Three Weeks In

We moved just over three weeks ago and would you believe we just got all our belongings.This is all due to the cargo trailer tire explosion. Most of our actual "stuff" was in the trailer and living without it has made me realize how much I don't miss it. Well, except for my plates and mugs. I miss those. And, our sheets and towels as well but I digress.

We've been trying to adjust to life in Arizona again. The heat. Oh, the heat. Now while it feels like most of our days so far Arizona has been extremely kind to us on the heat front compared to its usual, it's still much hotter than Wyoming. So there's that. The main kicker is having to adjust to taking the dog out on a leash instead of simply opening the back door. We're spoiled on that front.

Apartment living isn't horrible so far. Granted we've only been in our place for a week but I like our little place. It's a townhome style apartment with two bedrooms and I'm thankful we got it. This may sound silly and it probably is but one of the first things I noticed was the flooring in the downstairs. It is a sort of grayish-brown "wood" that I couldn't possibly describe well enough but it's completely something I love. It was one of those things that made me very happy and I even thanked God for it. I know, I'm crazy but sometimes it really is the little things.

Back to the trailer, we didn't have a problem with the people at Uhaul being nice. No, they were all very nice. But, they were completely disorganized. My hubby had to explain the whole situation no less than five times. We received a call asking us why our trailer (and belongings) was sitting in their yard. Mind you, this was after them having it for a whole week. There was nothing written up about the trailer at all. A few days later we got a call about why we hadn't returned the trailer. Explanation of what happened ensued. Got a call saying the trailer was ready. We went down to pick it up and was told the tire had been fixed. There was no record of the brakes being worked on at all. Explanation of what happened yet again. We had to leave empty handed and were told we would be called. Two days later we were told it was actually ready. And, it finally was.

Honestly, I'm going to think twice about ever using Uhaul again...if we ever decide to move again.

The One Where I Talk About The Move and An Explosion.

Moves are never easy. Saying goodbye is difficult, sure. But, there are also the things you don't think about. The million little tiny details of moving. Switching addresses over. Setting up services. Deposits. I'm not even going to talk about boxes or unpacking them. We're not to that point anyway.

In fact, we move into our rental tomorrow. God provided said rental one week and one day before we actually moved. I'm writing this here so I can remember his faithfulness. It's a townhome apartment and while I am extremely grateful for it, I'm also nervous. We haven't lived in an apartment setting in, oh I don't know, 17 years? I could be wrong but it seems like an accurate number. 

I'll be glad to have the actual moving part done. This living out of suitcases is getting old. [I don't want to sound like I'm grumbling. Honestly, that is something I am working on and for me, it is a real struggle. It's so very easy to find things to worry about or complain about. I want to put effort into finding the joy, the beauty in each day.]

The move was not uneventful but I can truly see how God protected us. First of all, the drive down to his sister's house was horrendous. We had the trifecta of bad driving situations [for me anyway] and it really tested me. Snow, Dark, Trailer. I had never done well with the first two and the last was a new experience. It wasn't even just snow. It was ice and the wind as well. I think if I hadn't had my love encouraging me in my Bluetooth I would have lost my mind a couple of times. We made it down safely though I'm not sure how and we were thankful for that.

We planned on leaving the next morning for Arizona. Nope. The weather made sure of that. I'm glad to say we made the best of that situation. It was nice to spend a day with his sister and her hubby. We even went to the movies [Smurfs: The Lost Village]. We ended up leaving sometime the next afternoon and thankfully the weather was fine from that point. 

It took nine years to get here. Okay, it didn't even take nine days but my point is that it seemed to take forever. We pulled up in front of my mom's house and [dun dun dun] the cargo trailer's tire exploded. I kid you not. Apparently, the brakes had locked up and caused overheating, flames, and the subsequent explosion of said tire. There was a gigantic boom and looking back we were all amazed that it happened right at the end of our trip. Another 'thank you God' moment. 

Now if I could just invent the unpacking machine that would be great. Wishful thinking, I know.

Moving Update

One week. Well, one week and a day. That's how long it took to be under contract. Joy! We were so excited. Two weeks and two days later, the buyers backed out. Back on the market, we went. As it happened, we were out of town when all that occurred. So, in addition to the awesome friends who had been watching our pets, we had other friends that saved us by taking our dog into their home so we could have showings right away.

Within two days of it being back on the market, we were under contract again. Now we are less than a week away from closing. I'm not going to lie, some days have been tough. Emotions are running high and crankiness abounds. Both me and my kiddo. Some moments there is nothing to do but rock in the rocking chair while holding a crying child. And, might I add, that is not as easy to do with an 8.5-year-old?

Finding a rental in Arizona was proving quite frustrating. Between the cost, the application fees, and the sheer volume of applicants, it was hard not to lose my cool. There have been many days where I almost had a meltdown. But, I've been praying and not in the "God please give me my way" sort of prayer. But I'll talk about that another time. The bottom line? God provided a rental. A townhome. One week away from moving. That seems to be how He works. In His time.

Have I said I will miss Wyoming? I will miss it so very much. Not just for the beautiful open space, the small town, the trees, the weather but also for the amazing friendships that have been forged here. I feel so blessed to be this conflicted to leave.

