The first year is the hardest

Joshua Tree NP_feistyharriet_May 2016 (7)

One year ago today I left my beloved Salt Lake City and became a permanent resident of Arizona. A few weeks prior we had unpacked the moving van, but I had a few work responsibilities to wrap up before I could leave. I packed up my Mini Cooper, said goodbye to the dear friends who had been housing me, and sobbed as I drove south. Twelve hours later I pulled into my driveway and a little welcome party that Blue Eyes and his kids had been planning, balloons, streamers, cupcakes, big signs. It was tremendously sweet and the best thing to come home to, I’m sure I cried all over again. The last year has been full of so many adjustments, learning to live with Mr. Blue Eyes, trying to navigate my role as a stepmom, adjusting to working remotely and then re-adjusting to my new Arizona office. We’ve painted all the walls in our house, I’ve hung art and filled up the bookshelves, we built a backyard and have set off on adventures near and far.

However…

I still don’t feel like Arizona is home. This valley is a harsh mistress, the sun and the heat continue to suck my soul (yes, it’s mid-December and I still have the air conditioner on), it has been slow going in making new friends and I have no family here. Our suburban neighborhood has been a huge adjustment from my downtown Salt Lake life. When I think of all My People who I left behind I still get a lump in my chest and tears in my eyes. I know, technology, we talk and email and text and heart things on social media. But, it’s not the same. I don’t know if this cracked earth will ever feel like it’s mine. And perhaps it doesn’t need to. Most people have one place they consider “home” above all others, sometimes it’s their childhood house, or their hometown, or their grandparent’s farm that they visited every summer, or something, somewhere.

I am not happy here.

There. I said it. There are good moments, good days, and sometimes even good weeks, but I am not happy.

Most people tell me that the first year is the hardest. My heart of hearts hopes that they are right. I truly hope that the next 12 months will have more acceptance, fewer days above 120* F, and more happiness.

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8 thoughts on “The first year is the hardest

  1. Lacey Bean

    I hope it gets easier for you and sooner than later you come to see where you are now as home. But otherwise, I hope eventually you can move back closer to your people. <3

    Reply
  2. Stacy

    Big hugs. I’m so sorry that your new city and state don’t suit you. It must be wonderful to finally live with your husband, but not necessarily at the expense of everything else. I hope that you develop some friendships that finally make Arizona home for you.

    Reply
    1. Feisty Harriet Post author

      Me too. I miss that blogging is no longer as it used to be (sob!), I have a few long-time blog friends here, which has been such a relief, for sure.

      xox

      Reply
  3. Alice

    xoxoxo. that is really hard. i hope technology can continue to at least lessen the distance between friends, although i know it’s really not the same.

    Reply
  4. Jen

    Oh friend. I’m sorry and I get it. It took…maybe eight years for me to feel like maybe this could be home? And I’m still not sure, even as I’m putting down roots. The desert is a harsh mistress, and it doesn’t help that you still love the place you left.

    On a practical note, you may want to check out “You Belong Here.” It’s got me brainstorming ways to settle in and feel more at home. Quick and easy read but there’s worthwhile ideas in there.

    Hugs.

    Reply

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