I spent a nice long weekend with my family.
I made (or attempted to make) Pink pancakes for my girls on Saturday:
Unsure of this mom
(when they are old enough to appreciate pink pancakes- i will be the “cool mom”)
We went to the Park:
And spent some quality time together as a family.
***
The other day Affinia hotels was running a contest promoting the season premier of 24. If you tweeted about it, then you were entered into a giveaway where you could stay at their hotel for $24.00 a night. Sounded good to me, so I tweeted about it a few times.
A day later, I received a direct message from them with the special promo code! I booked the room for Sunday night, which was perfect since I wasnt working the following Monday (MLK holiday).
My mom slept over my house to watch the girls, and off we went into the city for our night away. Mind you, we have never taken a night away (to the city no less). I don’t think I ever slept in a hotel in Manhattan before (since I live within the 5 boroughs).
Let me tell you, for $24.00 – we got an AMAZING little room!
We didn’t let the foul weather stop us from going out to dinner:
We went to an adorable Moroccan restaurant a few blocks from the hotel… I LOVE middle eastern food. Love.
Hummus, Eggplant Salad - Yumms
Veggie Cous Cous
Although when we realized how high our bill was going to be, we decided to start shoveling the food down.. you know, to get the most for our money.
We then went straight back to the hotel, bought some snacks (yes, more food- don’t judge) and watched the Golden Globes. I was so HAPPY Micheal C. Hall won for Dexter…you could tell he’s been sick, poor guy..
A very well deserved win
MONIQUE!!! I have yet to see Precious (I will as soon as it’s out on DVD) but I hear her performance was amazing. Did you all know that Monique does not believe in shaving her legs? G-D bless her. I mean, I usually walk around like that myself, but not out in public… or when I win a Golden Globe.
***
So after the golden globes (which I truly enjoyed thanks to Ricky Gervais) we started watching HGTV. We came across a program about people who were house hunting. The episode we stumbled onto was about a couple in Atlanta looking for a home. The homes they were shown were HUGE! The prices were so low, you could never ever get a house like that in New York for that price.
That got me thinking…
Maybe we should move to Atlanta.
I spoke to a few friends and co workers (my company’s headquarters are in ATL) and apparently we could live off of one salary. Since my husband is in school (which is a 3 hour commute each day)… it’s hard for him to find a job that would allow him to drop the girls off at day care, go to school, come back and pick them up. He just has no time.
If we moved to ATL he could go to a great school (ranked #5 in engineering schools) and said school happens to be across the street from our work offices!
To top it off, the school has family housing and a daycare. I commute about 2 hours a day.. to not have to do that would be beautiful. It would mean I would get to spend more time with my children.
So.. my husband applied to the school today, and I spoke to my company’s HR department.. told them I was thinking of moving in June. They will be keeping their eyes open for a position for me.
It’s scary and exciting all at the same time.
I mean, I was born and raised in NY.
I don’t know anything else.
But, I mean – why not?
The financial burden on my back is driving me a bit batty. There is no way we can continue to survive off of my paycheck in NY.
Just not possible.
I want my husband to be able to go to school and focus solely on that…
So, if all goes well.. if he gets accepted into the school for the fall/ if they manage to find me a position there… we will be moving.
I just hope it’s the right move.
Have you ever moved anywhere far from home? How was that experience?
rachel said
I think it could be an amazing thing. The amount of stress on you and Hubby would be so much less…and a happy woman is one who doesn’t commute 3 hours a day. (Been there, done that.)
Additionally, to have extra time as a fam??? Priceless! The one thing that could be hard…leaving behind Savta. It is so helpful to have family to pitch in! The Jewish community is pretty great there, I’ve heard…and N and S would have cute little southern drawls!!!
geminigirl64 said
Not a big fan of my mother- I know it will be hard on the girls and my parents- but it’s the best decision fo rus right now as a family. Once he graduates, we’ll be moving to Israel anyway- so it would only be temporary.
Rachel said
I think it is a GREAT decision. To save money and have more time as a family. As long as I can visit you in Israel.
pillarr1 said
Hotlanta!!! That is great. I used to move all the time when I was single. I am originally from Indianapolis but I have lived in San Francisco, Washington DC, Miami, and Atlanta. California was too expensive but the people were great. Miami was just not my scene. When I moved to Atl in 2003 I liked it well enough. I found it affordable but also found that salaries were WAY lower than Miami. I lived in Buckhead where all the restaurants are. I liked it there. When I got married in 2004 (still in ATL) I moved out to the Burbs. In the Jonesboro/Fayetteville area. I have moved 4 times since then (Augusta, GA, and Virginia to name a few – my husband is in the Army). We are now back in Jonesboro in a great neighborhood. We rent a huge 4 bedroom one story house with 2 full baths and one half bath. We have a big front yard and huge fenced in back yard. It is only $1300/monthly. The only drawback is to pay that little in rent, you have to live far from downtown ATL. We are about 25 miles southeast of downtown. When you start moving closer than that, especially just north of ATL you will pay more. East, south, and west of ATL tends to be cheaper. North of ATL is more expensive but has much more to offer (schools, restaurants, night life, etc.) It is more affluent.
