Monday, March 31, 2014

Where I am At

This post was inspired by the novel The Idea of Him by Holly Peterson. Allie thought she had the perfect husband, until she finds him and another woman in a compromising position in their own apartment. Join From Left to Write on April we discuss The Idea of Him. Join us for a live chat with Holly on April 3.  As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Setting was such an integral part of this novel. I felt like New York City was a character it self. This story woulnd't have been the same set in a different city.
It got me thinking of where I live.  I live in a {small} city in California...same place I moved to in 6th grade from Illinois. I had a good childhood here...but couldn't wait to move away!  I can't believe I live here today!

I came back after college graduation-a quick pit stop before my planned move to San Francisco. That move never happened and before I knew it...I was teaching at my then boyfriend's (now husband) first elementary school!  After a few years, I moved to follow my boyfriend in LA, and we got married and settled down. I loved the big city-it must be in my blood-I lived in Chicago my first 6 years.  However, after having our first child, we decided to move back to be near family. A decision that I was not 100% thrilled or excited about (nothing to do with the family!)....but now, it has been a blessing.

 Sometimes life doesn't end up like you planned...but it doesn't mean it's bad.  The other day as I rushed around trying to get my three kids out the door-backpack shuffle, shoe searching, phone charging-it hit me that I am content.  I am happy to be where I am. I love my job, I have a wonderful teaching partner, my husband and I get to spend time together quite often, my kids are great...maybe this wasn't what I planned originally...but it suits me perfectly.  Even though my city doesn't have the best reputation, and many don't understand why we choose to live here...it's home.

3 comments:

Stacy at The Novel Life said...

Finding happiness and contentment is so hard for many. What a wonderful thing that you've found yours and what a great model you are for your children!

Nancy Cavillones said...

It's a nice feeling to know that you've put down roots finally after a restless youth. It is so satisfying, even if I do sometimes miss the old life!

Janin Wise said...

I completely empathize with the surprise of not expecting to be where you are....and it turning out to be just fine. I lived in this are for a single year my junior year of high school, then ended up back here as an adult because this is where my husband's family is. Growing up in the military, the longest we ever stayed in one spot was 4 years. My husband is also a military brat. So it constantly astonishes us that we've been here for almost 8 years! To deal with the wanderlust, our living room gets rearranged a lot (; But we're actually happy here. And that's satisfying.