Friday, June 10, 2011

Torn... It's Not Just a Natalie Imbruglia Song

I have a very heavy heart. I don't even know really where to start with this so if it comes out like word vomit then I apologize. 

As everyone knows who's been reading my blog since at least March, is probably aware that I'm in the process of moving and transferring with work to California. While I am very excited and happy about this, I also have quite a few fears about it. I think the fears are natural for anyone who would be moving 2,500 miles away from everyone they know, their family, their friends and the comforts of knowing where everything is, etc. 

I feel the move will be good and I'm in no way regretting it. However I feel like I'll be giving up a lot in the process. Things such as not being able to buy a house within the next year (unless something major happens). I'll be going from a 2 bedroom house into 500-800 sq. ft. apartment and I have no idea how my stuff is going to fit. My uncle and his wife are expecting their first child in November and the fact that I won't be around often to see her grow up. I'll also be missing out on easy trips to Tennessee, weekend getaways to hang out with my friends. The leaves changing in the fall and some great local eateries. 

But there's tons of good things about moving too. I'll have more work opportunities and room for advancement. I'll meet all new guys. Hello... I obviously haven't met the one yet. The weather is way nicer and while I won't be experiencing the major leaf colors, I'll never have to experience a 5 foot snow winter again. Then there's the entertainment, there's so much more to do and see in CA! Plus it's so close to surrounding states with fun things to do! 

I guess the way I'm feeling is a natural and normal thing but since I've never moved 2,500 miles away I've just never experienced it before. I mean granted I moved 7 hours away to Alabama but I was young and knew I wasn't going to stay there that long. This move is a move for good. Like there's no coming back. It's time to carry on.

30 comments:

Pretty Zesty said...

Moving is scary but it's good to be a fish out of water a few times in our lives. You will thrive!

Rachel said...

My sister had the same fears, but she loves it and so will you!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

I've never made that kind of mood but I can imagine those feelings are totally natural!

krystal said...

Change is good, I think it will be a fabulous experience for you!

Kerr said...

I think you are very strong to leave what you know and move to the other side of the country. I know it will all work out for you and you will love it!

Kelly said...

I know exactly how you feel! Just remember it's what you wanted and though there are some sad parts there are so many more happy parts!

AuntBT said...

Just remember, you're at the point in your life that you can do this! I would do it again in a heart beat. You'll do great!

Steph said...

I think after you move you'll be so happy that you did. Best wishes!

Selma @ Crazy Little World Of Mine said...

Oh girl, I feel you on this front. I really really do. Change is good though and you'll find new friends, and won't forget your old ones, too. That's the main important thing. You can always visit them, and it's going to be a fantastic thing once you are settled in in CA.
I know this isn't helping much but moving away from any kind of comfort zone is hard. Though know you will grow, and you are a strong woman. I know you can do this, and it'll be the best thing ever happening to you!!!!! :)

xoxo

Meghan said...

You are going to have a wonderful time. I am so excited for you and cannot wait to hear about this new chapter!

Jax said...

Moving is definitely scary but I think it's awesome that you're being realistic about it. I mean, you can't go into it thinking it won't be tough..b/c otherwise you'll be disappointed when you have those hard days. I think you're in the right frame of mind. And also, it's not like you can't go back. I mean, promise yourself to give it a year. If you don't like it, figure out a way to get back. :) I think you're going to love it. My girl friend has been out there for 7 years now and considers it home. At first, she hated it b/c she moved into the WRONG place with a bad roomie. After 6 mos, she figured out where she belonged-Manhattan Beach (instead of Hollywood)-and has been so happy ever since. It's going to be all about finding "your place" there and crafting out a niche for yourself. :) Do you have any school alumni groups you could hook up with before you move? Or any other interest groups? It might help to have a list of things you could attend right off the bat! :) <-- I'm rambling. Sorry! :) I'm excited for you, girl. This is going to be great!

love jenny xoxo said...

I would be freaking out a little if I was moving that fast away, it's a big change!!

but if you want to move back home down the road - you can! So enjoy this adventure and remember nothing is permanent!

XOXO

Hutch said...

