Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Going Green (and Yellow)

Well, we've survived Oregon for two weeks now. Things are now starting to feel better for me. It's always hard to move to a new place but I think this has been the hardest move for me by far. First of all, I really didn't realize what a culture shock I was going to get moving here. I didn't grow up in a predominantly LDS area but after living in clean-cut Idaho and Utah for the past 3 years I was surprised to find how "shocked" I was when we got here. Also, this is the very first time that we have ever moved and I haven't had a way to meet people. Of course, we have met a few people in our new ward (I miss the Bountiful 15th SO much!) but I am not working or going to school and I feel a little (A LOT!!!!) stranded. I did join the local stay at home moms group and while I have yet to join them for an activity, I feel better knowing I have options. Ryan has been leaving me the car when he goes to class but I am so bad with directions and I still have no perception of where we are located compared to everything else! I would get so lost! Plus, I hate driving.

We are living in a townhouse duplex in Springfield on a street of other duplexes. We are about 5 miles from school in Eugene so Ryan rides his bike every day. As far as I can tell our neighbor on the other side of the duplex is a single guy. He's pretty quiet but something about him is a little creepy. I have never met him even though I tried twice to bring cookies over. He didn't answer so I finally took that as a sign to eat the cookies myself. On the other side there is a house with it's back to us (we are on the corner) and some loud middle-aged people living there. They like to BBQ with loud music and alcohol. We finally met him the other day and I was amazed by how NICE he is. His name is Jim, a big guy with a t-shirt that says "eat. sleep. hunt." and he smells like beer and cigarettes but he tells us all about how much he likes children and that the days his two children were born were the best of his life and that he felt that God was there with a hand on his shoulder helping to raise his children. He also invited us to come to one of his BBQ's. I'm pretty sure he's going to keep hollering to us to come over every time he leave the house until we accept. Despite his demeanor, he seems to be a genuinely good man.

My mom was able to come down to see us this weekend and it was so nice to see her. She always helps me put life in perspective so I'm feeling a little bit more at home now. But, I'm not kidding myself. I know she just came to see Nathan :)

I plan to take pictures of our new place once it's clean and we have pictures hung and such (so, you know, in about 6 months or so) and then I will post them for your viewing pleasure.

If any of you other stay at home moms have any ideas about how to meet people, let me know!

8 comments:

AlixSteele said...

Our library has baby reading group once a week for babies under 2. You might want to see if there's anything like that. The library always seems to have fun things to do. Also, just getting out and walking a lot. It may or may not help you meet people, but it at least keeps me sane to have a reason to have to leave the house. I'm thinking of you and wish I was there to help. I love you!

j and s (but mainly s) said...

Hey Heather!

I'm sorry that this move has been so tough on you. I can't imagine what you're going through, but it sounds really hard! I wish I had some good advice...but all I have is a "I'm thinking and praying for you!"

Beck said...

Sounds like a great opportunity for missionary work. :) But Library reading hours are good. See if you ward has a play group set up...If not, you could get one together, and they could all invite other friends that they have. That way it's Mommy time, plus you can all meet some new pwople. :)

Tia Langston said...

We've been in our house almost 6 months.....still no pictures up. I know...I suck. Hopefully your social life will pick up....I also miss the 15th ward. :o(

Scott and Sara said...

We miss you. I hope you will find good ways to meet people. Just find the "popular" couple in the ward and befriend them! Then steal all their friends : )
Good luck!!

Caitlinp said...

You're way more brave than I am. I still haven't officially met our neighbors downstairs (like 6 months later). Maybe I just like pretending the Langstons are still there. Anyway, good work. Here's my idea. Make a mommy/business card with your name and phone # and Nathan's name and age. Give it to moms you find at parks or in the neighborhood or library. I can't imagine actually doing this, but my sister has a friend she met who did it. Good luck!

Andy and Alianna said...

Yes! I started updating our blog again...crazy huh? And yes, I am actually a crossing guard for right now. If I do take the position at Delta it doesn't even start until the middle of October. How weird is that? I get this goofy yellow vest and bright orange cones! Anyway, how's Oregon? Is it wonderful? How's Ryan liking school? How's baby Nathan? Have you decorated yet?

Unknown said...

Hi Heather! I was just ready about Oregon. And I can totally relate. We don't have much interaction with our neighbors now except for smelling their pot through our walls (luckily we are buying a house =). But my only real thought was hopefully you will get a calling soon. Callings usually helped Kyle and I make friends in the Ward. Plus it gives you something to work on during the week. And give Oregon a chance my brother and his wife liked it well enough for a couple years before moving back to Washington.