When I first moved to Tucson, I took a long walk and thought I was going to die from the heat. I moved to Tucson August 1, knowing no one, and not even knowing much about the neighborhood I moved into. I knew that I would be close to the job I had taken and thought that was a good thing. Said job did not work out, but I've taken that in stride. I guess I'm getting old enough to realize that sometimes your plans don't work out and that's usually a good thing.
The first month I lived here I spent a lot of time getting my apartment together. I took almost daily trips to the wonderful thrift store across the street and gradually accumulated a bed, chairs, a desk, massage chair, kitchen table, even a free television with VHS player. They were so good to me. I also worked to get all the things I needed for the job- driver's license, clearance card, etc., I started to learn the bus system, got Internet, and eventually a bicycle. It doesn't take much to create a kitchen for home cooked meals and after getting the basics, I started cooking satisfying meals and saving money.
Once work started my life was all about work, and through the fall I worked three jobs at the same time. I didn't have much time to explore and enjoy where I live. On top of that, the job I had taken was negative and crushing, and resigning helped me see how much it obscured my ability to relax and live.
I have now lived in Tucson almost six months, and like Georgia O'Keefe said, "To see takes time, like to have a good friend takes time." After living here a bit, I can feel this lovely transformation of settlement and a deeper appreciation for where I live. Recently a friend from Maine came for a visit and while there were plenty of U-turns, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I did know about the area. From my bicycle rides, I've learned street names and all the exploring has increased my happiness. I had thoughts about the cactus having acne and being violent, but I'm really starting to relish the beauty of the desert and where I live. While some cities have overwhelmed me with their traffic (Nashville, Seattle, Atlanta), Tucson is a nice mix of people without the insane amount of congestion and confusion. I've decided to list five reasons why I'm loving Tucson!
1) I love my apartment. It's small and adequate for me. I like having a dishwasher, walk in closet, and bathtub. I like keeping my windows wide open so I can see the mountains before me and watch the sunrise and sunsets. It's wonderful to study the shadows and changing colors. I like that I have easy access to washer and dryer, and most of all, I am so happy that I have a pool to swim in most of the year. And from what I've observed, I seem to be one of the few that does enjoy it... all the better!
2) I love my neighborhood. While some of my friends might consider my neighborhood a little "sketchy", I find it entertaining and interesting. Even after having an attempted break in back in October, I feel safe. I like that I live across the street from a faith based ministry, a thrift store, a Circle K, and I'm beginning to recognize my neighbors faces. This is my little community, and I like it. I like my neighbors. They are from different cultural backgrounds than me. I love that I'm the only white girl in my zumba classes! I love the languages that flow around me that I don't understand. I also am grateful that my apartment is right in front of the bus stop, which is convenient to both the mall area and downtown Tucson.
3) I love that there is so much to do in Tucson. Some of the things that I have really enjoyed include going to concerts at the Fox Theater, hitting up museums, hiking, and trying new restaurants. It's really endless, and with more friends coming in February, I will get to experience the Tucson Rodeo and other things.
4) Trader Joe's. In N Out Burger. Super Target. Bookman's.
5) The weather. Nothing makes me happier than a sweet bike ride on Tucson's smooth and easy roads with the sunshine on my back. I was freezing my bum off this time last year. Flash forward to this year, and I'm wearing shorts today.
Krista, after removing myself from social media, I remembered you had a story that I liked and found it. You move around and with so little while appreciating and experiencing the places you go. I enjoyed learning that you went to Seattle, I had envy because I too wanted to move there and created plans but never followed through. I'm glad to have discovered your blog again because I learned you moved once more and this time I too am making my first out of state move. I like that you move with so little stuff holding you back and you work hard wherever you go. My boyfriend and I plan to move to St. Petersburg, FL as we decided to stop worrying about what our future in our dead end jobs look like and work towards learning to sail and living on a boat. The first step is that we must sell 90% of our stuff to fit it in our small focus with a dog and move.
ReplyDeleteYou should share your experiences in dealing with "stuff" in the process of your journey. I have learned that it holds you back from doing what you want. Having acquired every single piece of furniture I own and never buying a single pieces (sheer luck and timing). I became stuck with six dressers, chairs, tables, desks, 2 entertainment centers.... you get the idea. It has caused more stress than joy and I have learned that living simple and in the direction of your dreams are more important. We are held back by so much and often never stop to think about it.
Thanks for your story, I will continue to follow. You never know when someone else will be in a situation similar to yours and your blog may show that they are not alone.
Sweet Megan,
DeleteThank you so much for your comment. I can't tell you how much it blessed my spirit today. I want to wish you all the best as you make the move to Florida. Maybe you need to start a blog... I'd love to follow you!
I had been working on getting one up. I had a few posts started. I used my free time today to get a couple up.
DeleteYou can check it out at https://simplebutdeliberate.wordpress.com/
Its a working progress. I am starting to think that blogger is a more friendly site to work with. Its always a challenge to keep up with advances and changes to what we are used to.
Awesome, thank you for sharing! Keep writing. Your blog is very professional looking and impressive. I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDelete