Tag: moving

Productive Monday

So, there are lots of things I always told myself I’d do much better at, “if I wasn’t tied up at work 8 hours every day.” Well, time for a reality check–Friday was my last day at work, and this week is my opportunity to prove to myself that without constraints of work I really AM the superwoman I kept telling myself I could be. So, I made a massive list of stuff to take care of this week, including lots of “preparing-to-move” stuff and other “ultra-housewife” stuff (like well-thought out dinners, dishes caught up with daily, etc).

I let Mosey try some watermelon–he liked it!

So far so good! I’ve picked up records of Mosey’s shots from the vet to show the apartment complex he’s up to date, and to get him set up with a new vet. I also made it to the grocery store to get ingredients for fresh, healthy meals tonight and tomorrow night. Not to mention, I caught up on a TON of dishes (we had several people over for tacos last night so there were more dishes than usual). And it’s only 2:00! Maybe I can be superhousewife after all.

I also got a little behind-the-scenes blog housekeeping taken care of, and I’m scratching my head trying to come up with posts for this week. The house is a wreck since we’re getting rid of some furniture and packing, so I am definitely not starting up any new projects at the moment.

Well, I’m bound to come up with something to write about, so see you here tomorrow!

Crazy Days

Sorry my posts have been so sparse here lately. I know, I know, one really doesn’t need to apologize for not blogging–I’m not doing it for money, so any and all deadlines are set by me, but I really had/have resolved to put a priority on My Friend Staci in 2012. I’ve been doing a good job of it so far, and I’d like to keep the ball rolling.

However, this week is my last week of work so Monday and Tuesday were spent juggling my normal job responsibilities with cleaning out and organizing my files so everything will be good to go for my replacement. I started training my replacement, Beth, yesterday, and we’ll continue through today and tomorrow. Monday she’s on her own (but I’ll just be working on moving-related tasks at home so I can pop over if she gets in over her head). She’s doing a great job so far and knowing that takes a big load of stress off.

Other things I’ve been doing is beginning to pack, selling some of our larger items online, and balancing social engagements… funny how when people find out you’re leaving, they want to spend time with you ;) Oh yeah, and the past two days, battling an inconvenient summer cold.

The GREAT news is that a little over a week ago, my in-laws accepted an offer on the Little Hacienda on the Prairie! Thanks in LARGE part to my interior photos… I talked the real estate agent into using the photos I snapped a number of months ago for my Home Tour on the on-line listing, and they really did their job. The buyer fell in love with the house even before setting foot inside. My in-laws are pleased.

I’d like to do a little interior photography on the side once we move. So many photos I see on Craig’s List are just abysmal. I think for a small fee some people would be willing to let me take a few snaps… especially if it speeds up the leasing process for them and potential renters. Something I think I’ll work on next week (between cancelling electricity service, packing, and apartment hunting) will probably be coming up with some kind of online portfolio for that. Can anyone recommend a free online service for something like that? I’d love to hear from you.

So, that’s what’s going on around here lately. It’s why posts have been so sparse… we’ve just got a lot going on. What’s new with you? 

We’re Moving!

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.