Well I am down to my last week here. I am in some serious denial, which makes packing hard, there is just a part of me that holds back. I am making progress though, and by Monday I should be cleaning and shutting down most of the rooms so I only have a few to do next week when the real chaos hits. I have been wanting to do a post about our little town in Arizona is like for awhile, but it is going to take more time than I had hoped, so I think for now I will just touch on a few things I will miss.
1. The ward. I have been working with the cub scouts, and in the primary presidency. I love the people I serve with and "for".
I leave presidency meetings feeling rejuvenated. I had no idea what I was walking into when I said "sure" to working with 8 and 9 year old boys, or taking on the primary. Both were new territory. Its what I love about callings, you go in just thinking you will give it a try and people usually appreciate that.. because they have no choice really. So I have learned the cub scout motto, about patches, belt loops, achievements, beads, pack night, pinewood derby, sharing time, conducting, etc. etc. How I will miss it. I was skeptical of the ward in the beginning, as people did not seem too friendly to the new family (us), what I did not know then was that we were part of a constant flow of new families, so it was hard to get a welcome, because everyone else was new too. Through play-groups, callings, kids, visiting teaching I have felt welcomed and love these people.
2. A new community, away from the town. I get sick when I am in the city. I feel so small and insignificant. Being out here (about 45 miles from phoenix) was an automatic comfort to me. People are trying to build a community, and it is fun to be a part of growing recreation programs, libraries, and expansion. I appreciate the sense of ownership it creates in those who care... though I admit that that is not everyone.
3. Recycling. I have never lived in a community with a local recycling center (at least one that I knew of). The one here was started as a non-profit by a lady. It is only open on Sat. (though you can arrange for a can pick up), so I head down there on Saturdays and with a volunteer sort out my recyclables. I am amazed at how much I can recycle.
4. Being out on our own. I do love family, there is no doubt. But there is something about being out on your own and having to rely on your own immediate family, start your own traditions. I didn't have much time to do well at it, but I have tasted enough of it, to work for it now.
5. Ikea. I know Utah is getting one, but it just won't be the same. This was always on our list of to sees when we had company... I don't know its just so big and cool, and the cheap good food is such a bonus.
6. Being in a place you don't know. The sense of adventure it creates that you need to discover a whole new state. Where do you hike, take your kids, do on a saturday, are there unique places to eat?? Again I didn't do so great, but do think that I will do better at appreciating adventure because our time here was so short.
7. Being a distance cougar fan. The Y on the back windshield of my car is like a secret symbol beckoning other fan to nod in appreciation. Traveling (2 games) to see the team is a different feel that just walking up to the home stadium.
8. Intel. I know Clint had to deal with not liking this every day, but from my end working for the big company was nice. Nice benefits, bonuses, and hours. What more can a wife ask... oh yeah, for her husband to like it.
9. The warmth.. the several months of the perfect about of warm make up for the couple of hot. I don't feel the same about the one (maybe) month of perfect warm and several months of drawn out cold in Utah.
I think that is enough for now. Giving Utah credit, I am excited to be by family, be by the mountains, enjoy some of the food (Cafe Rio, and Fresh food Junkies come to mind), Clint being happy with his job, and the chance to de-junk while I pack (again). Here we come... if I can make it through this week. Stay tuned.
