If you follow our family's adventures (old site, new site), then you know that we have really been enjoying these first weeks and trying to take advantage of the summer events in the area. We basically have a crush-type relationship with this city. We know we are not here permanently (don't have to commit), which allows us to look at everything through love-struck eyes (why not enjoy it while we're here?)--it is fabulous!
Side Note: Let's just hope the crush lasts long enough to get us through winter
*shudder*
So-- we have a crush on this city (and the cluster of cities/villages in our county), we have been making lists of summer fun and checking them off as we go, making friends and getting involved, and all of the sudden our NEWBIE status is wearing off.
At Church on Sunday there were 2 new families that just moved here. There is another new family that came a couple of weeks ago and yet another new family that will be moving in next month.
What tha...?
I asked someone at church if they are always having new families move in--she said 'no, your family is the first new family for awhile--you must have started a new wave!'
Don't get me wrong. New families moving in and being apart of our Church group is awesome, amazing, wonderful, and exciting. It's really one of the best things for a ward, I think--adds new flavor, new personalities, new strength, and has the potential to provide opportunities to start afresh with friendships and habits.
I think I was just surprised at how fast I am losing my 'new girl' status. I wasn't prepared to give it up so fast.
Being 'new' has all kinds of perks. It is a great excuse for not remembering people's names: "I'm sorry, we just moved in, what was your name again?". It is a great excuse for not paying attention to where things are: "Uhhh where is that? We just moved here." It provides all kinds of very EASY conversations, people want to know your story and where you are from: "so you're from the south?" It offers a kind of *sparkle* that makes people want to talk to you, get to know you, and curious about who you are.
And my favorite part about being the 'newbie'?
A fresh sense of self & opportunity for reinvention. Since people don't know me, I get to decide what they know about me and what their first impressions are. There are no memories social faux pas floating in their minds, their perception of me is totally fresh...only to be blemished by my choices *now*, unaffected by my choices *then*.
There is no expectation scale and I feel a very liberating sense of opportunity. It only lasts for a short time... before long I've created a bar of expectation based on my behavior and choices. Then, it doesn't take long for my story to be shared (this is a direct result of my very open, here-I-am-let-me-tell-you-everything personality) and so I really only get to enjoy any kind of mysterious flair for a very short period of time.
And, I tell you what, it has been fun!
I have enjoyed being the New Kid On The Block and now I will begin settling into my new role as "old news".
Ha.
When was the last time you were the New Kid On The Block?
3 comments:
Two things:
1. I think you will find the great white north to be rather endearing if you go into it with a plan. The first year we didn't know what to expect really, and comparing New England snow to Utah snow is just not fair. I expected heavy snowfall, but opportunities to see grass between storms. I was a little disappointed with the first year, because we couldn't really go outside and kick a ball around after the snow melted during the winter. The second winter, I was must more pleased by it all since I had plans. I nabbed some second-hand snowshoes, santa brought me some trekking poles, Ian had a snow-suit, and we even went to a x-country ski track. I spent alot more time enjoying it. My recommendation: get some snow pants and some warm/dry boots, and you'll have a much more enjoyable winter.
2. Our ward at church has many long-term and short-term families. We are now kind of in-between and folks are still trying to identify where we fit. I may be wrong, but it seems like most people are willing to forget your previous goofy self if you are consistent as you evolve. My point is just that you are never really stuck with your former foax pas', because your track record keeps getting updated with the latest and greatest. I suppose a consistent goofball has a tough time changing perceptions, but I can try, can't I? :)
I DO love your new blog look ( though I liked the old so well! )
love this post too..but Joseph made some good post. I know that people DO evolve, but I like your take on making the MOST of the moves, too.
Goodness. Last time I was a new kid on the block. Well, in one way, being Relief Society President in the ward we have lived in since 1981, now gives me the chance to call people that I have never ever met or talked to that are on the list, and give them a hello. Since THEY haven't been around at church, I am NEW to them, and they to me, but in an environment that I have comfort in. And its fun to get to know people. Everyone has their interesting life story! Some of them have been here years, but new names always show up, too. New names sometimes, of people that actually HAVE been here for years.
The other NKOTB experience was being the Newbie Engineer Wife at the SAE conferences. I did feel hesitant! ( some of them have DECADES of experience together!)
I certainly considered just reading a book in the hotel. I even told THEM that! Then I thought I may as well go with them the first day. That was a very good choice. We had fun. But there is that sense of being the NKOTB that can be ...slightly...timidity producing. I guess I was nervous.
Actually.
So thanks for being a good example to me in your "SHE DO CHANGE SO WELL!" phase of life! I love it!
and you!
And as Joseph says, we all are allowed to evolve, mature, repent, change and grow! THANK GOODNESS!
I have definitely known people to change dramatically while staying in place, but you are right, the other memories do have to go to fade fade fade, and be replaced and updated!
Reminds me of the time that we moved to Virginia. I was feeling very sorry for myself. I wanted to be back in Tn. The first Sunday that we went to church, I must admit, my attitude was not very Christlike. I sat there in RS and thought, "I am just going to see how long it takes someone to say hi, how are you, are you new?" I sat there the whole lesson, then said to myself "you are being ridiculus. Just say hi to the girl beside you". I introduced myself and she says, "Oh, this is my first Sunday here. We just moved from Utah. I am so nervous." Dumb, dumb, Lisa. Ever since then I have made a concerted effort to be better! ; )
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