Everyone agrees that moving is stressful, yet the chance for a fresh start is also exciting. The flood of emotions during the beginning days is unlike any other life experience. These are my reflections on the first few days in a new city.
Can you relate?
The Trip
I packed up 2 of my 5 children and headed to New York.
We are doing this transition in a mosaic of journeys and trips. It’s been an odd mish-mash of we are here and we are not. “Settled” is not a word that fits me yet, but I am one step closer.
I memorized my new zip code quickly as I typed it into each gas station pump between Colorado and New York. I had to text Mike the first time to ask him what it was.
It’s been helpful to adjust slowly, but long transitions are tough. Have you ever done a move in bits and pieces?
What I Miss
I miss Colorado.
No. I miss the comfort of home.
Home is normal. Home is comfortable.
Home is where I know where everything is. Home is what I am used to.
I don’t miss our house, even though I feel like I should. When I think of it, I think of someone else living there now. I don’t want to go back to it.
I don’t want to go back to the way things used to be. I’m ready to move forward.
I wish I could take comfortable with me into new. And a few of my best friends.
I miss $1 drinks at McDonald’s. (They are $2.50 here — say what?!)
I miss having a washer and dryer. It’s a pain dragging our clothes to the laundromat every few days. I have a new appreciation for those.
I miss having space of my own.
What did you miss the most the last time you moved?
New is Exciting
New York is exploring and exciting and fun.
New York is harder because everything is work.
New York is being a tourist in our new city. (Stuff to Do in Buffalo, NY)
New York is every single little thing is to be figured out. Where to find the Walgreens. Where they keep mustard in this Walmart.
New York is an odd mix of fun summer vacation and stark reality.
New York is why are there 2 insurance cards instead of one? No one really knows. “That’s New York for you. Nothing is simple with the system.” (Everyone says that about their state, by the way. Systems are never simple.)
New York is where should I put these socks?
New York is I won’t be in this apartment very long so should I even unpack?
New York is Tim Horton’s. I really like those. (www.timhortons.com)
New York is house shopping.
New York is a new church that every day feels more like home. One thing to count on — God puts great people in every church.
New York is paperwork.
New York is, “It’s in the POD.” We use this phrase at least 10 times per day. Do we have a whole blessed mansion packed into those 3 PODS?
New York is driving around and I find it hard to believe this will be home and familiar someday. I’m not opposed to the idea, it’s just…new.
New York is WATER. There is water everywhere! It’s breath-taking and gorgeous, and nothing like the high desert of Colorado.
Kiersten and Zack fishing.
New York is we have to make sure water is not in the basement of the house we buy.
New York is weird streets. They are zig-zaggy, jig-jaggy and loopy in ways I am sure should not be legal.
New York is amazing doughnuts and really good ice cream.
New York is finding a new gym — stat.
New York is I’m not ready to get a new driver’s license yet. I feel the need to keep my Colorado one.
New York is familiar in a Midwest, hometown, sort-of small-town kind of way.
New York is I miss my other kids who are back in Colorado. The kids miss their cats.
New York is no strings attached yet – nice. We get to chose what we want to be involved in, what we want to start and not start.
New York is we get to figure out who we want to be.
When you’ve moved, what were the first days like for you?
Aww, Buffalo is my hometown! Well, technically, Amherst NY!
How fun! We’ve enjoyed getting to know the area.
Having been there and done that, I never got attached to a house. But I certainly got attached to the friends that we made and the love that was shared. I miss them even though we have been in our present home 30+ years now. We keep in touch mostly at Christmas. The children now have children of their own. It would be wonderful to get them all together in one place but it is also wonderful to have had them as part of our lives for a season. We are truly blessed.
Agreed, Nancy. It’s our friends that truly matter and grace our lives. Being in the middle of house shopping though, I can say getting the right house sure feelings like a big deal right now!
When we first moved to Minnesota from southern California I did not realize the big difference in sunrise/sunset times. The days are longer in MN in the summer and shorter in the winter. We moved in late June, like you. When the Fourth of July came around and we were looking for a fireworks display to go see I found they all started at 10pm or 10:30pm. (San Diego fireworks were always at 9pm) “Why are they so late?” I asked my husband. “Don’t they know kids have to get to bed?” My husband calmly replied “Because they have to wait until it’s dark.” “Oh.” It was frustrating that first summer, living in a small apartment with, sleeping on the floor (cuz everything was in storage), spending some nights huddled on the kitchen floor (as that was the “safe, inside” area during severe storms, tornado warnings). (We knew what to do in an earthquake, but the tornado warnings and severe storms were new to us!) It was like being newlyweds again….except now we were in our 40’s and had 2 kids, and sitting and sleeping on the floor was not as much fun! Can certainly understand your frustration. God’s got your back. I’ve learned God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect. As I write this I see the plaque on my wall that I bought to help me transition….”Home is where the Heart is!” Enjoy the ride! God bless.
Thanks so much for sharing, Betty! Different experiences than mine, but gosh can I relate to what you shared. Sleeping on the floor because everything was in storage — yep. Like newlyweds, but it’s not fun anymore when we are older and with kids — yep!!! You nailed it exactly! 🙂
I loved this! Miss you!
Miss you, too, my friend! xoxoxo