Hi there, + APPEN on the Peninsula?

[magdabug]

Hello ladies  I wanted to introduce myself.  I'm generally a lurker on these forums, but I'm relocating to the Peninsula (probably San Mateo) this summer, and so I thought I'd say "hi".  My name is Maia, I'm a 34 year-old grad student, and I have an 11 month old boy.  We (plus doggy and daddy) are VERY excited to be moving to a sunnier climate from dark, damp Seattle, although I am a little anxious about the car-culture and all that stuff that I associate with California.  We're going to rent at first, and we're thinking of trying to do that somewhere within walking distance of San Mateo--any thoughts on that?

Also, I was wondering if anyone knows if APPEN--Attachment Parents of the Peninsula--still exists?  I wanted to join, but I wasn't able to due to a Paypal problem on their web page, and then my email to the coordinator was not answered.  Anyone a member or have info?  Is there another group that might be useful for getting to know folks, getting situated, finding a caregiver, etc. in and around San Mateo?

Thanks!

[tallulahma]

hey there! APPEN still exists and is very active.

i STILL Have not become a member, but i have met a bunch of the mamas and it seems great.

we are new to the peninsula.... well, we moved here in august... and i am not too much of a fan. EVERYTHING is a drive and we moved here from the desert so we feel like its always chilly, rainy and overcast. But im sure its nothing compared to where you are!!!

hope you get APPEN figured out soon!

[magdabug]

Tallulahma: Oh boy--chilly and rainy?  And everything's a drive? Darn!  Do you mind if I ask which town you live in?

[Monarchgrrl]

I there! I live in Pacifica but we (DW and 5 mo DD) spend a lot of time in and around San Mateo. I hadn't heard of APPEN until now so I'm going to check it out. Thanks and I hope you enjoy the bay area (yes, there is a lot of driving if you aren't living in SF)!!! :)

[tallulahma]

Originally Posted by magdabug 

Tallulahma: Oh boy--chilly and rainy?  And everything's a drive? Darn!  Do you mind if I ask which town you live in?

I'm in foster city. And to be fair, we are just not used to the weather, it's hard to live anywhere as warm and sunny as Arizona. So you might wantto ignore my weather comments. My apartment manager is always going on and on over how nice the weather is.

[ladymeag]

APPen's coordinator just had a baby - email might be slow.  You can contact me at this username at gmail if you want me to pass info on.  I co-organize Bay Area Attached Families - you can find us on Meetup!  

I'm from Seattle and totally miss it. There's no real public transportation here - car culture is driving me crazy!

[Melaniee]

Hi There! Seattle was my #1 relo choice...but we ended up in the Bay Area (#3 for those wondering).  It's not been as wet and chilly as I had hoped (I think I was imagining San Francisco weather), so I would imagine you may like it! Though we're not as far north as San Mateo. If you can embrace the 'car culture' you could live further south. It's quite different in the South Bay, but not too far. Everything seems relatively close (via car) around here.  Welcome!

[magdabug]

Hi Melaniee, we actually have started looking further south, in San Mateo and even West San Jose.  The school districts are obviously a factor!  Thanks for the welcome :)

[magdabug]

Tallulahma--Oh, well Arizona!!  How is Foster City?  I'm told it has SOME kind of little walkable-ish downtown area...is that true??

Ladymeag--thanks, I did just hear back from APPEN yesteday, and I'll check out your meetup group.  Cool!

[tallulahma]

I have actually grown to really like foster city.

I bought a triple jogger (my husband and i share one car) and we are within a mile or two of over 10 parks, grocery store, post office, library, parks and rec, Starbucks, chipotle, jamba juice, etc.

We are only 2-3 miles from whole foods and trader joes.

Only a couple blocks from the 12 mile Bay Trail.

Driving wise, it only takes us 20 minutes to drive to the beach, 30 minutes to get to San Francisco and 30 minutes to San Jose.


It's a little pricey, but it's also really safe.... We go for walks late in the evening and see other families and couples out walking.


I was going to move to the coast, but after thinking it through, we've decided to stay here, for now.


We also have a fun little playgroup going.

[tallulahma]

Wow, what a difference a month has made in my opinion of the bay area! Lol

The sun has been shining this past month and we have gotten out o the house almost everyday.

But as you can see from my April post- when it's raining- it is near impossible to get anywhere without driving- for MONTHS.....