the aftermath

So, I think the weekend trip to The Natural State let the wind out of my sails. Coming home I text my friend that had the kids. I told her I was so ready to be home. She asked if it was not a fun weeked. I said, "It was, BUT it is not home yet." It was pretty and hilly and we met some nice people. BUT I saw just how hard it is going to be not knowing anybody or anything. For instance, the interstates that run through there are 430 and 630. BUT they run in opposite directions. It is my understanding that even numbered interstates run East to West whereas odd numbered ones ran North to South. Apparently that ain't the case in Arkansas. So, I felt totally lost those 4 days. I never knew where we were going.

We ate lunch Saturday at Chick-fil-A. I walked in to see many families with young kids. I joked with Chip that I felt like asking if anyone wanted to be my friend. I quickly decided that my plan of action will be to eat lunch every Saturday or an alternating day during the week to meet people. Our apartment complex is right at the top of the hill from Chick-fil-A and a really nice shopping center. I guess we could just go there and stroll around on pretty days.

And I decided that you just have to talk to people wherever you go and ask questions. Like, do your kids play sports, where are the fun parks, do you go to church, in what part of town do you live etc. Chip made me do this to the couple behind us one night at dinner. They were super friendly and we found out where they go to church etc. They even invited us to their house to watch the Super Bowl. (I was flying home that day and Chip actually already had plans. Otherwise we may have gone.) Later that night we were getting Chip some jeans at Belk, also by our apartment. We started talking to the guy who was helping us. He does home inspections on the side with some of his friends who are also builders. I asked him if he goes to church. He goes to the same one as the couple from the restaurant. BUT apparently about 10,000 other people do too.

And I am tired. I came home from the weekend tired. Apartment hunting for a 3 bedroom is exhausting. It was emotionally draining more than anything. And I am on week three of single parenthood. BUT we are heading to Mobile this weekend for the week so the kids can see Chip. Tomorrow is the home inspection and I am taking my van to get the handle fixed. This will involve transferring three car seats to rental van and then transferring them back a few hours later. Not a big deal it is just something else to do.