My friends in real life know, both of our bosses know, and if you follow me on twitter I can assume you’ve put two and two together, but let’s just make it official and announce it on the blog.
I mean… nothing’s true until you read it on a blog, right?
Anyway, the hubs and I (and our pooch) are moving to sunny California!!! The timetable looks like it will be right at the beginning of September, however we are both putting out job applications like mad and if one of them decides to pick us up, we could fast-track this whole operation, if necessary. I am very excited about this adventure.
Mostly I operate under the assumption that the people who read my blog know me in real life and know my story; however, I have seen increased traffic over the past 4 months (which I L-O-V-E) so I suppose I’ll explain a little bit in case I have any new friends who haven’t met me. I am from California. I was born there. Of my 24 years of life, I have spent about 16 of them in California. While the state and I have had some rocky times, it truly is a part of me. I finished my bachelor’s degree in San Diego and while living there fell head over heels for “America’s Finest City.” However, I also fell head over heels for this guy who lived in Kansas, hence the two-and-a-half year detour.
I’ve felt a lot of growing pains while living here, and although I do have a great group of friends, I have never felt like I really belonged in this town of 13,000 (versus my adult life spent in a city of 2 million and/or a city of 100,000). There is a social structure I can’t seem to get my mind around, based on who you’re related to and what sports you played in high school. I guess I never thought it would be so hard to break into, and didn’t know I’d be such an outsider. So, we’re heading to the land of outsiders, a place where people come from all over the country (all over the world, really) where we believe there will be more opportunities.
So, since I get asked the same questions every time, I figured I’d do a little FAQ! Of course, you can and are always encouraged to ask any other questions in the comments… I love comments!
FAQ:
Do you have jobs?
No, not yet, but we are sending out lots of resumes and praying hard! We invite you to throw us any leads and contribute your prayers ;)
No job lined up… so, why now?
Why not? With no kids and no house payment, this is the perfect time to move! We don’t want to get bogged down with real adult life with careers, investments, etc, in a place where we can’t maximize our potential. I admit, there is an appeal to living in this idyllic small town, if that’s your thing, but we are both ready for an adventure. When I moved here in 2010, I didn’t really picture myself in Kansas for more than 3-5 years and I have reached the 2.5 year mark. Doug has never lived more than 30 miles from where he was born… some would find that comforting, but he is itching to experience a new culture. And believe me… as much as American culture is homogenous from region to region, there are still lots of big differences.
What’s the plan?
Well, like I said, we’re applying for jobs like crazy. If one of the jobs picks us up, we’ll move to wherever that is. Our #1 preference is to move to San Diego, but our back-up plan, if we don’t get hired somewhere in the next six weeks, is to move to Temecula, where my parents live. Not move in with my parents, just closer to them where rent is a few hundred dollars less per month. Of course, if a job lands us anywhere in-between, like Escondido, Oceanside, Carlsbad, well then our minds are made up for us. :)
Do you have a place to live?
Nope, not yet! However I’m very lucky: since I grew up Temecula and lived in San Diego, I know what neighborhoods to scout out, reputable apartment complexes, and what kind of rent looks reasonable. Thanks to the internet, these days you can sign up for an apartment from several states away! What we might end up doing is getting a short lease somewhere which will afford us time to fine the perfect place–in between work locations, restaurants and parks nearby… you know, the whole shebang.
So, do you hate Kansas?
Okay, fine, nobody asked this one, but a part of me suspects that people view this “rejection” of Kansas as a rejection of the Midwest, of small-town life, of their way of life. This is not true. Overall, I have enjoyed my years here in Kansas and I have made many friends who I love. That said, I think that moving somewhere with more hustle and bustle is what my little family needs right now.
———
Well, enough living in the future, I have lots of living in the present to do. Like a bachelorette party tonight, a birthday party next weekend and an upcoming baby shower for another friend. I do have lots to do and be appreciative of in regards to my current situation. There is a lot to soak up and lots of memories to savor.
