I have a “Seven Year Itch” of sorts when it comes to a house. After the thrill and newness has worn off, after a few projects have been completed and we’re out of project money… I’m ready for a new house. Perhaps, it’s because I grew up in an old, gross house and always dreamed of a bigger, (much) better home … or perhaps it’s because I’m a “typical American” and always wanting bigger / better / faster / more. I don’t know.
But when that longing becomes reality… then what?
My husband recently got an exceptional job opportunity that would take us from the Phoenix, AZ area to the Central Coast of California. With the Phoenix summer temps of 110+ fast-approaching, we happily said, “YES!”
But reality soon hit: We’d have to leave the amazing elementary school we and our young children (ages 6 and 10) love, and our beautiful, tree-lined streets neighborhood designed to resemble classic “Small Town America,” my reliable circle of friends, as well as my mom and sister. I’d also lose the familiarity of everything around me, and all of the services, amenities and shopping that comes with living in one of the largest metro areas in the United States.
As we drove away from our Arizona neighborhood for the final time, my husband and I both wept. This adorable neighborhood was THE dream! This dream was born in 2002/2003, and we could have never imagined that in 2009, this dream would actually come true.
But we chose to leave that old dream for a new dream: The Central Coast of California with vineyards, rolling hills, and beaches. A far cry from the Southwest landscape that this girl from New Mexico—turned girl from Arizona—was used to. Adios to the Great American Southwest… at last!
The stress and rush of the big move has been over for a few weeks. Summer freedom and fun are almost over, and the process of finding our way, making new friends, etc. now begins. It’s time to return to the normal routine of school (at a brand new school… I am one nervous mama!), and extra-curricular activities for the kids. I will be starting from scratch, too. Without the social circles provided by a MOPS group or playdate groups (we have now aged-out of both), I’m on my own for finding activities for myself, and forming new, meaningful friendships.
We’ve left an artificially-created “Small Town America” in the desert, and have moved to honest-to-goodness, real life “Small Town America.” It’s a journey that is exciting, nerve-racking and a bit scary all at the same time. But I am up for the challenge … I think (I hope, I pray)!
To be continued …
