Sometimes things don’t always go as planned.
Life is unpredictable. You can’t control it. You won’t always like what’s happening. . but sometimes, you just gotta hold on.
After a surprising turn of events, lots of interviews and flying all over the country, my husband presented a few options in front of me. New job opportunities. In new cities. Which meant uprooting our little family and moving.
Again.
Two years ago, I never thought we’d leave Los Angeles and ended up loving Seattle so I only have high hopes for Madison, Wisconsin. OK, I’m lying. Kind of. Here is how I rationalized it: It’s the Midwest. The cost of living is more reasonable. My sister lives in Minnesota, which is only a 4-5 hour drive away. Chicago, the closest major city, is only 2.5 hours away. Madison is a cool town. It’s got the University after all. . and hello? Wisconsin? America’s Dairyland. Farm-to-table at it’s finest, right? And Madison is also home to the country’s largest producer-only farmers’ market. (If you didn’t grow it or produce it yourself in Wisconsin, you can’t sell it.)
A few things I did not think about initially. . or maybe I did but quickly wiped these things out of my mind because I was trying to be a supportive wife – How much I would miss our friends, Seattle . . and the freaking cold winters in the Midwest.
What was I thinking???
Well, for starters, we’re a family. ONE unit. We stick together. We support each other. We suck it up and deal with it. And dammit, I knew there was a reason I bought some rad snow boots and only wore them once here in Washington.
All kidding aside, I’m not completely happy about the move but trying to make the best of it. During the house hunting trip, we were able to experience some local things and I felt . . excited. So, I will hold onto that and suck it up majorly while we stay in a hotel for 5 weeks before we can officially move into our house.
And how will I deal with the winters?
I’ll have to deal with it. Hell, give me a long, warm North Face jacket, some gloves, my snow boots, a big hot bowl of hearty chili and some hot cocoa or tea and I think I’ll be ok. And I’ll have to learn how to shovel snow. And lots of it.
Check back with me in the Spring.
I’ve partnered with the good folks over at Primula and we are so excited to offer one reader this wonderful Push+Serve 3 Qt. Whistling Tea Kettle – Brushed Stainless Steel.
Their Push+Serve 3 Qt. Whistling Tea Kettles create a focal point with their dazzling array of fashionable colors in a new matte finish. This kettle features a wide trigger spout that was designed for safety, convenience and ease of use and an oversized base that fully covers flames from a gas stove for greater safety, and is also fully functional on electric or ceramic cooktops. Integrated into a high arched handle that gives this model a dramatic silhouette, it accommodates easy one-handed operation while keeping the hand away from hot water or steam. The kettle features a traditional whistle to sound and alert when your water has reached a boil. Available in Brushed Stainless Steel, Matte Black, Matte Marigold & Matte Red.
I love this tea kettle and received this just in time! Just in time to cuddle up with some hot cocoa or tea during my long, cold winters! Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win one! Enjoy!
The Giveaway!
(open to residents within the United States only)
I make tons of fleece blankets, knitted afghans, pillow quilts and I am always buying hoodies of every size when they go on sale. When our power goes out we just start layering.
I know you’ll make the best of your move and I’m sure your spouse appreciates your support. Good luck with everything!
Awh, thank you so much!!! Means so much!
I will be keeping warm by snuggling with my pup under our winter quilt and our electric fireplace, hopefully warmed up with some Primula tea!! ๐
Cooking is honestly my favorite way to keep warm in the winter. Moving around in a warm kitchen, making hearty, rich, comfort food is the best!
I plan to keep warm by drinking warm liquids (e.g. water, tea, soup) and turning on the heater.
Blankets and soup.
Drinking hot spiced wine by my fireplace while knitting.
You’re gonna rock it! You’ll find your place anywhere you go. Go you ๐
Awh, thank you Alana! ๐
thermals and sweaters
I would love to keep warm with a cup of tea each afternoon. Good luck with your move. It’s never easy moving a family and it sounds like you’ve had a lot on your plate this summer. I spent one year in Wisconsin with a job and found I liked it a lot more than I expected. One word of advice– go grocery shopping during Packers games– the stores are EMPTY! Hope your move goes well.
Hi Holly!!
haha, that’s GREAT advice! ๐ yup, if it’s one thing I know. . Wisconsinites are serious about their football!! ๐ Thank you!
Well, um, I don’t exactly experience the cold too much but a good cup of tea or coffee always helps to keep your body and your soul warm. I have moved a few times too, and it isn’t always easy but you seem to have a can-do spirit.
If you ever need someone to rant to about uprooting the family and following along for a husband’s job, sent your diatribe my way. I will listen sympathetically, nod knowingly then, after an appropriate interval of calming you down, I will say, “Suck it up.” Which is my way of saying, I’m here for you and you’ll be fine.
Much love,
Stacy
haha, yes yes. . I hear you 100%. #suckingitup!! Things could be worse. . I have a lot to be thankful for so will focus on those things! ๐ Thank you, Stacy!
You’re all being such troopers, and this is such an honest post, it’s true, home is where you make it. I’m happy to see you have already sold and bought another house, and your mother and sis are doing well. Happy moving Alice!
thank you SO much, Paula! and thanks for sending me that article about Madison! ๐
I just moved to CA, so I am hoping I will only need a thin blanket and nice cup of green tea or hot chocolate to keep warm on the colder days. Good luck with the move! I survived 6 winters in Chicago and as long as you dress up properly you should be fine! may want to invest in a face mask ๐
I’m gonna bundle up and drink coffee in the morning, tea at night!
Lots of layers, hot coffee, and tea! I love this giveaway!
Hot tea, good book and a warm fire
Lots of hoodies and cuddly blankets
HMM I will keep warm with baby snuggles and steamy cups of tea and coffee.
I hope to keep warm by wearing layers and layers of clothes.
it doesnt get too cold where i am, so if i have a light jacket and scarf im good!
I live with 5 cats – who needs to keep warm with them around? ๐
I do love hot soups, teas, and coffees; those keep me nice and warm (when the cats forget about me).
We use corn bags that you heat in the micro… nice and toasty.