Two years ago today I was living in the bay area and visiting my family in Utah. My parents had just moved into a new home and the express purpose of my visit was to see if I could handle moving to Utah and living with them so I could return to school. Quite a few of my friends thought I was crazy to move to Utah – especially to live with my parents. But I had reached a place with my job where I was tremendously unhappy didn’t give two shits about my work. Everyday was a challenge to get up and go to that job. I had worked long enough in that industry that I made a decent salary, which kept me there for 6 years, until I realized I just couldn’t take it anymore. Working in a job I loathed was sofa king unhealthy. It probably had a large affect my back problems and surgery from the year before.
Sure I could have taken classes while working (which I did) but it never got me anywhere. The thought of starting over and being able to attend school full time was the first thing that got me thinking about Utah. During my 2007 Memorial Day visit it was my little niece who stole my heart and sealed my decision to move. I have four other nieces but had never lived near any of them. Seeing how adorable my little eight-month-old niece was and realizing how much of an impact I could have on her life by being a regular part of it persuaded me to move.
I also didn’t want to one day regret not spending time with my parents while they are still around. I had a conversation with one of my uncles about how much he regrets not spending time with his parents when they lived in the same town because he was too busy working. I don’t want that to be me.
Even though I gripe about the liquor laws and fry sauce, I am glad that I made the move. I love seeing my niece and sister. We have a much closer relationship than ever before, I see my parents enough that they drive me crazy (sometimes), and I have met many fabulous new friends.
The biggest change, one that I wouldn’t have believed even if someone had told me, was meeting Mike. I have never felt as happy and secure in a relationship as I do with Mike. Certain things make sense that didn’t before and I am so happy to have clicked on (hello internet dating!) my true partner. He understands so much of the Mormon bullshit I grew up with because he is a non-Mormon raised in SLC. Plus he’s sensitive, hilarious, has an equally twisted sense of humor, and he’s a total hunk! I am thrilled for the next 46 days to fly by so we can be husband and wife.
