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.
No comments:
Post a Comment