And Two Years Later Here I Am

I decided to post today, as it is the two-year anniversary of my arriving in my new home in northern California.

So much has changed, and so much has stayed the same. I feel at home here, if only my friends and family from the Midwest were here too.

And yet I take pride in knowing that in spite of my homesickness, in spite of culture shocks I could not have anticipated, in spite of whatever hardships that inevitably come with life, I am still here, in northern California, eking out my own way, for better or worse, growing up and figuring things out.

We are shopping for houses. Nothing so far, but we'll let everyone know whatever happens. Once we have a more amiable living space you will all know because the invitations will start. Up to this point we have not had a proper guest space, so we have not invited people to come out and see us. My sister and her beau came to see us only a few months after I moved here, and the circumstances were less than ideal. I felt badly we couldn't offer them more, but so appreciative that they came to see me. It was a much-needed visit.

In the past few months I have made some pretty cool stuff out of glass, and I will post a few pictures here when I am able. They are on my camera and I just need to get them onto the computer.

Mike's son Josh and I created a web site together. The URL is openfireglass.webs.com and if you click HERE it'll take you to it. We hope to have items for sale on that site soon. We are also planning on setting up an etsy store shortly with a jewelry line. And of course we are always doing eBay, selling marbles auction-style. It's going quite well.

When I arrived in California I was a little under two months shy of my 26th year. Today I am a little under two months shy of my 28th year. I have gained much experience in the past two years, though I still have quite a way to go. When I meet people they still think I'm only in my early 20's, more so because of my naivety than how I look, I think. Mike is more my best friend today than he ever was two years ago, and we often laugh at our impulsive and passionate start (because what else can we do but laugh, and maybe even learn). We learned how to have a relationship by fire, which in retrospect is not something I would recommend. We have calmed down a lot and found our stride. We still like each other as much as before, and maybe even more, which is a nice thing. And we still plan on getting married someday. We will let people know about that too, when we know. In the meantime, we are married in our hearts. The legality will come as soon as possible. Circumstances can get in the way of even well-laid plans.

I don't know how often I will be posting here. I like it as a way to keep in touch with friends and family without forcing updates on people. You can check at your own convenience. We all get enough email already.

The sun is out and it is warm outside, in the sixties. With the early Daylight Savings the days are gloriously long for March. I went for a walk last night at 6:45, and the sun had just set but the sky was still bright with pinks and purples and blues. In the west we have the most glorious sunsets you will ever see. I really hope to get to share California sunsets with you soon!

With love.

P.S. I did rent Humboldt County (the Movie) and though Mike and I enjoyed pointing out all the places we recognized, have visited or even frequented, I think it would be more aptly titled "One Family Who Lives In Humboldt County." So if you ever watch it, that's my review, a sort-of-local. (How many years until I am a bonafide local? No matter, I am content to be a sort-of, and my heart still resides in Wisconsin.)

I hope you are well.