The Replacements

We've officially been in Bakersfield, California 8 months. Man has it gone fast! While the transition has not always been easy and we do still miss friends back in the Midwest, we've noticed that as far as places and things, there has been a direct switch in our mind. We often have moments where we get confused about what was and what is. It's totally different here in so many ways and YET we still find ways to enjoy life with a sense of adventure and be who we are. Most of the things back in MN that were very valuable to us, like our friends or things we poured our heart into, simple can't be replaced. Those things and people we keep as treasures in our mind, knowing that sacred & beautiful won't happen in the same way again. We don't know what the future holds, but we are happy in this chapter, adventure and are striving to write a story we can be proud of.

Replacements

Area Code 651, 612 has been replaced by area code 661

National American University has been replaced by San Joaquin Valley College (with another ear-wracking tune)

Cold and snow has been replaced by heat and fog

Trips to Target has been replaced by, well, trips to Target

Reservedness has been replaced by friendliness

Lakes have been replaced by desserts

The Rosedale split has been replaced by Rosedale Highway

Caribou Coffee has... Not been replaced. However, Seattle's Best & Dagny's will have to do

Hip, busy city living has been replaced with simple city living

Working opposite shifts has been replaced by togetherness

Grilling in our yard during summer months has been replaced with grilling on our porch every week

Weekend trips to visit family have been replaced by daytrips to the coast

Traffic jams have been replaced by earth quakes

North Minneapolis has been replaced by East Bakersfield

Child swap between friends has been replaced with church generosity

The Minneapolis Riverfront has been replaced by the Kern River Park of Bakersfield

Walking through snow has been replaced with walking past palm trees

Concerts has been replaced by story time at Borders

Bad renting experience has been replaced with good renting experience

Trees has been replaced by oil derricks :)

Brooklyn Center has been replaced by Oildale

Medium white mint condition has been replaced by a medium maple white mocha

Mosquitos have been replaced by hummingbirds

Familiar and comfortable has been replaced with new and exciting