Relocating to Leigh

Hello everyone! 

I'm currently in the Raleigh, NC area preparing to move to Leigh.

My husband was relocated there last July.  It was supposed to be a short-term move, but turns out that we will probably be there longer.  We have two kids, ages 5 and 16 months. 

Me and the kids (ages 5 and 16 months) visited the area for a while, and I found it to be a hard adjustment.  So I am very happy to have found your website!

Anyone near Leigh?

Lisa

Not near Leigh (I don't think?)  but wanted to say welcome. 

It's hard to adjust, just give it a little time!

Welcome!  I'm a NC girl too (Jacksonville and Asheville)...GrettaNC is making the move from Raleigh in a few weeks as well! 

Hi Lisa--

Looked up Leigh and I see it is  between Manchester and Liverpool.  I am nowhere  near you. I am  in Erdington.. near Birmingham..  It is  a hard adjustment.. at least it is for  me.  I have only been here  about 7 months  though...people say to be patient  ..maybe in 2 years  it will feel better.. hhm.. This site is a God send  though.. just be open to stuff and  realize  it's not going to  be like  'home'..  when you stop comparing... it gets easier..

Welcome to UKY!! 

Welcome to UKY!! 

Wise words azroomie... it is harder for some than others and the absolute best thing you can do is to not constantly compare things.  Moving across the state is hard let alone a new country.  If you try to take things with a grain of salt and look at everything as a new adventure you will be well on your way to surviving.  More than physical possessions you will need a healthy does of humor to deal with all interesting things that happen.  Also do not make the mistake of locking yourself away in your house or living in fear.  Get out, learn to drive/learn the public transport, live the culture and the places around you.  For most trailing spouses  this is a short term move.  Do not use it as an excuse to be miserable ie don't say well I won't learn new things or learn to like anything because I am moving back home soon.  Learn and try to adapt and absorb everything thing BECAUSE you only have a short while here.  Your kids will think it's cool they got to live in another country when they get older.  Also remember that their attitudes and ideals will come from you.  So if you act bitter and always say how you hate it they will learn to hate it. Show the local kids about Halloween by inviting them over for a party.  Let them teach you about Guy Fawkes.  Read this site as there are tons of people who have done it and been there.  Sorry I did not mean to go on and on, but what I want you to do if you have to move is set yourself up to succeed and get the most of living here and not set yourself up to fail.  Negativity, fear  and hate are like a cancer slowly spreading and eating up one cell at a time until they consume you. You cannot hope to live a productive life and have a chance of happiness if you let yourself get enveloped by the negative.

Okay I will shut up now....   

Welcome!  I hope your move goes smoothly.  We've been in Durham for 7 months now, and at times it has been quite a challenging adjustment.  Like you, we have two small children (ages 3 and 18 months).  One thing that really helped us was getting the kids set up at nursery school right away.  It gave them structure and helped them start making friends, while giving us the time and space to sort through all of the details that come with changing countries.

However, you should be optimistic!  You are about to embark on a great adventure!  We have found the British in Durham to be incredibly welcoming and friendly--much more so than our neighbors and work colleagues in California.  Best of luck to you!

Welcome to the board!   

Hi,

I'm 5 miles from Leigh, if it's the Leigh in Lancashire you are talking about. Let me know I'd love to chat sometime.

Good Luck,
Joanne