The Seattle Freeze

This is not about the weather. It is much warmer here than Logan. Hallelujah. It was in the low 50's today.

the crazy fog outside the classroom

beautiful fall trees down the street!

This is something about "The Seattle Freeze." When we first moved here, we started being overly friendly to everyone we met. Ian and I both knew the only way we were going to make friends is if we stepped out of our comfort zone and pursued them.

While working at Zeek's Pizza for the few weeks I was there, I started to get to know some co-workers pretty well. I knew it wouldn't last, but I appreciated their kindness and ability to hold conversations with me, like they cared. A girl I worked with warned me that even though people seemed friendly right now, things would change. The Seattle Freeze happens. Apparently, it's when you have small talk conversations with people and get to know them, and then the friendship progression freezes. They cut the rope. You still say hi and make small talk, but it never goes beyond the small things.

I was surprised when I first heard this, but thought "Hey, I'm LDS. There's some neat people in our ward who are new and in the same situation. The freeze won't happen to us."

I wish my thoughts were true. The past few weeks I have really been struggling with the Seattle Freeze. I work with a great 3rd grade team who are all really nice and cut through my room a lot, but I don't feel like we're really great friends (compared to the awesome 4th grade team I had last year..and Kerry...miss those ladies!). They make small talk and that's about it. I don't have someone here at work that I can vent to or problem solve with extensively. It makes me a bit sad.

Another thing that proves the Seattle Freeze is true is with the ward. We've been over to dinner, played games, and even invited some couples to our place. I had a great time getting to know them and spend time with them! And now? Nothing. No invites. No reminders or questions asking if we're going to any of the events or activities. No friends to do awesome fall things, like carving pumpkins or a Halloween party. Also, sad. I deeply miss our friends, who are mostly no longer in Logan, but they were great and always there for us. They were always wanting and planning activities along with us. Now, I just make Ian do the things with just me. I know it's not as fun, but at least he puts up with it.

picking pumpkins in Sumner or somewhere like that.

So there it is. Proof of the Seattle Freeze. I'll just stay here, and wait for the Seattle Thaw (this has to be a real thing too, right?)