So you made a big move this summer.. how are you adjusting?

[mamajoan]

We moved to Illinois.. Southwestern Illinois, from California this past June.
It was quite an experience with DH's jeep accident and all. BTW, he is fully recovered and returned to work in September but it was a rough go for a while.
Anyway.
DD-15 has made a good transition to the new High School. She is struggling a bit in school but this is not new. She has made a few friends-good kids too.
So for her it has been much easier than we could have ever hoped it could. ( She was extremely upset and acted out alot when she found out we were moving last year)
DS-18 going away to college (my alma mater-100 miles from home) and he is doing fine. When asked if he still wanted to go to college in Ca. next year, he replied no, he thought he was meeting interesting people, lots of different types- more than he would find at his college choice in Ca. However, he has not made friends here locally which I hope will change when he gets a summer job.

Me... I have not made any new friends but have made acquaintances. (gotta give it time) I did go to a bible study at the local Catholic church and it was a friendly group of older folks which is cool. I admit to getting lonely at times.
I am freaked out over the HUGE HIKE in utility bills. OUCH... our water bill is almost 3X what it was in Ca. and the Electric/Gas bills.. well let me tell you I am SCARED about the cost this winter....we do have a bigger house and a pool now so I factored that in to the increase.. but dang...
We do get to see family alot and that is the major reason we moved.
I really like living near my eldest dd! We have a large extended family which I enjoy thouroughly.
going out for dinner is such a neat experience here.. and ALOT CHEAPER than in CA... ALOT...
I like the new house, but I think it is too big for us. It is very nice and comfortable but more than we need. The neighborhood is quiet, next door neighbors are nice and that is a big plus.
DH.. works way too much and is looking for a new job. Salaries are low here... but we knew that when we came. He likes it here, he is happy.
Entertainment-the change from rural to suburban areas has been a boon. It is cool to be able to go to concerts, plays and festivals without having to drive for extended periods of time.

I miss Ca. weather, Avocados and FRESH fruits and veggies... especially salad fixings! I miss CA. politics..I miss my book group in Ca.

BUT.. I LOVE this change of seasons thing, Autumn has always been my favorite, I like the friendly people, the school system and the DMV is much easier! LOL!! no Kidding! and having Family close by is a whole new thing for us.

We are all unpacked but I have yet to decorate the new digs.. waiting til I get a good idea of what I REALLY want this time. We have moved alot probably 20x during our 25 year marriage. (military time too)

So.. how did your move turn out? are you getting comfortable in your new location?

 

[Jeafl]

Hey Joan! I was wondering where you have been, I noticed I hadn't seen you around much. Welcome back to Illinois!

Sounds like all of you are adjusting well for the most part. Hope things continue to get better for all of you.

 

[minniecarousel]

Hey MJ! I, too, was wondering how things were going. Funny about the differences between here and there. (doncha just miss Ahnold?!) You probably had access to great produce stands before - I never thought that would be different in other parts of the country. Having a real "Autumn" will be fun!

Maybe you could find a new book club. That's something I keep meaning to do. Glad to hear that everyone is doing OK.

Don't be a stranger!

 

[mamajoan]

Thanks guys! I do not get to see the 49er games here~ bummer.. but on the other hand.. maybe the Cards and White Sox will be in the World Series..now that will be cool!

I was just wondering how everybody that had made big moves this summer had done in their adjustment to the new areas. I know it can be difficult for some, exciting for others.

 

[sharbear]

Glad to hear about your move. We may be moving this year and it was so good to hear about moving from someones perspective. I would love to hear others experiences.