If you had told me a year ago that I would be moving back to Utah, I would have said you were crazy. I don't have anything against Utah but I lived in Provo for five years and, while I loved it while I was there, I thought that I was done with the place.
I've lived back in my hometown for the past three years. I got my paralegal certificate from Cal State East Bay. I gained work experience in an accounting/law firm. I made great friends in my singles ward. I've enjoyed exploring more of the Bay Area during my time here.
But I've been feeling for a while like I need a change. About a year ago, my friend and now roommate Sara asked me and Katy if we would ever consider moving to Georgia. I have always had a fascination with the American South so the idea of living near Atlanta was very appealing to me. We actually flew to Georgia last November to check out the area and to look for a house for Sara. I loved Georgia. The fall leaves were beautiful. The proximity to Civil War sites was amazing. The people seemed very friendly and hospitable. I could see myself in the future sitting on a porch swing in the evenings, sipping lemonade while swatting away at mosquitoes. I could be a regular southern belle and it sounded amazing...
...until it didn't. For whatever reason, the move never felt right. I struggled with the decision to move to Georgia for several months. Things didn't seem to be falling into place. And then one day, everything fell out of place and the move wasn't really possible anymore anyway. It was kind of a relief to have my decision made for me, even though I felt some sadness that I wouldn't be living in the South. Instead, Sara said she would be buying a house in Utah. And I had another decision to make. Do I go to Utah where there are more people my age, rent a room in Sara's house, and get a new job? Or do I stay here in the same ward I've been in for three years, stay with my current job that doesn't necessarily pay me the big bucks, and find a new roommate? It seems like a no-brainer but I struggled for a couple of months. It's difficult to leave a place that has always had the label of "home."
A few weeks ago, I was talking to my sister Lisa on the phone about my possible move. She asked me what my goals are in regards to where I live. I said I want to have more dating opportunities, pay off my student loans more quickly, and be able to save enough money to actually do the things I want to do like go on an occasional trip, go to the optometrist without having to worry about breaking the bank, and buy chocolate milk without feeling guilty about the extra cost. (Sidenote: After writing that sentence, I realize that my worries seem so small compared to people in other countries. We are so lucky to live in America.) After I spelled out my goals, it became clear to me that my goals aren't being realized here. I had a few more experiences that made me realize that a move to Utah is the right thing to do, and I made my decision.
I told my boss last week and my last day at my job is September 25th. Telling him made everything very final and I went out to my car soon after and cried. While I complain about the large liberal population here and how expensive everything is, I am going to miss this place. I grew up here. I love the hills. I love the proximity to a beautiful city like San Francisco and the coast. I love the fact that I get to go to family dinners every other Sunday and play with my nieces and nephews. I am going to miss them so much!
So I'll be moving to South Jordan next month. I'm excited but also pretty nervous. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I wish I had believed people when they said life just gets harder and more complicated as you get older. Life is crazy! But I'm excited to start this new adventure.
