A New State = New EVERYTHING!
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living in Oregon for over three weeks. The good news is that everything is unpacked (or put away at a storage unit!), and our house finally feels like a HOME. 
This is the first time that either Don or I have made such a major move (we’d been in our other home for 18 years!), let alone moving out of state. I really hadn’t allowed myself to think about all the changes to come with such a major move, but now I’m faced with new everything.
A new address, phone numbers, and email address. A new state of Oregon driver’s license. A new high school for Kellie and a new college (and job) for Danielle. A new climate to get used to. A new favorite grocery store and dry cleaners (third dry cleaners was finally the charm!), and a new Kinko’s and UPS Store. I’ve found the nearest Starbucks to the house, along with all our favorite restaurants and fast food joints. Slowly but surely, and with the help of my portable GPS (God, I LOVE that thing!), I’m learning my way around our new city and finding just about everything I need . . . except In ‘n Out Hamburgers, which are the absolute BEST hamburgers ever. Those, I’ve learned, are only available in California, Nevada, and Arizona. 
Now I have to tackle the BIG new things . . . like an assortment of doctors for the family. Luckily, the first vet that I took our dog to turned out to be wonderful, and someone I liked very much. So, the pets are now taken care of. The dentist for the family and the Orthodontist for my 15 year old were recommended by Don’s co-workers, so that helped there. As for a regular doctor, dermatologist and periodontist, well, I’m on my own with those. I have Kaiser Permanente, so I’ll get who they assign to us, then go from there. If I don’t like the doctor, I’ll request another until I’m happy. Still, it’s a process I hadn’t thought about until NOW, when I’m faced with the realization that we need to find new doctors! 
I have to say, I’m embarrassed to admit that the most traumatic “new” change for me is finding a new hair stylist. 
I’ve been with the same girl for almost ten years, and she knows my hair and its quirks — like me growing it out longer and embracing my natural curls. She knows what I do and don’t like. And I’ve come to trust her, too, knowing that no matter what she does, she always gives me a great cut and color. I go in for my appointment and never have to worry about a bad hair cut, or a botched color job, or walking out of the salon with my hair fried. And now I’m faced with the reality of what I must do . . . find another hair stylist that I like and who “gets” my hair. It’s a daunting task for me, even more so than trying to find new doctors! 
So, about two weeks ago I started the process of finding a new person to do my hair. This entailed cruising the mall and checking out the hairstyles of the store employees to see if anyone had a cut/color/style that I liked, so I could get a referral for a stylist. I’ve done this everywhere I’ve gone, but I haven’t seen a hairstyle that has prompted me to ask about the person who cuts/colors their hair. And now I’m getting to the point where I need a trim, and that’s prompted me to kick up this “new stylist” campaign a few notches. So, this past week I’ve been walking into nice salons and talking to the women who work there. I go in and ask about pricing, and that gives me the chance, usually, to discuss MY hair with someone, what I’m looking for, and get a feel for what that stylist would do for ME. (Isn’t that what it’s all about?) It also gave me the opportunity to look around the salon as well as check out what the customer’s hairstyles look like.
What I learned from all this, was that if I’m going to pay the kind of money they’re asking to get my hair cut, weaved, and styled, then I damn well want to feel like I have their attention for the time that I’m getting my hair done. I don’t want to be a quick “in and out” client. My hair has needs, and I want them to be catered to. 
And during this quest, if anyone treated me as if I was taking up too much of their time by asking hair-related questions, or if they looked at me like what I wanted didn’t matter to them, then I tossed their business card as soon as I left the place. Finally, two days ago I walked into a salon and started talking to the owner of the place — a wonderful young woman who made me feel very comfortable and welcome. She asked what I was looking for, and I gave her my “hair history”, along with my concern that I get a stylist who is good with naturally curly hair (this is the request that had other salons getting defensive and stating that “all” of their stylists were good). After hearing what I had to say, and what I wanted, she then REFERRED me to who she believed would be best suited to do my hair — a woman who has naturally curly hair herself, and understands how important a good layered cut is when it comes to all those unruly waves! So, I’ll be going in for a trim soon, and hopefully this will be the beginning of a long and happy stylist/client relationship. 
So, if you had to make a major move to a different state (or if this is something you’ve already done), what “new thing” would you find the most traumatic to adjust to?
Wow Janelle, that is a lot to get used to, having to adjust not to just a new city but a new everything. Important things like a good doctor or hair stylist, well yeah, you want to make sure you don’t end up with someone you don’t feel comfortable with.
