Dr Seuss Land

It has been a long time since I’ve blogged.  Life just went crazy.  A year ago I was packing up to move for the first time in 8 years.  Upgrade to a rented house.  3 weeks to the day after we moved, I receive a phone call.  It is my plant manager, who just transferred to Michigan, asking me if I would follow him.  He needs my help. 

Keep in mind this side of America was suffering the worst winter it had seen in decades while sunny southern California was having one of the nicest winters I can recall.  Oh, and I HAD JUST MOVED AND SIGNED A 12 MONTH LEASE. 

So, I’ve been praying for the right opportunity to leave California for at least 7 years.  Every golden opportunity never seemed to pan out.  Therefore, I gave up.  I resolved to stay in Cali.  I am ready to settle down for a few more years to finish College and let my son finish High School and God lays this dream job right in my lap.  All I have to do is move to Michigan.  NO NO NO.  That was not what I prayed for.  Michigan?  Really? 

In the end, it was my father’s wisdom that helped me make the choice.  He simply explained that if I let this door close without stepping through it, there is no guarantee of when, if ever another door will open.  In other words, if you want to move up, take the opportunities afforded you no matter what. 

In June, I moved by myself to Kalamazoo, Mi.  As my wife said, you are moving me to a Dr Seuss book.  By the end of July, my family had followed.  It hasn’t been an easy transition.  Friends, family, church, comfort zone, all left behind. 

Last time I left California, I was young and single.  I’m finding it a much different adventure when you are married with three children.  I’ve always been a nomad so meeting people and starting over isn’t a big deal.  However, my wife and kids are not nomadic. 

I think the hardest thing has been finding a church home and missing friends.  Every day off becomes a challenge to figure out what one does in KZoo with a family of five. 

The winter, while mild by Michigan standards is brutally cold by California standards.  I’ve spent a small fortune clothing the five of us.  The other day I walked outside, it was 30 degrees and I thought, “This isn’t that bad”.  There is something very wrong with that picture.  30 DEGREES NOT THAT BAD. 

So we’ve become, not the nomadic family, but the hibernating family.  Looking forward to seeing what spring brings into our lives. 

On a brighter note for the first time ever I am seriously considering buying a home.  Growing up I always thought I’d be a homeowner.  I just didn’t think it would take me almost 40 years. 

That means we are going to be here a while.  Who would have thought I’d ever own a home in Michigan.  Certainly not me. 

Well, wish me luck, next week the house hunt begins.