Monterey roll call! (because I got an interview there! Yay!)

Hi guys! Well, as some of you know, I've been looking for a new job in the Monterey area.  Well, I'm going to an interview on Friday!  Yay!  I'm trying not to get too excited, because I read somewhere that you generally have to go to 17 interviews before you get a job offer!  That is crazy!  And although the job sounds really cool, I would need them to hire me in at the higher end of the salary range to make it financially feasible, since the cost of living is higher there than Modesto.  And we all know how willing employers are to do that!  LOL!  But I have a few other leads, as well.  But I'm really going to need at least ONE friend in the area when I move!   Are there any Central Coasters out there? 

Just curious...How are you handling the cold??  I would love to move over there.  Years ago my wife and kids rented for a month in Pacific Grove just to see if we liked the area.  Now I am looking at Phoenix just to keep warm.  Just wondering.  Brian

Hi Brian!   Well, I may change my tune, but right now I am looking very forward to possibly living in a cooler climate this summer!  The central valley gets SO hot!  So I guess I'll handle the cold by bundling up, getting some sugar free hot cocoa, and reminding myself what a luxury it is not to have to run the air conditioner all summer!  LOL! So it sounds like you decided not to live in Pacific Grove after renting, is that right?  Was it mainly because of the cold, or other factors as well?  I'd love to know; It's going to be such a big step to give up my job and move, but it's always been my dream to live there.  I'd hate to get there and realize that I hate it!

Oh!!! Don't be scared away---- It is sooo  beautiful here--- I have lived here on the Monterey Peninsula  ( various parts) for over 40 years! Cannot imagine living anywhere else. YES, the cost of living is high vs. pay----- but when I get to be outside and look at the views---oh man!  FOr me to get off work--- grab my dog and head to the Park--- all within 15 minutes---- is worth the price---and the $$ juggling!!  Carmel and Pacific Grove can be foggy seasonaly----but you can drive 15 minutes to Carmel Valley and enjoy the sun; and "old Monterey " is a sunbelt too----- So--- as you look for a rental---check out all the areas of the Peninsula.     I am new on the boards-----and going thru the steps towards my surgery--- I discovered OH at the CHOMP support group----which meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month. So--there is a good start to meeting new people! Best of luck on the job hunt and the move! 

Hi AuntieLKC! It makes me so happy to hear that you love it!  I've always wanted to move there, but until last year it was important for me to stay in Modesto to help take care of my dad.   I will definitely be attending CHOMP, that's for sure!  And yes, I've been checking out all the apartment complexes, all over Monterey.  I'm glad to hear you have dogs; I've read that Monterey is rather pet-unfriendly.  That is so surprising considering that Carmel is the most dog friendly place I've ever been to!  Well, my two dogs are my babies, and they will definitely be coming with me!  When you talk about going to the park, are you talking about Dennis the Menace park?  I love it there, it would be cool to live nearby, although I know that's kind of the heart of the touristy part of town.  I'm sure there are cool parks all over town! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement!  Maybe I will see you at CHOMP sooner than later!  And good luck on your surgery!  I'm sure you will be on the post-op side before you know it! 

WHere you there at the support group on THursday? I usually go every month too. I missed the last one.

Hi Jaime----  Yes, I was there last thursday----we talked about hydration getting enough water. I have only  gone now to 2 support group meetings--- My name is Lori---- I use Auntie LKC---because being an aunt is one of my fav things that I am ( I don't have kids of my own) and LKC are my initials....so--- it was interesting---confusing---some people said they have a hard time with water ( and now have to flavor it to stand it at all) some people said no problem--some people said cold---some people said room temp--YIKES!!!! I hadn't even thought about worrying abou****er!! Well--- I have my first appt. with Dr. VIerra next week----- and dealing with insurance changes/self-pay--- all those first steps! (Although I have wanted this for many years!) ALso---thank you for being on my "friends list"   I don't even know how to do that on the message boards yet---I appreciate the support! I'll take all advice! happily!

Hi, Lori I'm one of Dr. V's post-ops, too.  I had to leave the central coast last year and I miss it terribly.   Dr. V is one of the greatest, and I think we are lucky to have him at the table with us. Those support groups are really the greatest too. Good luck!

The reason why we went over was because I had asthma.  I thought Monterey might relieve the symptoms.  It didn't.  A couple of years later I had a heart attack.  I then had a double heart bypass.  What I thought was asthma (because I couldn't breath) was actually clogged arteries.  After the bypass I could breath normally.  Then when I had the RNY the breathing got better and better!!  We had the best time in Pacific Grove.  We brought over our bikes, the kids were about in 4 and 6th grade.  Had them do swimming lessons at a local indoor pool.  Rented a sail boat for a couple of hours with a skipper.  For the four of us it cost under $100. total.  Concerning the heat...Many people are freezing after RNY.  8 months after RNY I was working as a security guard in Modesto outside during the summer.  It was 102 in the shade.  I truly was cold!!  I kid you not!!  Some don't get cold after RNY, but many do.  We didn't have job prospects, but both my wife and I have BA's.  I would have needed to sell my farm (almonds).  Also my father in law would have taken us out of his will if we would have taken away his only grandchildren!!  One other thing.  Montery is very touristy (a lot of Central Valley people who don't know where they're driving).  The traffic gets very bad in the summer (like Briggsmore and 99 at 5pm).  The fog rolls in every evening which is both good and bad.  Just my thoughts.  Brian

We all need to move down to the Palm Springs area with Janine. Heat, oh yes, glorious heat, although it gets to be about 110 plus here at times during the summer. I keep my air conditioner set at 84 just for the comfort on the dog. Otherwise just a fan to circulate the air would be fine for me.