I have stick-straight hair and really, it’s not much of a challenge, so I don’t have to worry about finding just the right person. I don’t have the best hair in the world, but it’s fairly low maintenance, which is great. So I think choosing a new doctor would be the toughest.
Good luck with your stylist!
Comment by Stacy ~ — July 24, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Good luck with your move. It is certainly a big adjustment moving to another state.
I have always lived in the same area basically of NY. The biggest trauma for me would be learning the roads. I get lost easily so I would be terrified of that.
Sounds like you are adjusting nicely.
Comment by Pat L. — July 24, 2008 @ 7:05 am
When I moved it was a toss up as to which was the hardest to replace- My GYN or my hairdresser. I found the hairdresser first. I travelled back to Syr for 4 years to go to the Dr. every 6 months. I finally found someone here.
I love my gps system and use it all the time. I think, though, it’s time for a new one. Just saying.
Comment by ev — July 24, 2008 @ 7:07 am
I’ll be keeping the fingers crossed that this new stylist works out for you. Each time I’ve moved to a new city/state the hardest task for me, hands down, has been finding a new hair stylist. Yes, finding a new Gyn is tough too but nowhere near as difficult as finding the right stylist. The last time I moved I had to go through four stylists until I found Stephen. I’ve been with him six years now and he hasn’t disappointed me yet.
Comment by PJ — July 24, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Good luck with your new stylist, Janelle. I hope she is everything you are looking for and more.
When I moved to Colorado back in 1987 the thing I worried about the most was finding a gynecologist then a stylist. The gynecologist was the easier of the two. The first doc was a definite NO. The second was the charm. He’s been my doc now for 20 years.
I went through “4″ stylists before I found my wonderful stylist that I’ve been going to for 10 to 11 years now. She da bomb!!
Keep us posted about your stylist, Janelle.
Can you believe that national is next week!!
Cher
Comment by Cher — July 24, 2008 @ 8:04 am
I still drive 2 hours to my hometown to have my hair cut and colored, so when my stylist retires, I’m in big trouble. She has worked with my hair for over 20 years now. I schedule my visits with my dad around when Margaret can fit me in on her Saturday appointments.
Comment by Liza — July 24, 2008 @ 8:33 am
When I moved down here, I was pregnant, so an OB was in order (given my history of high bp with pregnancies, it was critical!). Good luck, Janelle….I wish I had had a GPS system when I had moved!
Comment by katie — July 24, 2008 @ 9:03 am
Janelle - Moves are traumatic. My biggest issue was finding doctors and daycare! I no longer have the need for daycare, thank goodness. But, I still get traumatized when I have to change doctors (darn insurance, and who said my GYN could quit his private practice and go work for the Mayo Clinic?) I had to get a new GYN. I also see an endocrinologist. My old one dropped my insurance company (He told me to find another one… Not.) I finally located another and when I called back, as instructed, for a blood work order, I find out she left the practice! Now I have to find another one! Two in one year.
Comment by Lynn Matherly — July 24, 2008 @ 9:08 am
Wow. I’ve moved so many times. Oklahoma to Kentucky for college. Oklahoma to Colorado because I wanted to live there (hadn’t switched car tags, got stopped by a CHP officer and ended up not only with the ticket - which “fixed” once I got new license and tags - but also an application to the Highway Patrol), job transferred to Dallas (GAH!), moved back to the hometown, moved to the state capital, got married, moved to Virginia then back to Kentucky (husband’s military duty), and finally back “home” where we’ve moved across town a couple of times and are finally settled in this house for the past 12 years.
I guess my needs (or perhaps my expectations) are fairly simple or I’m too easy going….or just plain lucky when it comes to doctors, vets, and hair stylists. For me, it’s probably finding a grocery store. I’m very picky about meat, fresh veggies, deli, selection and store cleanliness. I envy Julie for easy access to the Publix stores!
I was in deep lust when I was down there visiting friends and got to go grocery shopping with them.
Comment by Silver J. — July 24, 2008 @ 9:10 am
A year later and I haven’t found anyone I like. I’m back in the States next month, so I will finally have my hair ct and colored again. This is a very common problem for expats, and the last trim I ventured here in Berlin really let me know how bad a bad trim could be: lckily it wasn’t a bad serious cut.
Good luck! All the others were not so difficult: pediatrician, vet, gyn, shoe repair- only the hair stylist is missing.
Comment by G — July 24, 2008 @ 9:11 am
I forgot to mention that tonight hubby and I are going to James Taylor! Whoo hoo!
