a long meandering path to say, YTAA will not be on this week. Moving is going forward and we are making progress, just a bit slower than any of us would like. We will be back broadcasting the show as soon as possible. Automation has taken over the radio station and during December we are broadcasting indie holiday music! Enjoy and see you real soon!

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