A foreign land

Since being in California, we've faced several "culture shock" elements. So I thought I'd share them with ya'll to give you a window into our new life in SoCal. It will probably take several posts otherwirse this one would be way too long! First, let me being by saying that I am so glad we did not end up in the Inland Empire. Because it is similar weather to Phoenixut but it's UGLY, old and dirty. Our lil town is quaint and beautiful and the weather is wonderful. It has a community feel to it in the midst of the LA metro area. The one similarity however, is the overpopualtion. There is no just going somewhere real quick. The traffic around our house is not too bad most of the time but there are always lines and places are crowded. I think I've discovered the reason for the overpopulation. Our neighborhood dates back to 1930's. Our house is mostly all original but that will take me on a rabit trail so I'll save it for another post. Most lots though the original structure has been torn down and in it's place a set of condos or townhomes has been erected. In some cases, people will build a huge house and sometimes just remodel the original. Which makes for an interesting combo in one neighborhood. It's amkes our walks interesting because every house is different and each yard is unique. It seems like every month something new is in bloom. Alana and I take walks almost every morning and go explore the sights. But it's interesting to note that the power, water and lot that was originally for one family now has an average of 4 families! No wonder we have water and power shortages and it's so overpopulated!

A heavy heart

I kinda consider myself to be a news junkie.  Certain stories just suck me in, like the DC sniper a few years ago.  I must admit I got so obsessed that I remember filling my car with gas and the pump was on "auto".  As I stood there waiting I was thinking someone was standing just like I am now and lost their life.  At which point the pump clicked off and at that sound I jumped and almost hit the ground!  Similarly this last week I have been engrossed with the situation our country is in.  I watch day after day thinking "this cannot be happening in our country, how could it come to this".  I don't even think most Americans realize how dyer the current situation in our economy.  I told Justin one night, I feel like this is the end of the world.  Of course I was overreacting...may be! I have just been in shock and the only word that comes to mind as I watch the news is 'staggering'.

On a lighter note but just as serious.  Think about this crazy thought: it is possible for Barak Obama to have Biden resign and then select Hillary Clinton.  Justin and I were talking about this earlier this week and I thought he was insane!  It doesn't even seem like it could be legal. But the more I thought about it I see how it could happen.  And who knows after this week, anything is possible in America!

Parenting

Last night was one of the worst with Alana...a true nightmare!  She woke up after being alseep for a few hours and was crying sooooo hard she was inconsolable.  It was almost scary because she has never done that before.  It took both of us over 2 hours to get her back to sleep and we still don't know what the deal was!  As I was sitting there with her, totally clueless, I was thinking about what it's like to be a first time mom.  I thought it's like driving in a place you've never been before, you are lost and you spilled coffee on your map.  You just pray and hope you get there safe and on time or at least not too late.  For me, however, it feels a little more like driving in Europe, in a rented car at night and it's raining...on top of the above mentioned situation!  Hoping for a better night tonight!

Truck'n along

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted!  The truth is I just don't really have anything to write about!  Nothing too exciting going on here.  Just spending my days caring for Alana who is growing and developing so much!  We still haven't found a church but the hunt is on and I am really wanting to meet some people here.  I found out last night that my dear friend, Anna, is coming out to visit me.  I am so excited, I'm just beside myself!