Excellent Feedback
Thank you all for the great comments on my last post. Some of you e-mailed me privately as well, which was very helpful. Seriously readers, you RULE.
So far, the Midwest seems to have garnered the most positive comments. There are many aspects of the Midwest that I find appealing, such as the sense of community, nice outdoor recreation areas, and four actual seasons. Plus, I would be closer to my Uncle Tony and his family (who live near Chicago). The Midwest winters do concern me a bit though. I'm an Arizona girl who has lived most of her life in California - hence, my blood is pretty thin. Put me in 95 degree weather, and I'm fine. But 10 degrees? Or a temperature somewhere in the negative range? Well, it just makes me wonder how one goes about without their eyeballs freezing over (that can't really happen, can it?). However, I did survive winter in the northernmost city of Russia, and I actually even enjoyed it. So maybe the winters would be tolerable, especially when weighed against the benefits of living in the Midwest.
I've also received some positive comments about Texas, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. I must admit that the idea of living within an hour of New York City is a huge lure for me. I've wanted to live in or near NYC since I was about 10 years old. I love the energy of the city and the tremendous pride it's citizens take in being New Yorkers. But I'm not sure if the East Coast would be more of the same over-scheduled, stressed out families that we have here.
I'm also not sure if it would be too hard to move away from the family and friends I have living in the Bay Area. It is great having my mom and brother so close by and being able to get together for family functions. If only we could all live near each other in a more community-oriented town with better schools. *sigh* There is definitely a lot to think about. Hopefully we'll get everything figured out by the time we are ready to sell our house.
So far, the Midwest seems to have garnered the most positive comments. There are many aspects of the Midwest that I find appealing, such as the sense of community, nice outdoor recreation areas, and four actual seasons. Plus, I would be closer to my Uncle Tony and his family (who live near Chicago). The Midwest winters do concern me a bit though. I'm an Arizona girl who has lived most of her life in California - hence, my blood is pretty thin. Put me in 95 degree weather, and I'm fine. But 10 degrees? Or a temperature somewhere in the negative range? Well, it just makes me wonder how one goes about without their eyeballs freezing over (that can't really happen, can it?). However, I did survive winter in the northernmost city of Russia, and I actually even enjoyed it. So maybe the winters would be tolerable, especially when weighed against the benefits of living in the Midwest.
I've also received some positive comments about Texas, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. I must admit that the idea of living within an hour of New York City is a huge lure for me. I've wanted to live in or near NYC since I was about 10 years old. I love the energy of the city and the tremendous pride it's citizens take in being New Yorkers. But I'm not sure if the East Coast would be more of the same over-scheduled, stressed out families that we have here.
I'm also not sure if it would be too hard to move away from the family and friends I have living in the Bay Area. It is great having my mom and brother so close by and being able to get together for family functions. If only we could all live near each other in a more community-oriented town with better schools. *sigh* There is definitely a lot to think about. Hopefully we'll get everything figured out by the time we are ready to sell our house.
Don't disregard that concern about winter! Staying in Russia for a year while you knew it was temporary, is one thing....living in it forever is something else!! Other than that its the size of the town, more than anything else that determines that feeling of community. And moving away from your mother??? Oh no, no, no!
That's just cruel and unusual punishment!
(So how's that Sandy?? Do you think that will help? I mean, I would feel your pain, really! LOL!!)
If you want to give Long Island a try let me know. We'll probably be selling our house there in about a year. Very nice community. Perfect Neighbors and great school.
Back in Russia and all caught up. I'm curious to see where you land as we'll be home-hunting and job-hunting, too. I'm longing for the same things you are--a childhood for Lexi and a job for myself. ;>
Winter is easy--you put on more clothes. Summer and heat in general just KILLS me. Bleh.(So says the Colorado girl.)