Relocation

[Snowflake]

Ooh! 3894 Madison! It's on my list for a (possible) research trip in 2014. I have a good pal in Oconomowoc. If I make the trip and don't scare you off, lunch would be awesome!

[Stan4dSteph]

It always seems like a great idea, an adventure. I wish you luck.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Originally Posted by 3894

What I didn't expect: the food differences.

For example...?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by 3894

, CP!

Here's our theme song for this thread ...

http://youtu.be/r_krgBgGlXE

Visible Helen Mojo.

[3894]

Snowflake, I'd love to meet you! Just let me know when you're coming.

Originally Posted by SzczerbiakManiac

For example...?

Oh, SM, many's the time I have pined for decent takeout Chinese food. Or a non-Pillsbury croissant, the real kind. I honestly try not to be too Green Acres about this but sometimes ...

If you're familiar with Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegon, that's pretty much where I live. Suffice it to say that I've been to more than my share of church basement potlucks. I like these people okay; I do not like their Chung King chow mein noodles-Cream of Celery Soup-Miracle Whip food much.

Here is an actual recipe that actually tastes good. You will have to suspend your disbelief.

A package of frozen meatballs
A can of Cream of Mushroom Soup (Have I lost you yet?)
A can of button mushrooms, including the liquid
and …..
Half a jar of Cheese Whiz! (At least I didn’t say Spam.)

Dump the meatballs in the crock pot, mix together the other ingredients and pour them over. Cook on low, 2-4 hours. Serve over noodles or rice or potatoes, if you like.

t always seems like a great idea, an adventure.

Yes. That's the attitude I'm trying to maintain.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Oh, yah, hot dish.

[Stan4dSteph]

Originally Posted by 3894

Yes. That's the attitude I'm trying to maintain.

I've never been to Madison, so perhaps it will be an excuse to come check it out sometime.

[3894]

Originally Posted by Stan4dSteph

I've never been to Madison, so perhaps it will be an excuse to come check it out sometime.

Somewhat like the People's Republic of Berkeley, Steph. Come on up!

Progress report:

Found an awesome house at an awesome price. Made an appointment with realtor.

Looked up crime stats. Three drive-by shootings since April, one in that block.

Cancelled appointment with realtor.

Found another awesome house. Looked up crime stats before contacting realtor. Two recent home invasions in neighborhood, plus assorted assaults, robberies, etc.

Need an unawesome house in an awesome neighborhood.

[Crystal]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

Seeking advice and shared experiences of those who have ever pulled up their roots and moved to another part of the world.

As some of you know the company I work for is getting ready to emerge from bankruptcy by being acquired by another company. By the end of January I should either get a job offer from the new company, or will begin a job search for something else. If the new company makes me an offer, it will be contingent on my willingness to relocate. Right now that seems to mean Carlsbad, Houston, or Princeton – though other places are possible.

If I decline or don’t get an offer, but want to stick with something in the utility industry, I will also be entertaining a possible change in location in my future.

I know many of you have faced such decisions, and plenty have picked up and moved across the country. I hope those of you did will respond to this and let me know what that was like for you, what made it easier, what difficulties didn’t you expect. What was it like to build a new social network in your new location? Any thought or wisdom would be welcome.

One of my biggest fears as an introvert over 50, is that I will be lonely in my new environment, that it will be hard for me to find those I can connect to and do the things that will make that happen. Anything you can say about that would be most appreciated.

As things progress and I have a better idea of my options of where I may be heading I’ll likely come back with more questions. I just want to be prepared if my decision needs to be quick and my commitments binding.

Thanks everyone

This was one of my fears too when I made the move to LA on my own back in November. I have managed to make friends through work and by forcing myself to approach people when I am out and about. Made a new friend at my complex just by being friendly, introducing myself and letting her know I was COMPLETELY new to this environment.....like serious culture shock!!! She has shown me around and as I become more familiar with my surroundings, I venture out a little further and take more risks at being social. You just gotta put yourself out there. I hardly think that you will have any problem meeting people or acclimating to your new environment should you go

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hehehe... Helen, you made me laugh with that recipe. I grew up in Minnesota and it seems everything's made with cream of mushroom soup (or some other variant). But I will admit I'm still fond of hotdish of varying kinds. And Garrison Keillor makes me laugh. Those Lutherans!

Anybody tried to feed you lutefisk yet?