Moving Round 1 is complete. We are now officially unpacked and ready to have lives again! I’m sure there are a lot of funny moving stories, but I’ve forgotten them all. Here’s what I’ve learned in Iowa so far:
- Nothing is more than 4 miles away.
- The nearest grocery store is closed on Sunday. Oops.
- Their tornado systems are much larger than in TN and produce multiple tornadoes.
- If the power is out, people may or may not treat the blank traffic light like a four way stop, much like TN. Watch out.
- People here have Southern hospitality; they just don’t know it!
These freezer meals are sooooo great! - I’m holding out hope for Hyvee (that’s the one grocery store I haven’t tried yet). I’m having trouble finding most of my regular groceries, and I’m going to whine about it.
- Milk and cheese are CHEAP here.
- I have no idea how to do coupons here. Does anyone take Internet-printables?
- Everyone here is lean, fit, and active. We better get on it. Bike trail behind our house and rec center within walking distance = no excuses. Well, until there are snowdrifts. Then I’ll be in my apartment in the fetal position until spring, thank you very much. See you then.
- In related news, the 30 Day Shred still kicks my butt in Iowa (of course). Back on the wagon.
- Baby Girl doesn’t appear to sleep at night here. Oy. Great naps and potty learning, though.
- Everyone recycles here! Yeah!
- It is so funny to see liquor and wine at Wal-mart.
- I’ve already met lots of cloth diapering and baby wearing mamas.
- The local library loans books, DVDs…and cake pans in every cartoon character you can imagine.
- No one has made fun of my accent. To my face.
Lastly, I also had a funny ID verification experience at Best Buy. We’re switching banks and trying not to use the “old” debit card anymore. I had Andrew’s new card (mine hasn’t come yet) and used it at the little swipe-it-yourself machine as a credit card (he doesn’t know the PIN–I know, I rolled my eyes, too). The cashier asked me for my ID (first time that’s happened with it), so I just showed him my license and said it was my husband’s card. I wasn’t sure if that would fly. He checked the last names, and then said, “Show me your wedding ring.” I thought he was joking, but he waited. I showed him my ring and he sent me on my way. Hilarious.
Things are different here, y’all.
Oh my goodness! I’ve lived here my whole life and haven’t had an “ID experience” like that before – hilarious!
Lean, fit and active? You met me, right?
Yay for recycling!!
And yep, you are surrounded by a bunch of cloth-diapering, breast-feeding, Jesus-freak mommas!
So glad to have you here!
Missy
Vanessa…once again, welcome to Iowa! So glad you like it here…for the most part.
Fareway does take the internet printed coupons…but be prepared for weird looks and for the cashier to turn it over and try looking at the back. And, yes, Hy-Vee does have a better selection, but also has higher prices and gross meat!
I did make a comment on your accent the night we helped you move in, but I wasn’t making fun of it. I told Missy that I wished I had a cool accent. I love saying y’all, but always feel SUPER stupid for saying it.
Let us know how we can help you call this home.
Dollie
Vanessa,
Just wanted to check in with you and see how things are going post-move. Thank you again on the book loaners. I still have the Baby Whisperer and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Would you e-mail me and let me know your mailing address so I can send them back to you? Peace and love,
I love your blog…you crack me up.
Jodi
So…everywhere takes internet coupons. And Hy-vee has some of the best deals although lately they haven’t been the gretaest. I am a fellow coupon cutter and was excited to hear from your husband (before you came) that you were too! You can get stuff free–i think you just have to work a little harder at it since you can’t double. Kmart had a one day double deal which was awesome! I aim for 50% off the entire receipt and it’s almost do-able…more like 40% though. I’ll have to let you know when I find free stuff and same to you! but I highly recommend Fareway, Hy-vee, and target. We have a super target up here-which is surprisingly got great deals compared to walmart. We also have a membership to sams club which saves more than 50% on cheese (it’s even cheaper than you think! 5 lbs is $8) so if you ever need anything–let us know!! We love to buy for others there. ok..i could go on and on but I’ll stop now
love-a