Lessons Learned in Moving

Packing, unpacking and caring for my family made it impossible to visit my home on the web. Moving into a house taught me many interesting lessons, some involving humorous results. I hope you'll enjoy listening to my latest discoveries.

1)  When you want convenient food on the cheap, think casseroles. You can always freeze half for later to avoid paying for take-out.

2) Moving is a tiring process which can result in creative time saving tactics. The first night here I didn't want to unpack some of my personal items. Rather then using my herbal essence shampoo and Avon body wash, I opted to use my daughter's body wash and shampoo in one. Up until a couple weeks ago,it's safe to say it's been at least 24 years since I used anything with Big Bird on it.

3) If you want the new neighbors to welcome you, a small lap dog will do the trick. Some little girls on our block spotted Skeeter,(our full grown 3.5 pound miniature pinscher). They instantly fell in love with our dog, and ring the door bell at least 3 times a week to visit and pet our miniature pinscher.Skeeter is enjoying her new fan club.

4) Julianna won't need to look far to experience other cultures. Our street is filled with Ukrainians, African Americans and Hispanics. My hope is that she'll grow up learning to embrace diversity, and realize we are all God's children.

5) Weeding is a dreadful, time consuming task but it also means we have a yard. Whenever I see the neighborhood kids playing in their yards, I know it's worth it. Someday my daughter is going to enjoy kiddie pools, swing sets and the other essential parts of childhood.

6) Some of the neighbors have 3 car garages while others live in shacks and trailers. The economic diversity should give Julianna a great advantage. She'll learn at a young age how to interact with people of different backgrounds.

7) One neighbor has Avon advertised on her van and another neighbor drives a taco truck. I joked with my family that I'm hoping they'll befriend me. How can I pass up deals on beauty products or authentic Mexican food?

8) When you're in a new home and don't have a washer or dyer, have no fear. If a baby spits up on all of your pants and skirts you can easily pull on those old maternity jeans. A big thanks to the clothing designers for inventing fashionable maternity jeans!

9) Jesse enjoys coming home from work and telling me how he can park the truck in his garage. Every time he touches the garage door opener he looks like a small child inside Toys-R-Us.

10) Moving into a bigger place means different things for a husband and wife. I don't fully understand the excitement behind having a man cave decorated with Star Wars characters. Jesse doesn't understand my obsession with couponing for cheepies and freebies. I think my idea of creating larger stock piles scares him. Maybe men and women do come from different planets.