Starting Over in Sunny Cali

So you ask - what is MissSunnyGrits?  Everyone knows about G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised In the South).  I was born and raised in Florida.  Graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School.  At the time there were less true Floridians than "transplants"!  I do qualify because Florida really is in the South!  But, my father was born and raised in Southwest Georgia.  Since he was raising me and my sister we spent many years driving up the state to see Grandma Lunsford and visiting other aunts and uncles.  My relatives talk with so smoothing southern drawl and I easily slip in to it when I'm on the phone or visiting.

So...I was born in the Sunshine State and during late July, hence I'm a Leo, the Sun sign!  And I love grits, lol.  Especially with catfish.

Starting over in Sunny Cali?  After 2 marriages, the last one lasting 20 years, I realized how unhappy I was.  I wanted so much more in life - simple pleasures - smiles, laughs, sharing - and made a huge decision and packed up.  It was very scary in the beginning and there are still days that I think I make the worry lines on my face.  There are so many things I'd like to tell women that were in my situation but let me say, "Open your eyes.  Communicate.  Know what you have.  Know what is in the bank.  Know what your debts are and your assets."  For once, think of yourself (I know we are always last to think of our needs and desires).  We take care of our husband, our children, our homes - but do we take care of ourselves?

I consider myself an intelligent woman.  I've worked since I was 15.  That doesn't include the babysitting since I was about 10.  I climbed the corporate ladder.  I built my own house as a single woman, supported myself.  Then fell in love.  What happens?  The blinders go on?  Bottom line, in the divorce we compromised and I walked away with a New Beginning.  Debt free Asset free.  Yup, had nothing.  No income (we had recently both retired), no job, no money in the bank, no car, no place to live.

I knew that at this stage in my life, I wanted to live closer to one of my two sisters.  One was in Macon, Georgia; the other in La Mirada, California.  I chose Sunny Cali.  It's been a struggle.  I rented a room in a family's home, moved to a garage-turned bedroom with a bathroom, then to a single studio and now buying my 3 bedroom home!

I've had 5 jobs in 5 years, laid off of 3 of them within the first 6 months.  My last job lasted almost 3 years then the layoff came.  I moved 5 times in 5 years, it's been a struggle!  But, am I happy!  Yes, I love Long Beach, Cali!

In my new blog, I will be posting recipes, home improvement ideas, my favorites, and promoting my new business, It Works! Global.  I will also tell My Story as we go along and ways I've found to save money, improve my home, and stories of growing up in the south!  Stay with me...