Waxing Optimistic

Lately, when I've been telling people about our upcoming move to Texas, the first thing they ask is, "And how do you feel about that?" Perhaps honesty is not really the best policy, but I'm also not the best liar, so I tend to stick with what works for me--the truth. I try to keep my explanation brief, but I'll usually give an answer that includes how disappointing I've found the town, how other people I've met who have lived there also hated it, and how I'm concerned about opportunities for socializing and employment.
However, lately I've been ending my diatribe with a casual upbeat comment along the lines of "but we're going to make it work!" or "it's going to be good because we're going to make it good!" I didn't know how much I actually believed it, but I figured the power of positive thinking couldn't hurt, and perhaps would put me into a helpful state of mind in time for the move.
Some days ago, a friend suggested I look online to see if there are any "MeetUp" groups in the Killeen area that I might take advantage of in order to meet new people. I don't know a lot about these groups, but have heard that they are all the rave in some of the bigger cities, so I took the plunge this weekend to see what good ole Killeen might have to offer.
And my how I was surprised by how much there is to offer there, at least in terms of MeetUps! The first group I saw listed was one for Natural Childbirth/HomeBirth supporters. This means a lot to me since my next go-round with pregnancy will involve trying for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesaerean-section). I had thought I would have to come all the way back to Michigan for the last few months of my pregnancy so that I could labor and deliver at the birth center here. It's nice to know that if I get pregnant in Texas there are some options for me.
There is also a very active MeetUp group for Knitters and Crocheters, so I won't lose my weekly knitting group after all. And I found a MeetUp group for Aetheists and FreeThinkers, as well as one for Mothers and Families. My heart is leaping with hope and enthusiasm to know that perhaps life won't be as dull as it had seemed when I was out there.
This is not to say, however, that I won't miss my current friends terribly once the time comes for us to move. But I am so, so, so glad to know that I can take with me the many lessons and values I've learned from my friends here, and will be able to continue nurturing them in my new town. *Gentle sigh of relief*