Hello SD-I'm moving to Rapid City in a week, from Ohio!

[liberalhistorian]

It's been 32 years since I've lived in SD (I lived in Aberdeen for five years as a child since my stepdad taught at Northern State University, he was laid off when I was eight years old and we had to return to Ohio), but I feel like I'm coming home.

I traveled to Rapid City last week for an interview with a statewide legal services agency that works with native americans on reservations. I really didn't think I'd get the job, I thought they'd hire a local candidate. But I've always loved the Black Hills (we've vacationed there every year for 35 years now) and it's always been a dream of mine to live out there, so I applied for the job and decided to spend money I didn't have to travel to the interview. I returned home to Cleveland Monday night and found an email already offering me the job!

It was confirmed today, and they want me to start training on June 1. This means I'll have to leave home by next Saturday. The training will actually be in Mission, SD, even though the job itself is based in their Rapid City office. I will stay in a motel for a few months until I can find a place and get furniture, etc., etc. My son will stay behind with my parents for several months, possibly through this next school year.

I'm scared shitless since I've never done anything like this before, or left home, family and friends and everything familiar to me before to go such a distance, but I'm also very excited to be fulfilling a dream. Any advice and/or help from DUers in the area would sure be appreciated!

[madrchsod]

1. well things are looking good !

you have had some tough times in the last few years and now it looks good times ahead. i`m happy for you and your son..keep us all informed on your new life on the grand prairie....

[sandnsea]

2. woot woot woot

Oh that is AWESOME!! I am so happy for you, I know how long you've tried to get a job and living situation that would be good for you and your son. I hope you like it, and don't forget the long underwear!

[madrchsod]

3. long underwear and a goose down coat!

isn`t nice to see someone who has tried so hard finally get a break?

[sarahlee]

6. Actually...

The last few winters have been so mild haven't needed the long underware much - didn't even get it out this past winter!

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

4. Welcome back...

... I am just outside of Sioux Falls. Wish I knew more about the Mission area and Rapid City to be of more help. Congratulations!

[sarahlee]

5. I read your other note first

I go to Mission for food and gas - so will come by to say hi sometime. I'm about 30 miles west of there.

Finding a place to live in Mission may be hard. A friend of ours worked there one summer years ago while finishing law school and he just camped out in our back yard all summer long.

It is an interesting place.