The transition

Well, since my last post I have moved to Dallas. There is so much to say that it's hard to contain it in one entry. So I will try to summarize it as best I can.

I finished all of my goodbyes and see you soons (as my grandma would call them). I had interesting talks with the professors who I work the closest with: one made sure I would keep in touch, one told me how proud she was of my journey (while reminding me to finish my dissertation), and one gave me tips on the upcoming job search. I had lunches and dinners, finished packing... okay, so I kinda finished packing, and then my friends came over Friday to load up the U-Haul. Friday evening made me realize that a) I way underestimated my readiness to load the truck, b) grad school has only intensified my chaotic treatment of my house, and c) I have very good friends who did an amazing job of helping me get the job done. Saturday morning my friend and I hit the road early and met my recently transplanted Texas branch of the family to unload and move me in.

So, I've now been here eight days, and each day I learn more and try to process this new experience. I love being in a big city, the convenience and quantity and quality of anything I could want. In the first few days, I was astounded at how many stores were so close that helped me complete my move-in shopping needs. As I am more settled, I am learning about restaurants of every type, museums, natural settings (I have already been to the aquarium, next up will be the zoo and arboretum), the arts, and so many ways to keep myself entertained. I am trying to do what I can before internship starts, and then I will go slower, hoping to see all I can while I am here. I am also learning the cultural aspects of Dallas. This city is known for being classic Texas- big hair, money, status. Where I live, there is diversity, and I am thankful that I am rarely being exposed to the Dallas stereotype. My friends, however, who are doing more exploring of restaurants and live close but in a slightly nicer area, have already noticed "uniforms" based on the occasion and cost of dinner. As the year goes on, I hope to better understand this city and where I want to spend more time based on what fits my personality and where I might find people like me.

In all of my excitement and adventure, I am aware of what I have left behind. I see the online posts about what my friends are doing, and it feels odd to not be part. I read about upcoming events at church, see emails about my program, and am trying to detach myself. I don't expect anyone's lives to stop because I am gone, but it will take time to read about game nights, dinners out, or anything else and not be sad that I am no longer part of the group. I am trying to figure out how to deal with the transition- how close do we keep in touch, do I start pulling away to make this easier, do I work harder? I suppose once I start working a natural path will work itself out.

The good news is I have a place to start here. I have a couple friends who also moved to this area who I have leaned on so far. I have friends from college, from many years ago, who I am hoping to reconnect with. And in just a little while I will try a new church, a place where I hope to find a new community that will support me as my last church did. I'm off to a good start, and I have one more week to enjoy the exploration, transition, and reflection of these moments before I am thrown headfirst into internship. It's a great time.