Since I was a child I always wished to live in a place where I could see the seasons change, I've learned that the mind is a powerful thing and that wishes do come true for living in NoCal I got to experience a Spring with all the blooms, Summer with lots of heat, Fall with bare trees and golden leaves on the street {oh those leaf covered streets were truly amazing!} and a very cold Winter with snow on the mountains and lots of rain... Yes my wish came true. :D
Where were you a year ago? Do you remember?
Ever have a day where you think of how time has gone by so quickly and reminisce on everything that has being happening in your life?
This week a year ago Adventure Dad and I packed our weekend bag and began an adventure that would forever change our lives and our perspectives. Since we've been married I always have had a gut feeling that we were not meant to be forever in San Diego, as if our destiny was elsewhere. Boy was I right! A year ago this weekend it was raining, it was the storm of the year, lots of wind and rain was coming and we were driving towards it to find a new place to live in a City we had not been to.
You see a year ago this weekend our destiny brought us from Southern California to Northern California, 550 miles away from where we had been living for the past 11 years. We arrived to NoCal full of hope, open minded and eager to find a new place to call home.
A week later we packed up our all our belongings {sold some of the big toys} and drove our family to our new home. Leaving the building we knew as home, filled with memories was tough. Every single corner was filled with something special. This home was where we brought both Adventure Girl and Adventure Boy to after being born. It was the home that saw Adventure Girl twirl as a ballerina, Adventure Boy run around. It was the kitchen that saw me grow as a cook, improving my cooking skills and learning from my mother and grandmother. It was very special.
We know it was equally difficult for our family and friends to see us leave. Funny how destiny takes care of us and leads the way, for 2011 was filled with family gatherings at our home. It was the first Christmas in a long time that we even had extended family join us.
It was truly a blessing and not only that, but it was leading the way for our new life away from them.
When we first arrived in NoCal we felt as if we were on vacation, a few weeks later it began to feel like home. Families at our new school were welcoming and always up to help out, everyone understood the transition we were going through. We began making new friends and our adjustment period was ending.
Our first Spring here was amazing, cherry blossom trees everywhere. Fog on most days. Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge at least once a month was beginning to be normal for our family.
We were all fascinated by all the differences we found, a simple grocery shopping trip is always exciting specially when you go into a grocery store that has all the Asian products you'd find in China, Korea or Japan. There probably are grocery stores like this in San Diego, but we usually went to chain stores or the hispanic markets. I must say it is a big adventure to find ingredients for my Cuban food or even for our Mexican recipes.
Today as I write this I reminisce on this past year and all we have grown as a family. So many good changes and many more to come! In less than 2 months we will be packing up again and moving to a different Country. We are again excited and eager to find our new home. Our feelings are on pause for the time being and even though we do get sad to think we won't be seeing our family and friends as often as we do know we are happy for all the new opportunities that our destiny holds for us.
If we are not open to opportunities, to new things we will never know what our true potential is!
Nobody knows what the future holds for them, but it's exciting to be hopeful and dream of what you'd like it to be.
Have you ever experienced changes like these? What happened and how did it go for you?
If anyone can handle the change it is you my friend!! You will adapt, conquer and be on one of the best adventures of your life!! Hugs from your Cinch sister!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Heidi, I guess I do have my weakness moments ;) hugs.
DeleteThe biggest change I ever made was moving from Connecticut to California. While I wanted desperately to do it, it was still scary and exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Honestly, I adore California but I would also like the experience of living somewhere else. I've been here longer than I've been in Connecticut. My husband has never lived anywhere other than the Los Angeles area. I think that's sad.
ReplyDeleteWe moved from L.A. to Mexico and during summers we were in L.A. so for me it was the norm to move. I've never been to Connecticut maybe I should read more about there and what it looks like :D Do you remember life there?
DeleteI still can't believe you guys are going so far! It's strange to think how long a year really is. A year ago, Mr. Determined had just barely moved in together (terrified) and he was getting accustomed to his role and my sons' lives. Now he's their absolute best friend.
ReplyDeleteChange is always good, even if we are scared of it. I can't believe it either, but it's almost time for change here :D I'm happy Mr. Determined moved in and look at you now planning a wedding! :D Congrats!
DeleteYep, I feel ya. Just think on the bright side! All the adventures you'll have and the amazing stories that you'll tell later. And the fact that your kids are experiencing another culture in another couttry. I know you already know these things, but those are the things I try to think of! It's hard, but you'll look back with fond memories of all these things that made your family stronger. And it will!
ReplyDeleteThank you Natalia, I know you've been on several and are on one. :D I see how easily your family has adapted and that makes me calm down :D
DeleteOpening ourselves up to new experiences and changes means we are open to looking in at our inner selves.. Through these changes we learn so much more about ourselves that we may not have existed otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI admire your openness and look forward to what lies ahead!
Thank you Jamie, I surprise myself most of the time. I may be brave outside but on the inside I'm shaking.
DeleteI admire you so much for how open you are to this new experience. You and your family will get so much out of it - and although it's hard now, it will make you stronger, and probably closer too!
ReplyDeleteRebecca you're right, it will make us stronger and closer. We are open to this and any opportunity that represents growth for our family :D Even if we are nervous at times.
DeleteI'm so excited for you (and your family) with the coming move you're making. I can't wait to hear what happens next!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann! We can't wait either :D
Delete