Blossom and I have been settled here for almost a month and I still startle when the neighbors slam a door or the mailman delivers. The country really sensitized me and it’s a little weird to have other humans, strangers in such close proximity.
We love our little house, it’s the perfect size and the landlords are retirees so if I need anything they are often here within the hour. The camilia bush is blooming.
On my first week here my mom offered to watch Blossom on a Friday night so I could go to a movie. I looked at the map, saw how close I was to downtown and hopped on the business 50. It was bumper to bumper and I thought: you idiot, you are in the city now, everyone is doing what you are doing. Two minutes later I passed a fender bender and the traffic disappeared as if Sac was saying, “hah, gotcha, we don’t really do that here.” As an Angelino I am traumatized but the deadening effect of relentless traffic. I left the Bay Area largely because of the traffic. Its a concession for me to drive at all. In fact, moving here was so enticing because it is a highly bikeable, flat town. But I am blown away by how manageable getting around is in a car here. I took Blossom to her first day at preschool at 8am and it was like a sunday afternoon. So hallelujah.
Today was B’s second day of school and despite the allure of pajama day with popcorn and a movie, she was unmoved and wept loudly when I left. I guess this is what other parents have to deal with alot, but B has always handled the transition with aplomb. The school, Discovery Tree, is beautiful, the staff is warm without being cloying. And out of all the places I looked at, it was the least expensive. My friends in SF pay twice what I pay for two days a week.
I just need work. Today is really the first day I have had any time to make a concerted effort to join the workforce, only it happens to be the day before Thanksgiving. Too bad, I am doing it anyway. Yoga studios, the Juvenile Hall, recovery programs, UC Davis Med Center. Wish me luck. Today is the day.
Hello and thanks for the mellow, warm welcome, Sacramento.
