We are becoming more settled all the time, but I still don't feel quite at home here. For as much as I was ready to move, I still find myself pining away for our old, too-small house and "transitional" urban neighborhood. I realize that to most people a house built in 1968 is pretty old, but coming from a house built in 1909, we are in a whole new world.
As I grow accustomed to our new environment, I have experienced many moments of confusion and wonder. Here are a few of my recent ponderings:
1. Sidewalks
Why are there no sidewalks in the suburbs? There are so many people out on the street walking, biking, scootering, pogo-sticking, etc. Did sidewalks somehow go out of fashion in the 1960's?
2. Lawn/Yard Maintenance
Ok, I know its cliche, but why are people so obsessed with their lawns? Ours needs A LOT of work and I do want it to look nice, but why was the guy across the street mowing his lawn in the rain? Is there some sort of regulatory agency we have yet to learn about? Thankfully, we haven't received any threats yet...
3. Fencing
Where are all the fences? I never thought I'd miss our ugly chain link fence, but I just don't feel comfortable with our lack of physical separation from the neighbors. At least we finally figured out that single guy next door did not mow the maze into his back lawn to lure small children into his house. We were quite relieved when one night we saw him and his friends maneuvering through the maze dressed as ghosts, while a young woman with a yellow basket ran around picking up golf balls. No, he's not a predator, just a dorky guy with a life-sized Pac-Man game in his backyard. But, I still think I would feel a little better with a fence...
4. Trash Collection
Single-sort recycling is flat out awesome, but our first trash day caused me much distress. Why did everyone have their trash bin on one side of their driveway and the recycling bin on the other? I stood in the driveway trying to look casual while scanning the houses on both sides of the street to determine if there was a pattern governing can placement. After all, I didn't want to be the stupid newbie who didn't even know how to take out the trash. Then it finally dawned on me. Its kind of difficult to get your car out of your attached garage if both bins are on one side of your driveway...
5. Electrical Wiring
Outlets every six feet in every room, how can this be? What will I do with our giant box of extension cords? And when vacuuming (which due to the lack of hardwood floors takes me about an hour), which outlets should I choose to give me maximum cord distance? Perplexing.
6. Light Switches
Old house - 8 wall switches (counting the old-fashioned push buttons by the front door). New house - 29 wall switches. I wonder, how much electricity do I waste daily turning on and off lights because I can't remember which switch controls which light? And switches for outlets that allow you to turn a lamp on and off from the wall...wow.
7. Closets
Old house - 3 closets. New house - 8 closests + 3 storage cabinets. Ahhhhh...empty space. I would never have thought it possible. Now I must guard against the dark forces that will not rest until they have filled every shelf, drawer and crevice with crap.
8. Living Spaces
In our old house we had one living room which was generally used for entertaining, TV watching, playing, coloring, play dough (this one made mommy less than happy), laundry folding, computer working, crazy dancing, ninja practice, etc. Our new house has three - a formal living room, an upstairs family room and a downstairs family room and playroom. This is an absolute luxury for us. The kids, however, are very confused when I tell them "its in the living room" or "I'm in the family room". Poor Emory sometimes takes to wandering around confusedly until I say "Sweetie, its the room with the red couch."
9. Neighbors
Why are strangers bringing us baked goods and stopping us on the street to make conversation? I must remind myself that they are trying to be welcoming, and no, they are most likely not sizing up our house for some sort of heist.
Yes, we moved 6.3 miles up the road and I feel as if we've entered a whole new dimension. But, I am optimistic that as time goes on we will feel more at home. And, while there is a lot that I miss, I am pretty darn happy here.
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