Welcome to the porch! Let’s chat!
I have to apologize for not keeping up with this series like I promised you – and myself – that I would. Honestly, I just haven’t felt like writing.
I’m struggling to find my place in this new neighborhood and new city, especially since I’m a “country” girl at heart. I don’t like being surrounded by neighbors. I need my space. And the mountains! I can’t see one mountain from here! Ugh!
I miss the openness where I can see the sunrises and sunsets. Here there are tall oak trees that block God’s beautifully painted morning and evening skies.
I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 5 months and have only met two neighbors. How sad is that? Not that I care, because I honestly don’t care to meet the “one across the street”. It just saddens me because I always assumed that neighborhoods like this one were like small communities where neighbors looked out for one another and you could trust and depend on them. Here, I just feel left out and oh so lonely in a big house that is already full of bad memories.
Blah, blah, blah. I know I’m complaining, and I’ll stop now. It’s just that you guys here are my “community” and my friends and I feel like I can trust you all. I love every one of you and I thank you so much for being here and supporting me!
Now let’s get on with a more positive outlook, shall we?
Okay, I know I promised a more positive outlook, but here’s a slight little show-stopper.
The drywallers came to put up the ceiling and repair the walls in the family room and part of the kitchen. They were a funny little husband and wife team. The wife kept putting her husband in his place because apparently, he leaves things behind a lot. One of those things is a really expensive and very nice insulated mug, which is still sitting on my front porch. (It’s been 3 weeks!)
Anyway, they finished up the ceiling, which looks a lot better than a huge hole.
Now all that’s left on the inside is to paint.
BUT – (isn’t there always a but?) – there’s been a miscommunication with the insurance company (who knows?) so now we’ve been “put on hold”. Which means no more work can be done until the insurance adjuster looks over the estimates and gets back to us. Oh, joy…
So that’s all the home updates I have right now.
I loved this story of 2 young boys in Indiana who stopped riding their bikes so they could pay their respects to a passing funeral possession for a military veteran. What a heartwarming and touching story!
My daughter taught our cat Amber how to play Tic-Tac-Toe. Every time Amber would eat a treat, my daughter would place an “X” in its place, then she would make her move. (Don’t worry – my daughter wasn’t eating the cat treats, too.)
Amber actually won that game, so I guess you could say “the cat got the game”.
So this deal isn’t coming up until September 22, but I wanted to share it with you now, especially if you’re a blogger.
The Ultimate Genius Blogger’s Toolkit sale is coming up soon and it’s amazing! Here’s what you’ll learn:
I’m probably not supposed to do this, but here’s a detailed list of everything in the kit, plus the bonuses!
The sale runs from Wednesday, September 22 to Monday, September 27. There are 75 resources in this sale worth over $6,000 but during the sale, you can get them all for only $97 using this link!
If you’re a blogger trying to grow your blog, this is perfect for you!
And be sure to sign up for the free webinar, too!
How was your week? I’d love to hear all about it!
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Oh Michelle, I'm sorry that this move has been hard on you for the reasons you said. I'm praying right now that things will improve with friendships and neighbors, and that you'll happily adjust to your location. Sometimes the longings we have never really go away but we learn to lean on God about them and grow in patience and grace. May you be richly blessed in the days ahead!
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement to look forward to the days ahead!! ❤️
It stinks that you aren't settling in to the new house. I really hope things get better soon. When I moved in with my husband after we got married, I moved into a town and I hated it. I really missed the trees and the country. now that we are back in the country (or a smaller town), I like it, yet....I somehow miss town too. I really only made friends with one neighbor the entire 18 years I lived in that town so I totally get you on how hard it can be to connect with neighbors these days.
I have made a couple friends in this new house, but things are so weird anymore with people, so it makes connecting harder.
I love your daughter's tic-tac-toe idea.
Our week was fairly tame (after the ER visit of course). We went for an outing Friday, chilled out Saturday (well, I did), a small family reunion today and the rest of the week will be school stuff.
