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Two Steps Forward
5 · Oct · 2006
We finally started packing for the big move to NJ. I find myself getting slightly sad to be leaving the place where our little family was born. There are people here who know us both as individuals and as a couple. There is Shannon, who first told us to get over it and start dating. There’s Michelle, whom without her leaving JUDDesign and Mike coming in to replace her, we might not have met. I’m even nostalgic about Patti, our former boss who took us all on a limo wine tasting tour. (That was just enough “courage juice” helped me lean in for Mike and my first kiss.) And then there’s the Bay where we rode our bikes together, the beach where we walked and drank our morning coffee, the grocery store chain where Mike has clocked endless hours shopping, Stone Steps in Encinitas where we had our first home, even I-5 where we both lost so many hours commuting will be missed.
But I think that what I will mss most is the fact that for us, Southern California is the Neutral Zone. This place, the memories are ours together. And we are about to leave this place for the Mike Zone.
You can call me a pessimist if you want to; but I’m more of a realist. Fact is, we are moving to HIS hometown, where HIS family are and HIS friends are and where many many places and people have memories with him that do not include me. On top of that, we will be living the first 2 ½ months with his parents.
I’ve moved before. LOTS. In 2000 I wrote a song about it. Back then, I counted 23 address changes, so what do you think it is now? But this time – this time I have a baby in tow. My daughter. As if being a stay at home mom isn’t seclusion enough, my identity will be trying to stay healthy while having no one around who actually knows me apart from Mike.
Oh, I know we’ll make new memories. I’ll make new friends. And we’ll get a place of our own in January. But you and I both also know that this move isn’t exactly going to be a piece of cake for me.
Still, don’t feel too bad for me just yet. After I get over the initial culture shock and make a few friends of my own, I plan to not just enjoy but wallow in the joy that is New York City. I already have bookmarks on my browser of places to check out.
As you may recall, I’m no stranger to the greatest city in the world. But it’s been a while. And this is no business visit; I will have endless days and nights to make it My City. The best of both worlds: A lovely home with a yard, a bike ride away from the beach. A ferry ride from NYC. Holiday shopping in Manhattan; getting ice cream from the neighborhood shop on a hot summer day. Want a better reason to turn my present life upside down and risk having an early mid-life crisis?
Here it is:
In the classic footsteps of my parents and grandparents, I want my child to have even more options than I did. I want her to have a better education, a larger world-view, more places to explore. When I tell her that she can be anything, do anything with her life as my parents told me, I want the ANY thing to be bigger, broader and in all capital letters in her head.
But for now, we are here. August in her little swing, me with a lot of empty boxes to fill, and Mike winding down his days at the Digitaria studio.
I feel like the possibilities are already piled higher than these boxes will be on moving day.
Posted by Penny Rene at October 5, 2006 03:52 PM
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Comments
You are going to have a great move and new experience! I'm a little sad that you are moving to NJ because i don't have the best thoughts about it and it is NJ (no offense Mike!) Its so far away! I just thought August would grow up in a more free place. Well, if you moved her to Florida she would be free! There's the beach and everything! I absolutely LOVED growing up on a beach where I could swim year round if I wanted to and it wasnt exactly a town when we first moved here :) But I love it and i wouldn't change it for anything! Just come and visit! Dont forget about us little people! I won't be able to afford visiting up there unless I 1) win the lottery or 2) marry someone extremely rich. I am leaning more towards option one! Love and miss you!
Posted by: alexis on October 5, 2006 10:29 PM
Despite the fact that you are moving to the Mike Zone I have not a doubt in my mind that you will soon make it "Your Zone" (including Mike and August). You have always had an ability to take the places you move to and make them yours. You are going to have so much fun out there and I can't wait until Keith, Sophia and I can come visit!
Posted by: Larry on October 6, 2006 06:07 AM
I miss SD so much. I forgot how much I hate the weather here. There are some great things about the east though and I am sure you will end up making the most amazing memories.
Posted by: Kelly on October 6, 2006 06:26 AM
Just know that I find your trepidation about your move to the east coast certainly understandable, (to say the least) especially considering the Mike-Zone aspect. But, also know that the Mike-Zoners are incredibly excited to get to know you and August and welcome you with open and loving arms. We cannot wait for you to get here!
I'm so happy that your looking forward to NYC. I just took a ride into the City yesterday. We went to the Lower Eastside walked around a bit and then stopped in Chinatown. It was a lot of fun on a gorgeous fall day. The leaves are beginning to change color, so by the time you arrive here, the colors should be at their peak. We could all have so much fun going apple and pumpkin picking, but maybe the hayrides should wait for August to be a little older, what do you think? Is she too young. My gosh, I am getting so excited to spend time!
Penny, best of luck getting packed up and ready to leave. Lots of love to all.
Posted by: Aunt Sheryl on October 9, 2006 01:51 PM
Hallo! site the best! :)
Posted by: Fill on November 2, 2006 09:51 PM