I like moving around a lot. I get to meet new people and see new places all the time. I have had at least 15 addresses since 1997 so it is no big deal to move. I think you will do well because you are outgoing and friendly. It would be a good idea to come here for a visit. Look around the area that you would live in not just the fun part of Atlanta.
I moved here from Miami. The first thing that struck me was the southern accent. I had heard them before but never all around me. It still sounds strange to me but I am getting used to it! The other thing that stunned me was how people always said hi. People are nice and friendly. But, I am still trying to get used to seeing the confederate flag on pickups. I had never seen that before!! The main thing that I notice here is that I see mostly black and white people here. There are more hispanic people moving here too. I know there are many cultures here but that is what I see for the most part. It is not as multi cultural like New York or San Francisco. That was something I had to get used to. It was almost like being back in Indiana. There is a lot to offer culturally (just seek it out) and there is lots of sight seeing to do. We still go to different places.
I do wish that I was near my family to have someone to help out with Rachel but I found a good daycare where I can do drop ins if needed. I also found a babysitter who speaks Spanish and is from Mexico. That is great because Rachel is bilingual (or she would be if she would talk but she understands everything!) I also speak Spanish and English at home.
Lastly, the traffic is pretty bad. Not as bad as NY or California traffic but it is bad. The subway system is not nearly as extensive as NY at all. It would be great to live near the train station so look into that too. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. pillarr1@hotmail.com – You must be so excited!!!
geminigirl64 said
I will def take you up on that offer! I may need a lot of advice!
Nanette said
Great hotel deal! And what an exciting move that would be!
My husband and I talk about moving, and I think I’d ultimately like to get out of California. I’d like to be somewhere we can afford more of a home and better schools.
geminigirl64 said
I love california. Love. Wish I could move there- but it wouldnt do much in ways of paying the bills!
edenland said
GG, I love this post.
I would loooove to move. I *hate* where I live, but Dave’s business is established here. I have said that we need to move before Max starts high school, which means four more years. The thought of packing everything up and starting fresh somewhere, hopefully near the beach, is so exciting. Us adults need exciting adventures every now and then, GG!!
I can totaly picture you in Atlanta. And I don’t even know anything about it. Doesn’t it have a casino?
The hotel looked bloody amazing …. I love middle eastern food too *drools*.
I’m still on post-package high, btw.
Love you, my non-gay hot friend XOXOXOXOOX
geminigirl64 said
There is no lack of casinos anywhere my luv! Actually, I am SO VERY New York, so moving to the south, where everyone is so nice and friendly will require a lot of change. HA!
KJ and the Kids said
Holy fuck girl. What a packed post. I just can’t tell you how up and then ewww and then SERIOUSLY HOLY SHIT it had me.
Everything sounds fabulous. The end.
Well except for those legs.
The end.
geminigirl64 said
Those legs… GD bless her.
heather... said
You look HAWT girl! DAMN!
Well, you know I moved all the way across the country to NYC and I didn’t know a soul, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. But to get all that extra time, and so much les stress? It almost seems like a no-brainer.
I’ll come visit you no matter WHERE you live!
geminigirl64 said
You do know this means that if it happens, the girls wont be here in August! You will have to come visit us!
Jen said
I’ve never commented before so…………Hi
When I saw you mention the show House Hunters, I knew I would have to say something, since I am *addicted* to that show. Love it! Anyway, I wish you luck with your move. It sounds wonderful!
Lisa said
Wow, what an amazing experience that will be. All that extra time for you, for the girls, for your husband, plus way less stress…sounds like a great decision to me.
About 7 years ago my husband and I moved to St. Louis (our families both live in southern Ontario, Canada). It was a big move, a big decision, but we are both glad we made it.
I wish you the best of luck and will keep my fingers crossed that everything works out for you guys.
geminigirl64 said
Thanks Lisa! I need to keep reminding myself that it’s for the greater good. thanks for sharing your experience!
Samantha said
HOT-lanta! Its great there! My 2 BFF’S live there, ( i live in jax, fl.), and I get up there as much as possible. I love it there! There is so much to, compared to Jersey or the NYC… it’s dirt cheap to live there!
About your question…. my husband is in the Army, and he is being stationed in Korea. I am excited and scared. We (My 7 & 10 yo girls, & I)are moving there in June, after school lets out. He arrives in February. It will be the first time away from everyone. ( I lived in Jacksonville since I was 8 yo- Im 33 now). When I picked the date for my last day of work… I had a small panic attack. But If I can sell off all my belongings and move to another country… you can do a move from NY to the ATL.
geminigirl64 said
Thank you for putting that in perspective for me! Moving to Korea sounds so exciting and scary!!! It’s life experience. I think it’s wonderful to absorb other cultures and peoples. Once my husband graduates, we will be moving to Israel- so I will know what its like ot move to another country as well!! You should blog about your moving experience – I am sure people would love to read about it!
