I might be going out on a limb here, but I’m gonna say that this is probably a sign that we should go the minimalist route. There are still boxes in our garage. I’m not sure we even need those things since we’ve been living without them since we moved in June. I guess moving is one way to figure out all the things you can live without and change. HA! As we settle in to life outside of Los Angeles, I figured I’d share some of that journey with you. I’ll be doing a quick series called “LA to OC”.
Well, new areas come with new things. For one, I’m 15 minutes from Disney Land. Psst… don’t tell my kids. They have no idea that we’re that close to the mouse. Disney aside, new cities, neighborhoods and communities come with their own quirks and vibes. I’m figuring some things out and getting used to new stuff here in Orange County, California. One thing that I noticed almost immediately was the heat! It is always much hotter here than in Los Angeles. It makes sense. We did move further south. But, man, the heat is intense and makes you want to stay inside – at all times! Our AC is working overtime!
I’m also getting used to the wildlife. There’s plenty of it. From the lovely lizards who run all around our yard to the random bunnies we see hopping in and out of bushes. It’s a different world.
Then there’s this guy who was just walking around the neighborhood. When I stopped to take this picture, he looked at us like we were out of place!
There’s also a squirrel. I know they’re normal neighborhood visitors. The there’s one that seems to live in our backyard. He comes by everyday with a nut in his mouth. He then buries them at various spots around our back yard. The kids get really quiet and watch him in action as we stand by the window. Our little furry visitor is driving our dog nuts!
While I’m getting used to so many new animal friends, I’m also loving the super green, lush trees, flowers and grass. It’s a change from being in bigger city where it can be a little less common to see so much green. Plus, all of our neighbors have some sort of fruit tree in their yards. We have a few in our backyard, too. My husband is always picking apples and figs from out back.
Great place for kids
One thing we heard over and over again before we moved is that Orange County overall is a great place to raise kids. Well, I get it now. Every other corner has a park. Seriously – every. other. corner. All the schools in our area are top notch and there’s never a shortage of events to do with the kids here. We’ve been checking out the science center, museums and parks over the summer. There’s also a few lakes not far from us. When we don’t want to do the crowds of the beach, the lakes are perfect relax spots.
We plan to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Up next, the kids just started school. It’s two streets away from the house. Seriously, it’s been a dream of mine to be able to walk my babies to school. We had been hitting the freeway everyday to get them to school before. They love that they can scoot, ride or walk to school. We’re looking forward to them making some new friends and having an awesome school year.
In a place of gratitude through change
I have to say, I’m just really grateful. We all have things we want to see happen in our lives. My husband and I wanted something that would bring a better quality of life for our family. I didn’t know where that would lead us.
I was talking to a friend not too long ago and she was telling me about a big change happening for her and I was talking to her about our move out here. In both situations, the things that were happening in our lives were things that we wanted. Things we worked for and prayed about. As we talked, we stopped and said, “wow, this is what we wanted.” It didn’t happen right away. It didn’t happen without sacrifice and disappointment along the way. Still, it was awesome to see thing unfold the way they did for both of us.
What are you working toward right now? Even better, what are you grateful for right now?
30 Comments on LA to OC: Finding gratitude with change
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I’m working towards putting out more positive energy. I believe that you get back of what you put out. Learning how to be happy for others and celebrating their wins like their my own .
Yes, that’s a good lesson to learn. It’s easy to look at other people and only see what we don’t have. Celebrating them only brings goodness to you.
Gratitude is so important! It’s awesome that you’ve found the good in your move. The bird is looking st you all like you’re strangers lol. #blmbloggers
I know! That bird has some nerve!
Change is good and hard at the same time. I’m working on changing my life right now and so far it’s been hard, but worth it!
It seems like the biggest changes are worth all the struggle that come along with it.
Change must be in the air. We are going through some pretty major transitions here, too. I cannot really talk about them publicly yet, but they are all positive things. I also feel very grateful and blessed.
Glad it’s a good transition! All the best!
HA dont tell your kids you are that close is a hoot. I love that you have an attitude of gratitude and are sharing that with the world. I believe in paying it forward, too.
Great advice!
It sounds like this was a perfect move for your family. It’s always hard to leave what’s familiar but you have a great attitude!
It’s really hard to leave what you’re used too. I’ve been telling the kids that our family is on a new adventure and we try to approach every part of this move that way.
I am greateful for a supportive family. Well written. Enjyed every bit of it.
Thank you! A supportive family is a huge blessing.
There are so many things I’m grateful for right now. I always try to look at life through that lens and focus on what I’m grateful for.
Yes! Especially on rough days and I remind myself of all the things I’m grateful for.
I have never been to the OC and did not know it was great for children. I am from Florida and here we have really good quality of life and Orlando is a nice place to raise a family too. I am glad things are working our for you in California.
Thank you. I have a few buddies in various parts of Florida and they love it there.
How exciting to be in a new city! I grew up in San Diego, so know the OC and LA pretty well. Orange county is beautiful! I am working on getting my kids ready for school to start next week, we have been enjoying late nights, sleeping in, and having fun. Time to get serious again!
That shift of going back to school from summer can be tough! lol My kids still get up and start playing in the morning. I have to keep reminding them that it’s back to school.
You’re going to be in my neck of the woods! There are so many great things for families in Orange County. From yummy things to eat to quality family entertainment, you’ll love it here.
Yay! So far we like the more mellow pace of things and the family vibe.
It sounds like the OC is a great place to raise a family. And, like you I’d be grateful for that too 🙂
Louise x
So far, it really is. Seems like people move here because it’s so family friendly.
Right now I’m grateful that my daughter is excited for school. She’s had a lot of changes this year and I would love if this isn’t traumatic for her
I hope she has an awesome school year. My son is at a new school this year and it’s been up and down so far. Fingers crossed both our kiddos rock all the adjustments that come their way. 🙂
I’ve been wanting to go the minimalist route as well. Our family wants to do some traveling and since we are getting closer to being able to fund a mobile lifestyle it’s time to really start purging the junk. Orange county is on our bucket list of places to visit, as well as LA
Packing up our home to move put it all in perspective. We have too much stuff. Time to purge!
I’m grateful for my family’s opportunity to move back to the West Coast. Especially the different activities and educational opportunities for my daughter.