More random thinking...

Change is hard. I'm missing some familiar faces and places. I found a manicurist; so far, so good - and yet, she's not Kim, who took care of me for 25 years. I watched her children grow up and have their own children. I made life-long friends of her other clients. Every other Saturday morning for over 20 years. It's a long time.

I miss the Mistress of Pain, Pilates instructor Debbie, who pushed me to physical strengths that I never imagined.

I miss my Wineaux - Shawn, Xochitl, Rico, Debra, Michelle, Barbara, Marya. It's strange to not just run out to meet Shawn for dinner.

I miss my Friday morning meetings at WW; hope Sandy and Sally find a good person to take my seat. Group therapy once a week in a safe, non-judgmental place is a good thing. Great leaders, too - Christy, Casey, Donna, et al.

Grateful for social media and email. And telephones.

We still need to find new doctors. I need to find a new Pilates trainer. New hair stylist, too.

We're learning about the area. We have to do some searches in San Luis Obispo for new stores - new to us. I like to shop in neighborhood stores, not big chains. Oh, chains are great for some things! Costco is, of course, necessary, even with the closest one 10 miles away. We're already friends with the local wine bars.

Change is hard. Worthwhile, but hard.

Once we got most everything unpacked from the move, I came to a stop. Well, a pause. I've been driving this change for the last year and a half, and hit a small wall, so I'm taking a breath. JD still working his task list, getting things organized, handling the paperwork and ripples from his dad's death.

Next week, the POD arrives, and we get to unpack the rest of our stuff. It will be good to have our bookcases and books and art and decor back. Not sure where we'll put everything, and there will be more weeding and donations to local charities.

It's the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - a new year begins and I'm feeling a bit pensive today. Think I'll open a bottle of Shai Cellars Adome  for the taste of something familiar.

Change is hard, but it's beginning to feel like home.

L'Shanah tovah, everyone. May it be a good year.