So. Here we are in Bakersfield. Actually we have been here for almost 5 months now. It was so strange and quiet at first (anywhere is quiet compared to Los Angeles) with all new smells and views and people. We love our house, finally a space of our own, even if we are still renting! Our landlords leave a lot to be desired, but we think they are still good people at heart. They actually live a few hours away in Santa Barbara which is good and bad.
Bakersfield is a nice enough city. There are a lot of people here (600,000) and the ones we have met have been very nice. Our ward at church is great although we desperately miss our good friends in L.A. Luckily we are still close enough to go back down for a baby blessing or shower, a birthday or get-together. We probably do this more than we should, but we have probably spent at least 1/3 of all our weekends so far either in L.A. or with Joe's parents in Riverside.
Bakersfield gets a bad rap from most Californians.
The reasons I think it does are these:
1. Most people have not been here, or have only seen farms and desert from the freeway.
2. It used to be a tiny hicktown with mostly cowboys and oil companies.
3. It is in the most conservative county in California.
4. People here are not filthy rich.
5. I have no idea, it's pretty nice here.
Anyway, the only real difficulties we have had is in finding a job for me. Soon however, I will be the world's best subsitute teacher. Yay! Finally all the paperwork will be in and done. Joe is working ten times harder and longer than they said he would need to when they transfered him up here. That is really frustrating, but hopefully it will get better by May and I'll get to see him more. Overall, we think we have made the right decision by moving here and welcome anyone who is looking for a friendly, relaxing place, to join us. Visitors and neighbors are always welcome. As bumper stickers all over town say:
Bakersfield; Life as it should be.
10 years ago
