Prepping to move to Arizona!

Been a little MIA the past few days... I do want to share the New York experience we had this weekend along with finish up posting about some of the changes I recently made around here... but the hubs and I are on a little detour for our focus: We're moving to Arizona! I am experiencing mixed emotions about it. Although I am proud and happy for my hubs (getting a promotion - Lord knows he's put in the TIME!) but... I am an East Coast girl. I've only lived in Jeresy and Florida. I've only traveled several times to New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Georgia - once to Europe (for our honeymoon) and when I came to Florida, we drove from Jeresy to Miami. I know it's going to be different - but with the way I embrace change, I'm SURE this is all good!

Some supportive comments I've gotten from friends is "It's time!", "You're ready for the change!", and "God knows - your work here (in FL) is done - It's time to do work in another area"... This morning it dawned on me, "Wow... I won't be here to decorate my mom's home for Christmas", but as my friend Patricia quickly reminded me this afternoon - "What? So you can't hop o a plane and fly in for a weekend to decorate and fly back out?" So I guess that will be an option. Funny though... last year, for some reason, I sensed we wouldn't be here for another Christmas.

This morning, I stood in the dining room, and while looking at the gallery wall, I was thinking about not only wow - all this stuff has to get packed away, but I was thinking about the changes that have happened here since we moved in 5 years ago this October, and the friends, family and memories we've made here - even without having had a child (except our little Sephora!) My eyes watered....

I'm excited to go explore the new terrain - the new landscape, sites, smells, and buildings. I'm looking forward to meeting NEW people, learning some new tasks or ways to do things... and hopefully also have the opportunity to share some of my diverse New York / Miami style over there. I can see where I will have a new subject to photograph: mountains to replace buildings and cactus to replace trees. I can also see where I think my style may change just a little bit - not so much to change for the seasons, but more to embrace the place where we're at (Jeff has only ever lived in Florida - so this is a huge change for him as well).

This morning I remembered seeing some images in my Ralph Lauren book, my old store manager (now friend) gave me as a gift a few years back. It was inspiring to see a New Yorker's interpretation of the West: natural and camel colored suede, fringe, Aztec-like patterned wool rugs & throws, weathered woods, and of course, silver & turquoise thrown into the mix... and surprisingly, even a few shells... and hey! PONCHOS are in this Fall - woo-hoo!! :)

A part of me wants to go to the total opposite end of the spectrum and look for a loft or modern high-rise so we can take in the majestic views. The other part of me is saying I still may need a painting place out in a back-yard or patio so lets find a Mid-Century modern home... And another part of me says lets go for a one level prairie style home - something reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. One thing is for sure - we'll be renting for a bit because we're so darn under water here in Florida. Tuesday we get to speak with Jeff's relocation consultant... so instead of writing posts, I'll be spending time writing questions with Jeff for us to discuss with the consultant, as well as a "Must Haves" list for a Realtor to find us a our new place to call home...

Jeff's promotion is to be Store Manager at the JCPenney in Casa Grande. Although for City and symbolism (Phoenix RISING) I'd prefer to live in Phoenix, it may be too much of a commute. We have looked at a few online places in the Chandler area. Thank goodness we recently had the garage sale... but there is still so much that needs to get packed... I wonder how many boxes it will be (lol). One thing NOT getting packed for sure is all that PAINT in the garage!! :)

What do you think? Have you ever lived in or visited Arizona? What's it like??

Feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment...

Thanks for stopping by!!

If you live in Arizona - when I get out there, we'll have to meet up!