Right after we returned from our summer vacationing and school starting time period, Ted interviewed with a new small company and things just started moving forward. Quickly. We spent the month of September preparing for him to move and stay with friends who live in the city that the company is located in, simultaneously searching for a home to live in. All the while keeping the boys in school in Houston for as long as possible while mama packed up the house, oversaw some remodeling work, and just tried staying sane without her sweetie there during the week. Luckily, Ted was able to make the long drive back and forth during long weekends. The chaos ensued for almost an entire month, but somehow we managed to find a place to live by the end of October, and we packed up and hit the road west a few days ago. We have officially re-homed ourselves in Midland, TX.
I have to say, after all the nay-saying about this city that I got in the past, I am really impressed with how wrong it is turning out to be. Something I noticed right away was the ability to squeeze an entire week's worth of Houston errand running into a single day here. I think the furthest I have had to drive is a mere 5-7 minute commute. If you know me, you know I really am not a fan of driving long distances, so this is a huge perk. And the sense of community is stong here. This morning we had, literally, a dozen children out biking on the street block, while the 3 sets of parents watched and chatted and just casually hung out like it was no big deal. I haven't experienced that since our Lawrence days, so an A+ for that. As far as thrift stores go, there's a bunch. I did run into one yesterday that was way overpriced ($7.99 for a plastic plate, is that even a legit price for a new one?) but also was pleasantly suprised to find a few that were willing to haggle with us. The ethnic food choices might be weaker here, but we have found a few hole-in-the-wall locations that compare with some of our favorite Houston spots. Oh, did I mention they are only 5 minutes away? They are. Babysitters seem to be in abundance here as well. Though, I will truly miss our sitters that we got to know over the past year in H-town.
Before we left Houston, I had to re-home my beloved animals that provided so much for our family. All of our egg and milk (cheese) needs, basically. After being a dairymaid for much of the past year, it was a hard process for me to just give it up. But I'm so glad that we could find a farm family who could take on all the animals and give them an even larger area to roam and be happy in. It's weird not having to shut the chickens in their coop every night. I have caught myself so many times thinking about going outside to check on them. Old habits are hard to break I guess.
Moving is hard. Change is hard. I've definitely shed my share of tears over the past few months because of it. Sometimes you just have to trust that it is going to be fine and that you will grow from it.
And I'm sure I will have plenty more to talk about as I get to know this town and all that it entails, but is getting late and I have a baby snoozing on my lap that needs to get transferred to her bed, so 'good-night' and enjoy your extra hour of zzzs tonight as daylight savings time ends!
Here's a quick photo we took the other night. Ted's #1 goal was to get the fireplace started. I am just so excited to have an actual fireplace! My first one! It really adds to the hygge effect that I strive for in a house.