I hope your week gets better!
Thank you! I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from. I agree - neighbors can be tough to enjoy sometimes.
It sounds like after the big scare you had a nice relaxing week! I'm glad it turned out to be better.
I"m so sorry that the neigbourhood isn't what you thought it would be. I've been in my house 17 years and just when we get to know our neighbours, they move! It's tough in the 'burbs. It's been especially tough with Covid too. Just from observation, I find those walking dogs and people that are out front tending their garden are the ones people flock to first because they are easy conversation starters. 'What kind of dog, what's his name, what are you planting" etc.
A friend of mine started a street get together one year and got the whole neighbourhood involved; they roasted a whole pig and had a blast! Sometimes it helps if you're the one to initiate but it doesn't have to be as elaborate as this :).
The neighborhood get-together is a great idea! That sounds really fun. What a great way to get all the neighbors together! Thanks for the suggestion. That's definitely something to think about. :)
Hoping htat your neighbourhood will be opening up a bit and that you feel more part of it. Give it time. When I moved to East London, I didn't know my neighbours for years. Everyone kept to themselves and out working all day. It took time, and I got to know the neighbours. It is always hard in a new area. Stay positive and you are doing a great job in your house, which I find fantastic.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words and motivation! I really appreciate that! :D
We are in a new neighborhood filled with families and yet other than the occasional “hey how are you” we haven’t made too many friends either. Of course, Covid has played a nasty role in that because my hubs has cancer and until his treatment is over and he is stable, we have to isolate. We hope after treatment we can sit in chairs out front and watch the kiddos play and maybe visit with the younger people. In the meantime, it’s lonely, so I know how you feel. Hang in there and I pray you find the right way to mingle with the neighbors. Maybe instead of a lemonade stand a “come see the amazing kitty play tic-tac-toe” stand!
I can understand isolating right now. Your husband's health is most important. (Praying for him!!) I love the kitty tic-tac-toe stand idea! :D
New home, new neighborhood, new neighbors, is actually a new life and is not easy at the beginning…I hope you’ll find your place and balance ? I love the fun photo of the week ? your daughter is really inventive ?
Thank you so much for the encouragement! :)
I'm sorry that you're feeling out of place in your new neighbourhood. I guess the pandemic doesn't help. I hope you soon find a community nearby. Hugs.
Thank you! Yes, everyone is staying inside and once again events are starting to get cancelled. I appreciate your support! Hugs!
I am so sorry you are feeling so sad about your neighborhood. Adjusting is very hard! And what’s even harder for you is that you are trying to fix a house as well as move in. And the darn insurance people aren’t helping either. And Covid sure isn’t helping matters.
Have you ever looked into the Social Clubs on MeetUp. It’s an online situations for hundreds of clubs around the nation… and you can narrow it down to your area.
I will say a prayer for you. Hugs!
I haven't looked into those yet. Thank you for the suggestion! I'll check it out. Thank you for your much needed prayers!! ?
I'm so sad this move has been so difficult, Michelle. It's so hard to adjust to a new home, trust me I know. I'm praying things will turn around and one day you'll feel welcomed and part of your new community! I'd LOVE to have you as my neighbor! We have totally the opposite issue as our neighbors are stopping by a bit 'too' much if you know what I mean. LOL! Your daughter is a true cat whisperer, and thanks for the info on the blog class and webinar! That's a huge savings! I'll definitely have to check it out!
Thank you for understanding and for your prayers! Ugh...I'm sorry you're having to deal with "those" neighbors. Lol! I think we would have a great time together as neighbors!! ? You're welcome! The blog bundle is amazing and so helpful!
I hope you will discover more welcoming voices in your neighborhood. I've been out of touch so I have some catching up to do. Your daughter has turned into a "cat trainer" extraordinaire.
Thank you! That's ok...I completely understand. Yes, she has! She's always teaching them something. haha!