Comment by katie — July 24, 2008 @ 10:05 am
Well, Janelle, as you know…when I moved to Georgia, I never really moved. I scheduled regular trips back to Florida in order to get my hair done, take the dog to the vet, visit the doctor, etc. I so didn’t want to be in Georgia!
That said, I did have to find doctors for emergency situations and even a vet…I don’t remember finding a new stylist, though I’m sure I did and I wasn’t crazy about her, but as she was only the “emergency” stylist, I didn’t care.
Sounds like you really went the distance to find the right person, though. I’d freak a bit if my hair guy retired (and he’s of an age where he could) but I do go to a second salon for all my nail/waxing needs, so I’d probably move their for hair. I’ve been with my anesthetist for five years and I love her hair, so I’d take her recommendation at the salon. Thing is, they’re twice the price of where I go now. That would be an adjustment!
Comment by Julie Leto — July 24, 2008 @ 10:46 am
I’m with you on all the radical changes it takes getting used to Janelle. Before I moved back to Oklahoma, I lived in Alabama, and it was so hard. I went from a town with a couple hair salons, to a whole city that was full of them. I’ve always been terrible with hairstylists; I’ve never found that one to click with. So even though I moved back to my hometown, the ones available still aren’t great, and I still cringe after I get up out of the chair. Sadly I go to the “best” one, and I have to live with it. My hair is very thick and naturally curly, and I’ve been keeping it short though I don’t like short haircuts, because the less I have to go back to the salon, the better.
I wish you the best of luck with your new one, I’m sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for.
Comment by Alicia Tags — July 24, 2008 @ 10:53 am
Janelle,
Hmm… you know, I’m not sure what the biggest challenge for me would be. I haven’t moved out of state yet :X. I might be with you on the hair cut thing - but I discovered a salon about five years ago, and always go there. I donate my hair when I cut it so luckily I don’t go often - but now I drive ~5 hours (roundtrip) for a haircut. Luckily it’s a great city and I have friends there so I do some visiting while I’m at it. Still - my hair is difficult and I want people who I know are good.
Comment by limecello — July 24, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Ugh. Janelle I’ve made several move-to-a-new-state moves in my lifetime, and they are traumatic. Yet still a fun adventure. And like you, I’ve always had long term stylists, and finding a new one is so difficult. I have baby fine hair that has to be cut in just a certain way or it looks like crap.
Hair, doctors and the vet–that seems to be the most important in new finds. Hope they all go well for you!
Comment by Jaci Burton — July 24, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Janelle, you have been quite busy huh…one of the things I hate is changing doctors…getting new one feels too much like starting over again, especially when you had a great rapport with the one you had for years…
I am glad you found a stylist that could work for you…
I have only made two major moves in my life…one for college and the other after college…I hated having to do what you had to do…I was lucky enough to find a home that is not too far from my doctor and my fav places to hang out, and dentist…etc, so I can still go back…
It is good to have you back on the boards…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — July 24, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Okay, and here I thought I was being a diva about the hair stylist thing, LOL. Glad I’m not alone in that!
Julie — I’ve noticed a definite price adjustment from my stylist in California, to here in Oregon. Why I thought it would be CHEAPER, I have no idea, but it’s MORE expensive here! My girl used to weave, cut, and style my hair for $80 bucks. Here, it’s $60+ just for a haircut, and $100 to $200 for a weave, depending on hair length, type, etc. So, now I’m looking at about $160 to get my hair done — double the price of what I used to pay!
Katie — You lucky DOG! I love James Taylor! Have fun!
Comment by Janelle Denison — July 24, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Just your stories of what it has been like moving to a different state has made me extremely grateful that I’ve not had to yet and I don’t plan to. It was hard enough for me to find a doctor I like after I got too old to go to my pediatrician. I went through three different doctors at two different practices before I found one I liked. I’ve been going to him for the last 6 years. Luckily the OB/GYN part was taken care of when my sister got pregnant. The OB she had was wonderful and everyone at the practice is great to both my mom and I switched over to that practice as well.
As for my hair, I’m pretty indifferent to it and I just walk into Fantastic Sam’s and let whoever’s available cut it. I usually just get a trim because all I do is wash it when I shower at night, brush it, sleep on it, and brush it again when I get up. A few of my coworkers have told me they wish their hair was that easy to deal with.
Comment by Karin — July 24, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Janelle…come on up, I KNOW they have tickets available still!!! They keep sending me emails about it….
