ocean

Who are you?

Samantha Gratton

But more importantly, who are you to me?

Sometimes, it feels this way. After you move and the dust starts to settle on your finally assembled dining room table and recently hung wall decor, what’s left? We moved. We found jobs. We found a place to live. We found the nearest Target. Stocked the fridge. Took a mini-vacay to the ocean. Hiked the mountains. Let everyone know we made it. We’re “living the life” – I guess.

Now comes the hardest part yet. Finding people.

Last night we went to an open mic and sadly realized we won’t be seeing any of our usual Des Moines music scene people. Not only that, but we won’t see any people we know or recognize. We have no “people” here. Frankly, that can be quite the hurdle to overcome. 

Proving yourself. But not talking yourself up. Being eager and friendly. Not creeping anyone out. Taking chances. Playing it safe. Being excited to be here. Being chill and easy going. Taking things seriously. Joking around. Joining the crowd. Standing out.

What!?

Who is it that you want me to be? I’m exhausted just trying to keep up. It’s hard to always be “on” with people. It’s a struggle to know what part of “me” to be around people. I want to be just me, but sometimes it seems that “me” is pretty worthless without a deeper meaning and/or connection to “them”. What can I offer? Who do I know? What do we have in common? Well, in answer to all of those questions – not much.

So this is that hard part we all saw coming. Can’t do much but ride it out.

Bits and Pieces

Samantha Gratton

Now that we’ve been here a full week, I feel it’s only fair to give a quick update. We’ve been splitting time between hanging out with family (hubby’s sister and her husband, son and daughter) and running around trying to become real live North Carolinians. We have yet to figure out what our life might look like, so prayer is most appreciated. Here’s a few realizations and fun facts worth note as of late:

  • It will always take longer than you think to drive halfway across the country, just plan on it.
  • You get to smile when you get your driver’s license! (You also have to take a written test to acquire said NC license and thankfully we both passed.)
  • The pronunciation of “Des Moines” is officially “Dez Moinezz” this side of the Mississippi – no matter what you say to try and change their minds.
  • Seeing the movie Zookeeper is not worth your time, even if the theater is having a free showing at 9:30 a.m. 
  • Always wear a t-shirt when holding an infant. Vomiting is frequent and inspired by loud noises, recent feedings, laughter or boredom.
  • Saying “y’all” is the only way you’ll ever fit in. We haven’t quite managed to pull it off without a giggle, completely blowing our cover. 
  • Everything closes before 9 p.m. in a small mountain town.
  • With a new library card you can only check out four books. Once you return those books, your limit jumps to 30 books at a time for the real bookworms. 
  • The life of a two-year-old is an emotional roller coaster. Magic words: Elmo time, leggos, basketball and cake.
  • The beach is awesome, but a full body sunburn makes it unforgettable.