Our House is on the Market

Well, it's official. Our house is on the market. Suddenly it has all become very real. If you're just tuning in, we are moving to Arizona. Yes, again. It has been five years since we made the trek from Arizona to Wyoming and we have no regrets but still, we feel it's time to move back.

This is not to say it will be easy. After all, we have an amazing church and friends that are family. And yet, we are thrilled to be moving back down near family and good friends there. God has truly blessed us wherever we've lived and I am so thankful.

Please say a prayer that our house sells quickly and that we find a place to rent that is perfect for our needs. Throughout all this chaos I've had to keep reminding myself that God is with us. He is in control so when I feel out of control it is still okay. I'll keep you posted as I can.

What I Love About Living in Wyoming

The largest theater we have here has twelve screens. Not 16. Not 24. Why do I like this? There are less choices to get caught up in. Less of an "I can spend lots of money on entertainment" vibe in my opinion. Of course, if we NEED more movie choices Colorado is nearby.

It snows. (and blows but that doesn't not make this list) The fact that it can spontaneously snow might freak some people out. Driving in it still has the aptitude to do so for me. However, I LOVE the possibility that there could be snow on the ground when I wake up in the morning. I'm a kid at heart after all.

The schools aren't as big. I am hoping this means more personal attention. I've not had personal experience with this as Abby doesn't start school until August but I've been told by many people that the schools are great.

There are horses (and buffalo) around. I like being able to drive and see a country like atmosphere. It's pretty around here to me. Trees, grass, open space.

We are only 3 hours from my sister-in-law. I love that woman.

We are not far from the Denver Airport. This I like because if we have friends and family visit we don't have far to go to get them! ;)

My friends. God continuously puts awesome women in my path. People I love to spend time with. I am so thankful for my friends, here and everywhere.

Life in Wyoming

I'm sure many of you are wondering how life is going in Wyoming. It has, after all, been about 6 weeks since we moved. How is THAT possible by the way? The short answer? Good. Want me to elaborate? Yeah, I thought so.
It's different here. Duh. Moving from the desert to the plains will obviously be a bit of a change.
Yes it is colder, also a given. Also, it is calmer. Slower. More peaceful. Smaller yet bigger. There are less people and way more space. I mean look at this.

and this...

and this is the view from our church's parking lot.

There are lots of parks. Trees. One way streets (in downtown anyway). One Walmart. One Target. No Walgreens on every corner though we do have a couple. There are boots at various spots around town. Boots. I do not lie. Oh and ignore the construction cone on the other side of the boot. I didn't notice it when I snapped this extremely touristy type photo. ;)

It is windier here and the weather has a mind of it's own. The other day it was 77 and a few days later it was 37 or so. Craaazy stuff. The people are pretty friendly. A lot of the churches are more old fashioned. Not a big deal but we were not looking for that dynamic.

Anyway, so that's a little bit about life in Wyoming. More to come soon, I promise!

So Far In Wyoming.

This move has been interesting. I’m not sure what to say so far but that I like it here. Sure, I wish all my friends and family could have been packed in boxes too but since that isn’t possible I am choosing joy instead. I could tell you a ton of things about Wyoming so far. I’ll start with 5. Five things about life up here.

• It’s cold. COLD. For an Arizona girl it’s cold. For a penguin, it’s cold. Haha. No, I get it. It could be worse but I am here wondering when my toes will thaw and do I have to throw my flip flops away?
• The speed limit is slow most of the time. Think Sunday afternoon drive. Chilling out with the fam in the seat next to you. Think “Be careful because there is ice” (there’s not right now but the speed limit makes me feel like I’m being cautious.)
• It’s flat. Yeah, there are some hills but all in all, it’s flat. I have never, ever been able to see so far from one spot.
• People talk to you. When you are sitting at a park, it’s amazing, there are these things called conversations that strangers have with you. It’s crazy.
• No drive thru Starbucks. I have been spoiled. Here you have to, you know, go IN.

Though some of these make it sound like I am complaining, I am not. Truly. It’s just going to take some adjustment. So far I think I am falling in love with this town.

Goodbye Arizona...

Once again I am writing this somewhere in the past...

It is not lightly that I bid this state farewell.
Arizona has been my home since I was thirteen give or take a couple of years while we lived in Cali.
It's been a good home despite the horrid summers that seem to last forever.
Winter has always been my favorite season here.
An Arizona winter is like heaven. For example? It was 78 two days ago.
Yeah, heaven in my book.
Then, there are the sunsets.

The cacti (plural for cactus fyi) and the Superstition mountains.

Contrary to popular belief, cowboys do not ride down the middle of Main Street on horses. 

Arizona is quite civilized most of the time unless you go searching for that country twang.

But, in spite of all the beauty here the thing I will miss the most about Arizona are the people.

(If you were left out of my photo memory lane please don't be offended!)

When we moved here in 1989 I hated it. HATED it. I wanted to go back home. Somehow over the years this state became home. How does that happen? I am thankful for the experiences God has given us here in Arizona. Thankful for the family, for the friends we have here. We will always be close in heart. And, as we turn to a new chapter in our lives in Wyoming I look forward to what God has in store for us there.