Friday, April 20, 2012

Top 10

Sunny? Safe? Fun? What do you want out of where you raise your little ones? Do you want it to be in the city you have always wanted to live in?  The one where the highest paying job is? Or perhaps the one that is closest to your family and friends?  So many factors play into making that huge life decision. And that's where we're at these days...where to live.  The ever-so-confusing question. Do you live for you, for your kids, for your family...oh, the decisions. 
We've tried out quite a handful of cities over the past ten years, which has been helpful, but yet at the same time, we have loved each of them for different reasons which makes our choice even that more difficult.  But what I can say after living all over the country, is that I do know what I want out of 'my' city. I will admit, my list of wants and needs has changed since having the girls, but I think only for the better.  Here are my top ten 'musts' for the place I call home...

1. Good shopping.  Whether it be fantastic malls, shops, boutiques, or even outlets, every girl needs them.  And with little ones, you know it's our savior during those long, cold winter months.
2. Good Eats.  As we all know, I love to eat. I'm not picky and like new things.  I want Chinese, Mexican, Sushi, Italian, French, and lots of good burger joints.
3.  Libraries. I never realized the importance of good library systems until I had kids. We visit them weekly. From story time, to playtime, to meeting new life-long friends.  Call me a dork, but I love our library.
4.  Swings, Slides, & Monkey Bars. When we lived in Phoenix, we lived on a golf course/park and walked it everyday.  Moving to Erie didn't allow as much park time due to the endless amounts of snow, but now that we are back in warmer climates, we live at our neighborhood parks.  So much so that we have them on a rotation.
5. Sunshine. The sun and I are very good friends.  The more the better. The snow is fun, but I would rather visit it than live in it. Warm, sunny days seem to make people happier, more energetic and positive-all pluses!
6. Lions, Tigers, & Bears.  Luckily I grew up living in a city with a great zoo...as did TOH. We have great memories and have started those with the girls as well.  It's a fabulous summer spot and if you're lucky enough to live somewhere with that great weather, you'll get to enjoy it year round-bonus!
7. Museums. And for the opposite of those wonderful spring and summer days, having good museums is such a plus during those dark, dreary ones.  Whether it's children's museums or historic, they are full of so much knowledge and are great entertainment all at the same time.
8. Sports. Whether it's major league or the minors, having sports teams to cheer on is so much fun for the whole family.  It could be a family event or a super-fun date night, an expensive night out, or a cheap date if you go on buck night...lots of options!
9. Entertainment. The ballet, the symphony, the circus, Disney on Ice, Curious George, Imagination Movers...the girls have been so fortunate to have had the opportunities to see so many different shows while we've lived here. Memories they will have for years to come.
10. Eat More Chicken...I've saved my most favorite for last...Chick-Fil-A.  It doesn't matter what city we live in, I will make sure that it has one of these bad boys.  I love everything about this business. Good food, respectful beliefs, and one heck of a fun playground!

Luckily, the city we currently call home checks off all of these.  I guess that's why it was voted #9 on the most recent 'Top Cities to Raise A Family'...which I promise you I did not reference at all when writing this post, so if my list copies any of their qualifications, it is purely accidental!  As I was brainstorming this post in my head this week, I laughed out loud when I heard the radio announcer say that fact about our city-talk about crazy! 
So whether you are looking for fun, sun, or that number one job...these things may make life a little easier, but the most important item you need to have is your own happiness. Because without that, you won't be able to enjoy the rest.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Curveball

You get thrown one when you least expect it...and these past few weeks have thrown us a handful...hence the lack of blogging.  Rather than diving into all the details, I'm going to remind myself (and you wonderful faithful readers!) what I have walked away with after all of this.

Little ones are the best gift anyone can be given.  No matter how trying some days may be, there is no greater gift in the world. 


Be thankful.  Not just on Thanksgiving, but everyday.  And even as crappy as a day may seem, you can always find at least one thing to be thankful for. 

Hug more. And often. And hard.

Don't doubt yourself.  You will do what's right and you will make things that may not be right at the time better. Stay positive.

Moms rock.  Having an awesome mom rocks and being a mom rocks a heck of a lot too.  I have what I consider to be the best one.  She is beyond fantastic and I strive everyday to be more like her.  I would love for my girls to look up to me like I do to mine.  (and just so we're clear Mom, no more of that funny business...xoxoxo)  

Keep laughing.  Have fun.  It is seriously the only thing that keeps you from going nuts.  Just like the hugs, do it, and do it a lot.

Not to get all 'churchy'...but just have to add this in because I truly believe they played a huge part in a lot of what has gone down as of late.  Prayers work. And if you don't necessarily pray, then send thoughts or whatever may work for you...but nevertheless, they do good.  For everyone involved. 

And I know I've said this numerous times before, but they play such an important role in my life, and I am beginning to see my girls forming their own and really appreciating them...friends. They are a key part of life.  Without them, days would be long, struggles would be harder, and life would just not be as fun.  Keep those friends close...I know it's hard, life gets busy, and people make excuses, but try harder.  Because when something happens and you need them, you are going to be so grateful that you do.  It's truly amazing how the love and support of a friend can help make bad days even a little bit better.   Thank you, friends...I know I could not have gone through all of this without you and I hope to be the same type of friend to those of you who are dealing with your own hard times and situations as well. 
To leave it in Bug's own words...'I love my friends!'  Well said, sister.  And I fully agree, because like her mama, she's got some great ones.