It’s pretty easy to remember exactly when we moved down…July 4th. In some ways it feel longer and shorter at the same time. I still remember going to countless hangouts to say goodbye to friends and family, how we were packing our 8 x 8 x 16 container with as many belongings as we could, breaking down the night before, crying as I swept the floors and pulled the weeds one last time before handing our house of a decade over to the new owners, driving down in 100 degree heat, staying over at the Wongs and seeing fireworks in their neighborhood, driving the next day to Camarillo to see the house we had put an offer on but was rejected, submitting a stronger offer but staying firm with the price, driving to my parents’ place, and getting a call from our agent that our offer was accepted.
We’ve missed friends up the in Bay Area, yet have gained new ones here in Ventura County. I’ve been able to work remotely for my company of almost 4 years, CityTeam. Hours have been reduced, but it has given me much more flexibility in how I can use my time productively. We have settled comfortably in a new church in Thousand Oaks, attend (and are currently hosting) a small group weekly, and serve on the worship team. Husband left Pure in October since they wouldn’t let him work from home anymore. Presently, tech has been given a reckoning and it is a little harder to thrive in software. Seems like he was able to get into tech at the best time and also leave before it went downhill. We are privileged to be in a good financial situation to not have to worry about working for money. Anson’s taking a church leadership class, is able to actively learn each day, spurs us on in our faith by making us pray and read the Bible (hopefully in a year…and a couple months), and been able to do so much for the house to make it our home.
This house came with many luxuries that we wouldn’t have dreamed of having: smart fridge, fountain, recessed and dimming lights, heated bathroom mirrors, outdoor hot tub spa, completely private backyard, 1 room on concrete slab for Anson’s gym, a master bedroom (that we haven’t moved in to) that overlooks our backyard oasis, etc. We chose Camarillo because it has some of the best weather…in the world. The Valley is in the 90s while we are 75 degrees. We are 30 mins from Aaron’s, 45 mins from the Wongs, and +1 hr from my parents. We came down to be closer to family and have approximately been seeing parents around once a month. We’ve gone back to the Bay Area twice: once for Anson to say goodbye to coworkers and second time to get my keyboard and guitar to practice for worship team. We’ve also seen the Leongs, Yehs, Chens, and Changs here, so people aren’t strangers!
Overall, I do believe we made the right decision to move back to SoCal. Our purpose should focus on how to serve and make time for our parents, friends, and the church we committed to. Hope the next year is filled with just that!