Monday, April 23, 2012

News!

Warning: Long post and no pictures!!

Hi readers and friends!

Today, I'd thought I'd share with everyone what I've been alluding to over the last couple of months (see here & here). Thanks for hanging around even when my posting was sparse. I appreciate every single one of you!

So let's get to it...

In the last month [& a halfish] Chris and I have made a big, life changing choice. We made it in the hopes that one day we will be able to have the future that both of us envision. Marriage, family, and our own home are all things that we want, but are unattainable in our current situation. I'm sure most of you know that living in California is very expensive. If you are not from here, it may shock you to hear that Chris & I pay $1,350 a month for a one bedroom, one bathroom, 623 square foot space...in an awful neighborhood. Obviously, this is crazy! Factor in gas [currently $4.21/gallon], food [a gallon of milk is around $4], and utility bills and we're lucky if we have two pennies left to rub together. I know that there are much more expensive places to live, but for our current situation, this one isn't working for us.

We have always talked about moving somewhere together, but were never able to agree on a place. One of the most important things to me is moving closer to my family, especially when we decide to have a family of our own. I want my children to grow up knowing their grandparents and cousins. I've never been shy about letting Chris know that at some point, we'd have to move. I was patient, and found it kind of worked itself out in the end. Chris ended up coming to the conclusion on his own and I'm so grateful for that. Otherwise, it would always be in the back of my mind if I felt I was forcing him to do something he didn't want to do.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that we are moving to Atlanta at the end of the month! Who knows if this will be our permanent destination, but it puts us much closer to our families and friends.

Oh, and I QUIT MY JOB! I decided that quitting my job had a lot more pro's than con's. I understand that it is a tough job market and unemployment is really high. However, I also know that my job was not enough reason to stay in the situation I was in. I actually feel really happy knowing that I made a change for myself and even though it's scary, it's what is best for me.




There's the story, straight from the source! And now, we're all on the same page. Thank you so much for reading my blog today. I'd love to hear from anyone who has any road trip tips [we're taking the I-40 back with planned stops in the following cities: Flagstaff, Sedona, Albuquerque, OKC, Memphis, and Nashville]. Or if you just want to wish us luck or give us advice, I'd appreciate that too!

PS - Birthday giveaway will be posted on Wednesday...I'm so excited!

32 comments:

Belle on Heels said...

SO happy and excited for you!!

Katie said...

How exciting! Congrats and good luck on this new adventure! I will enjoy reading along since my boyfriend and I will be in similar shoes soon (too soon for the blog unfortunately!!)

Keri said...

Congrats to you and Chris! How exciting! Good luck and safe travels :-)

KatiePerk said...

WAhoo! Cheers to change! Safe travels and now we can meet up when I am in ATL for work!!

Dixie Bell Designs said...

Yay! I am so happy for you and Chris... I think you guys are up for a great adventure! I always tell myself that you aren't stuck in a situation... if you want a change do what you need to do to make it happen! Congrats and can't wait to hear about your moving adventure and life in Atlanta (love the Coke factory there, haha!!)

Lauren @ Dreams Take Flight said...

How exciting!!!! Congratulations! Can't wait to hear all about your new adventure in Atlanta!

Brown Girl said...

Very excited for you. I hope you love Atlanta and if not, you could always move to Texas. ;) Congratulations on your new adventure!

Mommara said...

Congrats! I am sure it was quite the decision but, Yayy for Ga! Just think of all the CFA dates you can have!

Lauren said...

that is SO exciting!! i feel the exact same way about moving back east when i start a family and i have not been shy about telling my man (also a Chris) this either...are we living the same life?!

starnes family said...

OMG. I am so excited for you! I totally understand how ridiculous real estate is. Best of luck! Keep us up to date on your progress. Good things ahead!

BroncoMom said...

So happy that you are moving back to the place that best suits YOU. Like the song goes.....Oh Atlanta, hearing me calling. I'm coming back to you one fine day! Ok, maybe that song was before your time Ms. Sweet Tea!

Unknown said...

What an adventure! I know you will love being close to family and all the things Atlanta has to offer. In memphis ribs at the rendezvous and tops BBQ is a fav. Gosh there is so much in Nashville. Lots of cute cupcake shops you would love. Have so much fun and be sure to do a road trip post! Wishing you all the best!

Unknown said...