This is very normal, as someone who's moved from coast to coast. Twice. It's always hard to think about what you're missing out on. Change is a great thing though! And I don't care what they say you CAN go home again if that's what you need to do. Nothing has to be permanent.

Krissy @ Mommy Misc said...

I have never moved, except to college and back home, but we are going to have to move soon. Granted, we aren't moving far from home, but it's still hard to leave things you love. Hey, look on the bright side...no 5 foot snow winters... :)
Good luck!

Krissy @ Mommy Misc

Samantha said...

I had the same feelings when we moved to Germany. We wanted it we were looking forward to all the amazing things we'd have the opportunity to see. Then it was like "hey, no dog, no car, apartment style living, being a landlord......" it was scary and we were smacked in the face with all of the things we'd be giving up. Ultimately it was the right thing for us.

Lauren said...

I moved FROM CA to TX, so I know the feeling! But I was born and raised in Southern California, so email me anytime you have questions, or need ideas of things to do!

tara said...

I think its natural to feel torn, but you'll have so much fun!

Deidre said...

Moving is totally scary, and it's obviously something you'll have mixed feelings about. But the truth is, there will always be something holding you to "home" and you can always find a reason not to go.

My brothers have kids and I talk to them on skype a lot and I send them postcards (WHICH THEY LOVE) as much as possible.

It is totally natural to feel whatever you are feeling, and I won't lie to you, there will be ups in downs in california about whether you made the right decision or not - but it'll be one of the best life experiences ever.

(email me if you want to talk about it, I am happy to share more of my experiences)

Shoshanah said...

Yes things are crazy expensive in California. I never would have been able to afford a house there, at least right now. And the house we bought is quite a bit bigger than the one I grew up in. You are definitely having to sacrifice space to move to California, but as you keep pointing out, there are a lot of great reason to move to California!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

OMG did I ever email you back? Ah! I check on my email on my phone and sometimes I forget. Let me know!! Sorry.

U was considering a move recently as well but decided against it. I'm sad I didn't take the leap of faith. You'll feel so accomplished, I'm sure.

One thing, just to give you a heads up, people are SO rude here. Born and raised in SoCal and it's embarrassing just how people behave.

Anonymous said...

I just moved from San Diego to Seattle, so I definitely can understand where you are coming from. Moving is a crazy huge deal that is so incredible scary especially if you don't know many people. I swear it is so much easier for kids to make friends than for adults, but that is a whole other issue. I just wanted to let you know that even though I didn't know anyone when I moved out here, it has been the best decision I have ever made. I feel like I have grown so much as a person already and it has only been a couple months. I am proud of you for doing this. I really don't think you will regret it. Keep your head up girlie.

MissBrightside said...

Why is there no coming back? You seem like a "glass half full" type of person so I am confident that you will thrive, but I am a "if I want something I will find a way to get it" person, so don't rule anything out.
If you are happy, stay there. If you aren't, come back.
I had to move quite a few times with my husband in the Navy, but my Daddy always told me that no matter how far I went or how long I was away, I could ALWAYS come home. Somehow that made it easier to tough it out :O)

Claire Kiefer said...

I grew up in Georgia, went to college in New Orleans, and then moved to San Francisco at 22. It's never easy changing scenery but totally worth it, and it's GORGEOUS here.

Bri said...

I am so excited for you as you prepare for your move - and just remember that all roads lead home =)

Llama said...

ANy big change is scary. Your fears are all completely normal. Don't worry and don't let it get the best of you. Focus on the positive. You'll be great!

Sweet Lily said...

My cousin had the same worries or fears, but he overcame it, then he enjoyed it. :)

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

Moving is overwhelming, but you are going to do great!! Change is good, it just takes a while to get comfortable. We're all thinking of you!

Tina L. Hook said...

I am so excited for your new adventure. You will learn so much about yourself.

Unknown said...

I know what you mean with this post. I've been feeling the same way. There are so many things that you miss out on, but at the same time you get to experience so much. The benefits just have to out weigh the costs.

Shann said...

I can't imagine moving away from my family. I don't think I can do. You are COURAGEOUS! I think it's super healthy that you are moving because it can improve your opportunities at work and in the dating pool. The weather is beautiful here and there is so much to do. Can't wait to see how everything pans out for you. What area are you moving to?