Samantha said
I have been kicking around that idea… Im just not sure how to get it all started.. or more so, how to gain readers…
But moving to Atlanta would be a great thing for you! You do have to be careful in Atlanta… if you choose the wrong side of town… you could still have a 2 hour commute! As long as you remeber that people drive crazy there… you’ll do fine! I love Atlanta… It is beautiful.
Wow… Israel! My best advice to that so far is…. Sell everything. With the exceptions of a few things here or there of course. You can get a new sofa, new bed, new lamps, etc. with the money from selling everything you have now, and it’ll be nice to have a little nest egg to live on until you get settled. (That’s what I am planning to do)- Im selling it all!
mama2addie said
Hot diggity dog! Sounds like a great plan! I really hope it all works out for you! I’d love a change of pace and we’ve tossed around the idea of moving back east (to Gerogia, but southwest Georgia) but I just can’t do it. I’m a big baby! LOL Best of luck to you and keep us in the loop.
Oh, and total SCORE on the hotel room! It looks like a fabulous place!
Nonnie said
Wow, this was completely unexpected! I’ve been to ATL about a million times, as I live just less than two hours from there. I’ve always said that if I couldn’t live here for some reason, then I’d probably move to Atlanta. It sounds like it could be a great opportunity. Planning on visiting first?? Moving to a place you’ve never been sounds a little crazy
.
geminigirl64 said
If he gets accepted (which he probably will), we will head down there. Once we asses the situation, then we will make plans. Plus side – we could totally have play dates!
Beth said
I am thrilled for you in the idea of you possibly moving somewhere where the burden on you guys could be so much lighter. And I agree! Why the heck not! We are thinking of possibly shaking things up and moving somewhere new in the next couple of years too. We’re young, our kids aren’t tied up in school and friendships yet, so why not! Adventure! How great that you guys had a night away in that beautiful hotel. You need that! We are planning a weekend trip away in April….just the two of us. I freakin’ can’t wait!
pillarr1 said
I just had to comment again. I think this is a great thing you are doing. There is nothing like freeing up your money to lift the strain. Don’t concern yourself with whether you will like it or not. It will be different and you will miss home. BUT, home is where your family is. As long as you are all together, you are home. One time my husband asked if I would go if he got stationed in Alaska. I said I don’t care if we had to go to North Dakota or somewhere else super cold — as long as we are all together, it doesn’t matter where we are. By the way, my next HOME is Fayetteville, North Carolina ( we are moving in one year).
cindy w said
I’ve done it – a few times, actually. I was born & raised in Mississippi, but I’ve lived in… hmm, let’s see… Washington DC, Memphis TN, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Seattle, and now North Carolina. My mom was big on telling us that “life is all about the journey” and as a result, all 3 of her kids have moved all over the damn place.
I honestly think the move sounds FANTASTIC. The problem, of course, will be that you won’t have a chance for things like date nights when your mom can take care of your girls. But you know, I have a toddler and I’ve never had a grandparent nearby, and we’ve managed. You either find a reliable baby-sitter, or you find a drop-in daycare that’s open late on Friday & Saturday nights. (We have one about a mile from us – they have a “date night special.”)
Also, in Atlanta, you could probably have an apartment twice as big as your NYC place for a fraction of the price.
Good luck! This sounds like it could be a great opportunity for you & your family.
Jennifer said
I was born and raised on Long Island; went to college in NYC and never left. I was always so afraid of moving. And then, once we had kids and settled into this life, I realized, I could move ANYWHERE as long as I was with my family. So when Nicole about job offers in DC or Boston, I am just fine with that. Moving to Atlanta sounds like a great move for your family. And less stress means happier kids, a healthier marriage, and a better state of mind for you. Win Win Win! What an exciting time for you all!
Gail said
I think this sounds awesome. We live in a rather large house right now, which was great for a while, but now that we are having kids, the idea of living in a smaller place to ease the financial burden is soooo appealing. We just listed. It’s no move hundreds of miles away, but everyone is right…as long as you are with family, that is all that matters. Less stress financially will help ease the stress of the move. Plus, the South is kind of awesome. Good luck!!!
Nearlydawn said
I live in ATL – I moved here from Nashville due to a promotion at my job. I moved here single, didn’t know a soul. It was scary for a tiny bit of time, but it wasn’t hard.
Compared to NY I can imagine you DO think houses are cheap here. Like a couple of others have said – the salaries are lower – so there are trade-offs. However, the costs are much lower too. Then again, if you are looking to live in town you are going to pay more for everything, including rent. I’m not sure you’d be happy living OTP (outside the perimeter) though – it is very much the suburbs.
I’d love to meet you guys if you come to ATL for a visit
Nearlydawn said
OOps – it posted before I was done!!!
I’d love to meet you guys if you come to ATL for a visit. I think you have my email, so drop me a line with what your plans are!
I hope it works out for you guys, I really do!