Toto, We're Not in California Anymore

You know what I miss most about California? (No, it's not the weather). It's the people.  It's kind of like the Katy Perry song, "California Gurls", "there must be something in the water", or the air, the sand or the palm trees. California people are just, well, different.  I'm used to people being friendlier, more open, kinder and honestly, less judgmental.  That's harsh, I know. But you have to realize, I'm not your average middle-aged woman. I sing in a band--- I often have pink or purple hair. I have six tattoos, and I dress like a rockstar. I drive a cherry red Mini Cooper and with my California license plates, I stick out like a sore thumb. I'm used to being waved to wherever I go in my little car, as everyone knew me back home. I haven't made a single friend here yet, and although my neighbors have been really nice and my kids' friends moms have been cordial, it's still just, well, not the same. I miss my wonderful friends back home.

I do think I'm acclimating well though---we've been here about two months and I know my way around pretty well. I can get to the mall (oh yeah!), both kids's schools, several different grocery stores and the gym. I haven't gotten lost in a couple of weeks now so that's progress LOL Most of our stuff is out of the boxes, and the house looks lived in and happy. I am happy here now, getting settled and getting new routines. The kids have made friends, and with my husband we four have gotten closer than ever since the move. I know it was the right choice for us to come here for my husband's job.

Here's the thing--I don't mind being stared at. I'm used to it. I know I look different. I have always felt different. Call it the "middle-child syndrome", but whatever it is, the attention doesn't bother me. I welcome it. I'm a happy person who walks around finding the good in everybody and every situation if possible. I get stepped on a lot because of it but pop right back up smiling. What I don't get is why do people dislike me here just because I'm from California? I've nearly been dangerously tailgated several times, people laugh when I tell them I moved here from California, and they make fun of MY accent!

It makes me sad. I'm trying really hard to like it here and those kinds of things do NOT help. 

Anyways, the weather's been great, feels just like fall in good ol' Cali, and yes, I do know winter's coming and I have no idea what I'm in for. I am actually so excited for the first snowfall I'm willing it to happen! As our Halloween skeletons and orange lights hang in our yard, I'm inside, lighting candles and feeling like the squirrels I've been feeding peanuts to. I'm getting ready for the cold months ahead. We got our stack of wood, bought a few warmer clothes, and had one of our cars "winterized". We are going to be buying a new car in the next couple weeks, a big SUV so I can feel safer driving on black ice and snow. I'm thinking ahead to starting my Christmas shopping as I'll be mailing a lot of gifts this year. Thanksgiving's just around the corner, and although our downstairs heater is still broken (another story, another day), my biggest goal in living here is simple--not to get fat! (I hear there's not much to do in winter but eat...AND drink....) I'm hitting the gym 3 times a week and actually getting my spin instructor certification this Saturday (if I pass the 9-hour workshop, and the written test). I'm also taking vocal lessons so when we put together a new band, I'll wow not only them but my audience.

I'm excited to be here, I really am. I have new goals, new dreams, and a new outlook.  I'm proud of my hubby and my kids, we've had a really rough couple of months but it looks like we're gonna be ok after all.

Wisconsin better get ready for Rebel Girl, cuz I'm here, I'm loud, and I'm a trouble-maker!