So now we're moving to the middle of the desert?

[sunshine873]

Seriously? For months we've been gearing up for our move this summer to the Pacific Northwest. I have spent every free moment looking at housing options, schools, churches, neighborhoods, etc. I was thrilled about all of the things to do there, the hiking, the mountains, the fishing, etc. Not to mention Seattle, professional sports, theatre, living within 30 minutes of Ikea, I could go on and on.

But now, out of nowhere it's been changed. Yes DH, I told you I was happy for you, because I am. It's your dream job and for that I am happy. You'll be home a lot and for that I am happy. But this is the B!?€$ post, so I'm also going to say: It's in the middle of the desert! It will be hot, hot and more hot! I don't care if its a dry heat if the entire summer has you looking for indoor activities because its too stinking hot to actually be outside! We will be living 30-45 minutes from the nearest town, which is where we'll have to drive to for DD to go to preschool. Oh, and when she does start school the next year, Ill be able to walk her to school, which I love, but the school gets a 5 on Geat Schools? Ugh! I will definitely be back here asking for some advice about that.

Yes, there are some positives to this move and I've been saying them to everyone I can find. But I have a lot of concerns too and I'm getting a little tired of working so hard at being upbeat all the time. Thank God for this board so I have a place to complain out loud while I'm trying to wrap my brain around this switch.

Oh, and now I'm regretting those nice warm BOGS boots that I bought last month...don't think I'll be getting much use out of them.

[MamaMolly]

On a cheerful note, most deserts get really cold at night. There is hope yet for those boots!

On another note, AGGGGGGGGHHHH! :banghead: I totally understand. We asked for a transfer to XYZ and were shot down, told that it wasn't an option, someone else was going. FINE. I spend months convincing myself I don't want to go to XYZ anyway. I finally come to terms with the idea, and then BLAMMO out of the blue we get told that we are being transferred there!!

AGGGGGGHHHHHH! So daggum frustrating.

[TwinFoxes]

Is it a done deal? I'm so sorry. That sounds like a lot of cons, and the only pro is your DH is getting his dream? :hug:

[lmwbasye]

Ugh! So very sorry. I know how you feel. This summer will be the first time in 14 years that the Army is sending us somewhere that we are looking forward to. We are always in the south and I'm from New England. I get it.

Hugs!

[scrooks]

I have a friend stationed in the desert right now. If you are going anywhere near where she is (Palm desert I think) the school choices aren't great but she said its not been too bad living there. They appreciate how many cool weekend getaways are within an easy drive. I think she has adapted to the heat (we are from Ohio so she was not used to desert temps!). I would be really upset about plans changing soooo drastically!

[bigpassport]

I was raised in the Pacific NW and moved to Vegas. I totally understand. It's HOT here. It was a hard adjustment, and I'll be honest, I don't like the heat. But I adjusted and just tough out the summers. There are good things about living in the desert too. People in snowy places have to stay inside 3 months of the year in the winter, it's just the reverse here, you stay inside more in the summer. The dry heat thing is true. 90 degrees in Dallas is unbearable. 100 in Vegas isn't bad. Some people even like the heat and adapt well (your DD, for example, might not be bothered by it). From October to June, it is comfortable outside. DS and I went to the park every Tuesday and Thursday all winter long. We have a pool and, in the summer, just get in and out all day. Get a water table and squirt guns. Water balloons. Popsicles. Run errands in the morning. DS is bugging me to play now, so I have to go, but if you want more of a pep talk, feel free to PM me.

[crl]

:grouphug: hate it when my plans get changed. I hope you find things to love in the desert.

Catherine

[kep]

If it makes you feel any better, the Pacific NW rains all the time. Lots of gray overcast weather. Not good if anyone struggles with depression or SAD.

[sunshine873]

Thanks for the commiseration and positive weather outlooks. It really helps a lot. To be perfectly honest, I was struggling a bit with convincing myself that all that rain would be OK too. Nice outside weather from Oct to June sounds pretty nice. Hmmm, maybe now we'll be able to have an outside birthday party for DD in January!

[OKKiddo]

Are you military? If you are, then I think I know where you're headed. I was a desert dweller for 3 years for my husband's assignment and the nearest Wal-Mart (not super Wal-Mart) was 30'ish minutes away on a highway dotted with crosses of those who had not traversed the highway safely. I will say that if this is the place you're headed, it's all in the state of mind. I thoroughly LOVED it there and I sobbed the entire drive away because I would miss it desperately. My husband vowed to try to return but it's never happened (and won't because my children were diagnosed with ASD's and they haven't got services for them at that location).

I totally understand how you're worrying about the heat. It's a totally different lifestyle and your sleep patterns will be affected by it a little. We stayed up later in the evening to be able to go outside after it had cooled down so that the kids could play. A personal mister will be your very best friend out there and it will feel like a portable air conditioner when it hits your skin.

There are lots of places to travel from that location so you can see grass, bodies of water, beautiful mountains, or just play in the casinos. Getting away from that area is a must every couple of months to combat boredom.

Here's the positive, it will feel like a small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone, and you will be welcomed and make more friends. Oh, and time flies, so it will be over before you know it. :)

[sunshine873]

Are you military? If you are, then I think I know where you're headed. I was a desert dweller for 3 years for my husband's assignment and the nearest Wal-Mart (not super Wal-Mart) was 30'ish minutes away on a highway dotted with crosses of those who had not traversed the highway safely. I will say that if this is the place you're headed, it's all in the state of mind. I thoroughly LOVED it there and I sobbed the entire drive away because I would miss it desperately. My husband vowed to try to return but it's never happened (and won't because my children were diagnosed with ASD's and they haven't got services for them at that location).

I totally understand how you're worrying about the heat. It's a totally different lifestyle and your sleep patterns will be affected by it a little. We stayed up later in the evening to be able to go outside after it had cooled down so that the kids could play. A personal mister will be your very best friend out there and it will feel like a portable air conditioner when it hits your skin.

There are lots of places to travel from that location so you can see grass, bodies of water, beautiful mountains, or just play in the casinos. Getting away from that area is a must every couple of months to combat boredom.

Here's the positive, it will feel like a small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone, and you will be welcomed and make more friends. Oh, and time flies, so it will be over before you know it. :)

Well, if it is the same place, we may not be going either. Still waiting on our EFMP paperwork...my DD has a small ASD too. Hmmm, this could get interesting...PMing you now.

[jal]

Am I the only one that sees the irony in the OP's User Name and the subject of this B!#@H?