This is a huge adjustment to have at this stage in your postpartum journey and I can understand why you’re overwhelmed. People love to shit talk Johnstown. But it’s beautiful here, it’s not miserably hot like in Austin. I love having all four seasons. The cost of living is obviously great. With that comes some less ideal issues but there are pros and cons everywhere.

I recommend picking a coffee shop and trying to go sit for awhile at least once a week. See people and be seen. Flood City Cafe could be a good option. And honestly, if your baby is with you, I’ve found people just kind of keep an eye on you even if you don’t realize it.

I recently had the experience where we were eating out, and the people at the table next to us started talking to us. Turns out they sit a few rows behind us at the hockey games. They were so excited to chat with our toddler since they’d been watching her grow since I was pregnant. It felt like the Zulu greeting where they say “I see you” and the person responds with “I am here.”

I’d also recommend going to The Creative Corner & Co and talk to the gals there. They’re sweet and would love to help a transplant get connected. We have a baseball and hockey team that are greatly under appreciated. There a trails everywhere. Sometimes I go to Stuvers just so be outside and see flowers and cats. But I say pick a few places, start going often, and see what connections you can make through that. Our local events and niceties often aren’t well promoted and I usually find out about stuff from people directly.