My Friend Staci 
I cannot be more excited about this :)
I know you are! ;)
It doesn’t surprise me one bit that you are moving back(I did know this before your blog post, per Doug’s sister, and well I walk by your house EVERY morning just about). :) I am not fond of Kansas, but the Lord has us here, along with most of my family which kind of roots us. My husbands family is in Nevada. Most of the time families move closer to the wife’s family anyways. ;)
I wish you well. :) Enjoy the adventure. And for Doug, there is sure MUCH more to do in San Diego and so on. I often think of Mimi’s restaurant.. and Disneyland. *sigh* ;) Miss those places along with other spots. We used to go every year to Disneyland.
Have fun!
Thanks, Sarah! I know we will have a great time making new friends and getting to know new areas. There is a time for everything, just like you said!!
How exciting! You are absolutely going to love California! I wish you and your husband the best of the luck in finding jobs!
Thank you!
Now I know why your mother is not coming to see me in September!!! Congratulations on you new adventure – I have to say I am envious of your freedom for change… Love you and will pray for God’s direction.
I hope she gets out there to visit you sometime this fall, or else you will have to continue making up more excuses to visit us all in CA!
As someone who has done this same move, all I can say is that it IS true–while you still don’t have anything really tying you down to where you are, if you’re not happy with WHERE you’re living then DO IT! MOVE! Even little things like making too many good friends, finding a great job, or having a strong passion for a cause in that place can start to tie you down, even if you still harbor doubts about living there long term. Plus, as you already know from having to make this decision before with school: if it turns out you’re wrong about living in CA after all, you can always move back (or somewhere else, even)!
And Brian was in Doug’s boat–born and raised in the same house his whole life, and went to college within 30 minutes of home. So, moving to new places like Florida and Oregon have really given him a lot of new and interesting experiences that he wanted out of life. Sometimes, it’s just the only way to do it.
Also, I would advise also on not listening to people who get skittish about moving without a job in line–sometimes the only way to really get one is to be physically there, especially as a younger employee. You’re also in a better boat than we were 3 years ago, because the economy may still be struggling, but it’s not nearly as bad as before. And heck, WE made it happen, eventually! Plus, you are a “local” to the area, and that will definitely be an advantage. I’m sure you guys will do it and manage! You DO have family there, worst case scenario.
I wish you guys the best of luck. And bonus: NEW PLACE TO DECORATE. =D
Thanks for the encouragement, Athena! I agree with you about most places wanting to hire a local instead of an out-of-state person. I think it will be easier to find jobs when we arrive.
And I can’t wait to have a new place to decorate! Even if it’s an apartment that we can’t paint, I’ll just take it as a challenge to inject “me” in the home in other ways!
I saw some admin and HR opening at UCSD and CSUSM. :)
Thanks for the heads up! I will check it out!
Exciting! I love life changes like this. Way to go! I agree with you completely, if not now, then when? It seems like the perfect time for you guys to make the big the move. I’ll keep my fingers crossed your job search goes well!
Thanks, Linn!
That’s so exciting! Seems like you’re picking the best time to move, too. Can’t wait to read about all the changes/adventures!
Thanks, Cait! I can’t wait to write about them! Win-win!
Congratulations! I’m catching up on my Google Reader and blog comments and saw your reply to my diversity post a couple weeks ago. How exciting! I appreciate growing up in the Midwest and it definitely has its charm but I feel you on wanting the hustle and bustle. Wishing you the best in your job search!
Thanks, Quiana!
I have wanted to take a road trip up the California coast for a long time. With kids, my traveling dreams have had to take a back seat for a lot of years. However, maybe someday I can do that especially now that my brother and sister in law will be living in a good starting place for a California coastal road trip!!!! I love a quote I saw recently that said, “Travel helps to end prejudice, ignorance, narrow-mindedness, etc.” I can’t remember all of it, but it was so true. The more I travel, the more I learn and it helps to broaden my horizons, and I love to meet new people and explore new places. We will miss you and Doug, but are excited for you! Love you both.
Sarah
Thanks so much, Sarah! You all are always welcome to come stay with us, and use us for a jumping off point for a coastal vacation!! Hopefully after we get our feet on the ground we can upgrade to a larger place that will accommodate lots of guests!
gives me a good excuse to come out West and put the top down of the volkswagen and drive up Highway 1!