Refreshing

This has been the most used word in my vocabulary within the last 2 months. I moved back to Utah almost 2 months ago and Utah is simply refreshing and here's why:

1. The mountains and wide open spaces. There's room to breath.

2. Easy East/West/North/South coordinates. I can find places without GPSing them!

3. Plenty of parking spaces and no tolls or ridiculous fees when you live in a certain county…ahem, Arlington.

4. Lots of options for eating out with no hassle parking. I really love the parking bit, can you tell?

5. Friendly people who have a cute twang in their Utah accent.

6. Neighborhood walks "where everybody knows your name."

7. An organized school district/school that is on top of their game. Whoever knew that someone making my copies at work could be such a de-stresser to my already hectic profession of teaching?

8. Being close to family. Being able to be in the know about my nieces and nephews and their daily life. Seeing my mom on a daily basis and my siblings on a weekly basis…at least!

9. Life in the slow lane. I'm able to breathe a bit and not feel so rushed about life or pressured about my life plans and goals.

10. Social life. Whoa. I don't miss the lake trips or the group activities to the Nats games. I have been able to spend some time with friends and catch up when I want to, but my social life has taken a back seat with group activities and a front seat with dating boys…ok, boy. Now, that's been refreshing!

I definitely miss DC a lot. But I have to admit that Utah has provided some amazing miracles and experiences so far. I am meant to be here. It's so…refreshing!