ICYMI we moved to Denver! And so far, we’re still in that “everything is new and exciting” phase, so I can’t give you an unbiased opinion just yet. I can tell you that the drive from Florida to Colorado absolutely sucks. Like, I will sell my soul before I ever make it again. I think I’m going to have pancake butt for the rest of my life after sitting in a car that long. Keep in mind, I have made the drive from SWFL to Chicago many many times. It’s nowhere near as bad as the drive over to Denver. I now have a list of my least favorite American states to drive through. Kansas is numero uno. #SorryDorothy
Tomorrow will mark one week since leaving our old home and some things about the relocation are already starting to feel weird. I had basically lived in the same town since 8th grade, had many friends, and a lot of family within close distance. I lived 20 minutes from the ocean (that I will miss dearly,) and now I am landlocked. I have only experienced cold weather in “cold snaps” of about a week or so at a time. It’s October and Denver has already reached Florida’s LOWEST winter temps. I am TERRIFIED to drop Jace off at his new school tomorrow and so many other things. Moving across the country is exciting… but damn is it stressful.
Here are some things that happen when you move your family across the country:
1. Your body requires some time to adjust.
Florida is humid. Like REALLY humid. All. The. Time. Denver is dry. Like REALLY dry. Seriously. My nose is bleeding. And I once purchased some Burt’s Bees “hand salve” which is like an insanely thick lotion for dry cracked hands. I now lather my entire body in it before bed. Still not overdoing it. Also, time change. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t stay up past midnight for a million dollars because my body still thinks it’s on the east coast.
2. People drive crazy, or do you drive crazy?
Either way, I feel that I am not on the same page as everyone else. Although, the consistent use of turning signals in a land not dominated by the 70+ age group is extremely refreshing. Turns out, even I need to use my signal more. ha! But, the age demographic here makes for a much faster paced driving experience than I am used to. Many florida drivers tend to think that the speed limit is 35mph no matter where they are.
3. Your kids will be confused.
Mine wake up everyday asking if it’s “still falling out.” Which translates to “is it still fall? Because we’re ready to see snow.” I don’t correct their phrasing, I enjoy it way too much. lol. Don’t judge them, seasons are an entirely new concept to them. Also, if we go anywhere that is more than a 20 minute drive, Zoey asks if we’re back in florida when we get there.
4. YOU will be confused.
I can find approximately zero places without my gps. I can get home from approximately zero places without my gps. Also, I can’t find the box with my shoes in it. So I just wear my flip flops and look as confused as I feel.
Also, people here say “pop” instead of “soda.” As a native to the Greater Chicagoland Area, I said pop my whole life as well…until, well until I didn’t anymore. Now I feel conflicted. BUT my kids are probably going to call it pop like I did. haha.
5. You’ll miss things that you took for granted.
No surprise here. I knew I would find things to miss about florida. For example, I know I’m biased about Publix because I worked there for nearly a decade, but I miss it as a customer. I have realized that I have unreasonably high standards when it comes to grocery stores thanks to the southern staple. (Don’t you think for a second that I’m pushing that wobbly cart around, Walmart!) I miss my family being nearby, both because I actually like them… and because I don’t trust anyone to babysit my kids. 😉 I miss the house that felt like “mine.” I don’t like renting, it feels so temporary and annoying. Plus, I have a wall shelf obsession and I’m afraid to put a million holes into someone else’s walls. I miss my friends and the small “village” that existed to support me and my babes. You know who you are.
Things are going to be different living waaaaaaaayyyy over here. I’m surely going to miss things about “home,” but I’m still very excited for this new adventure.