What an adventure! I know you will love being close to family and all the things Atlanta has to offer. In memphis ribs at the rendezvous and tops BBQ is a fav. Gosh there is so much in Nashville. Lots of cute cupcake shops you would love. Have so much fun and be sure to do a road trip post! Wishing you all the best!

Jen said...

This is SOOOOOO exciting Angela!!! You will never regret this decision. Ever. And the fact that you two made it together means it was in both your hearts. I have been to Atlanta before and it is a beautiful city with fantastic weather (that won't be such a huge shock from Cali). And of course, road tripping may be the best part of the move. Ha! I have always wanted to road trip and I am so excited to do that one day. Very proud of you for making the leap. Happiness is ALL that matters :-)

Tracy @ Honey and Nutmeg said...

This is great news and I am excited for the adventure in front of you!

Preppy Girl Meets World said...

Congratulations darling. Best of luck to the both of you in your move.

Be sure to send me your new address.

Unknown said...

I saw your pic on Instagram and thought, "Unemployment?!" By the way...you're always so put together. I have accessory envy! Ha ha!

I'm so happy & excited for you & Chris. What a move! I know that family is SUPER important to you, though, and it seems to be the same for Chris, too. I love that you are both following your heart.

As for the road trip, I made the trek from Cali to Virginia via I-40, but that was way back in 1986 {and I was 8 years old}. It's such a fun trip with so much to see along the way. Enjoy every moment.

xoxo

Mrs. K said...

Yeah yeah yeah!! That is so awesome!! I am so happy for you! You're going to be in a whole new world, but I'll let you know that this side of the US is pretty awesome. ATL is about 8 hours from Orlando, so if you make your way down to the Sunshine State then let me know! Can't wait to hear more about your adventure!!

Lauren said...

WOW! That's a ballsy move - love it! Welcome to the South dear :)

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

That's so exciting!! Congratulations!! Though I can't believe you are moving there during the hottest part of the year- ha. But that will be so much fun for y'all to start this adventure together.

KK

Miss A said...

How exciting! Congratulations and I wish you both a lot of success!

Amy @ Forever 29 said...

I know Cali will miss you, but yay for being back in the south! I hope we will get to meet up sometime!

Have a fantastic drive--such a fun way to hit some great cities!

Lesley, Dennis, Landon, and Natalee "Lou" said...

If you have the time while traveling through Memphis, I have a few suggestions...
If you want some great, Memphis style BBQ check out the Rendevous.
A Memphis staple is Ernestine and Hazels. The Soul Burgers are excellent and the history behind this place is pretty cool. It's a dive and not a high-end place, but the atmosphere is truly a Memphis gem. (used to be a brothel back in the day and has rumors of ghosts on the second floor :)
In Nashville, a great place to grab breakfast is the Pancake Pantry. The line on the weekends usually wraps around the building!

*I am Memphis native now living in Florida :) I know about the long distances between family. We are 18 hours away from ours! Good luck and best wishes!

Mrs. Jansson said...

Yay! I'm so excited that you're moving back to GA. This is the first step in an awesome adventure together. Congrats and can't wait to see and hear about the fun roadtrip!

A and E's Momma said...

Best wishes to you guys. When I and the hubs (whom at the time was only bf) moved from PA to VA 10 years ago for better financial opportunities, I was scared out of my mind. But it took no time at all to realize it was the best decision we could have ever made.

Safe travels and exploring along the way.

Susannah said...

Angela that is awesome! You know I live in Cumming and we have two CFA's here!! Hope we can one day meet up!

Kate said...

I'm so sad we won't be living in the same city anymore but I know that you and C will be so happy back in Atlanta. I can't wait to come visit!

Barefoot in the Park said...

Big excitement and congrats! Those peonies awe divine :)

Glitterista said...

Congratulations on such big and exciting news! I've enjoyed following all your road trip adventures on instagram already. ;)

Lucky in Love said...

Just catching up! So thrilled for you!!! I cannot wait to see where this new adventure leads you two! XOXO

Anonymous said...

I am way behind but Congrats! how exciting to move back home!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

So happy for you! (I wanted to scroll through and find where you posted about moving :o) One day, I hope that we are living near where we hope all our kids and their families will be...we love it here near Savannah, but think that one day all of them will be in Kentucky...so my hubby and I are willing to move.

All the best to your new place...it will be fun to read your posts of this new place in your lives.
Blessings & Aloha!

 
SITE DESIGN BY DESIGNER BLOGS