Comment by katie — July 24, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Wow Janelle, I’ve never really thought about how much I’ve come to depend on my good old “favorites”. Like when I run into the corner deli in the morning, the kid behind the counter starts getting my coffee ready, just the way I like it, so that I can hand him my dollar, give him a quick hello, as I run for the bus….this is priceless and I would miss it terrribly.
And I just started with a new hair girl, I’ve been there 3 times and I love her!!
But like you, was scared to death the first time I sat in her chair and trusted her to “get me”. 
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 24, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Katie, have fun at James Taylor. I’ve seen him several times when he came to Nashville and he always puts on the best show!
Comment by Liza — July 24, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
Oh Janelle, I know it’s got to be frustrating, but isn’t there also just a little bit of excitement in all of this? I mean, I know it was difficult when we did it, but I also just like new places and new things. I enjoyed exploring, just like you’re doing (sans GPS though lol! )
Anyway, glad you are finding the right “people” to help you adjust to your new home!
Comment by Leslie — July 24, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Liza…I know he’s awesome….this is about my 7th or 8th time. I love him…whoo hoo!
Comment by katie — July 24, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
Have fun hearing James Taylor, Katie! Enjoy!
Janelle, that huge move is hard when you have spent most of your life in one area. There is so much to deal with but it all does eventually get worked out. I’m really surprised that the stylist is going to cost you so much more. I hope she works out for you. It has been 40 years since I made that huge move from one state to another–I went from Oregon to California!! At the time it was a good move & l love the area I’m in. My oldest daughter has moved 7 times in the almost 20 years she has been married! She is an expert with all this. Her husband is in Construction Management & it sort of comes with the territory. They have enjoyed seeing each place they have lived but some of them ended up being short term. They have lived in two different places here in California, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Colorado & now they are back in Oregon. I miss Colorado to visit but I am glad she is a bit closer. She wants to try to stay in Eugene where they now live but who knows what may come down the road.
Yesterday I went to someone new to have my haircut, it was so different than the person I had been going to. I wear my hair very short, wash & go, so I will have to see how it goes as the cut itself is the important part for me & I’m picky. It is after all my hair & I want it to look good even though most people would not think it is much of a style!!
You sound well organized and settling in Janelle, just relax & enjoy what comes.
Comment by Donna M — July 24, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Finding a doctor for my son was the worst when I moved here. I just went to the “Doc in a box” type place myself but I really wanted him to have a good pediatrician (he was 5 when we moved) and none of the people I worked with had kids. I ended up going to the largest group in town and loved them so it all worked out.
Glad you’re getting settled in!!!
Comment by Jodie — July 24, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Finding a good, honest auto mechanic. By far.
Bettye Griffin
Comment by Bettye Griffin — July 24, 2008 @ 11:33 pm
On my list of hardest things to adjust to or find…
A good library with friendly employees who make you feel welcomed and don’t make you feel like you’re stealing books when you check out.
Bookstore. No explanation needed.
A great mom and pop type diner. The kind that treats you like family and who don’t try to rush you out the door as soon as you sit down and order. And they must know how to make gravey and biscuits.
Comment by Sheila — July 25, 2008 @ 2:57 am
My two biggest concerns when I moved to a new state were, like you, a terrific hairdresser to make my hair look the best it can and a fantastic dentist who will treat me like the ‘chicken’ I am when it comes to working on my teeth. I also wanted a dentist who I could call at any time if needed and thankfully found one that understands my fears and even accepts my insurance…hurray!
Comment by Shari C — July 25, 2008 @ 8:42 am
Janelle, My sympathy is with you, with finding all new EVERYTHING.
Like you, I also have naturally curly hair & find not many stylists do. As you know, it is important because if you have a cut intended for straight hair, the next morning, your “new” style is back to your old one. Cuts have to go with the natural curl…
I can’t understand the difference in $ for your style. Like you, I would expect it would be cheaper.
For me, a new school for my mentally-retarded daughter would be the hardest to replace. Because of that, I wouldn’t ever move from this area. Even though I haven’t moved, so far, I’ve had 2 family doctors & 1 OB/GYN retire (&, eventually, pass away), & I felt as if I had lost family members. I’ve replaced them with a very competent Internist & GYN, but, don’t feel close to either.
How do the UB stores compare (love those for backlists)? In the greater L.A. area we have a terrible collection of UB stores, with 8 already closed in the San Fernando Valley. Always heard OR & WA were the 2 most reading states in the U.S.
Good luck on the move, & hope Don is liking his new position.
Patricia
Comment by Patricia — July 25, 2008 @ 7:41 pm