things

Living in Brooklyn has been quite a change from anywhere I've lived or even visited for that matter. I was thinking last night about the things I miss about other places I've lived.

1. Walmart. I never thought I'd miss the annoyingly long lines, not so good produce, and employees who will just tell you that Walmart doesn't carry the thing you are looking for so they don't have to help you look for it. I mainly miss Walmart so much because it was my go-to store when no where else had what I needed. Basically Walmart has everything...and it's all in one place.

2. A car. And wide streets. We decided not to take our car to New York for several reasons. And even if we did have a car I probably wouldn't be going anywhere I don't go now, mainly because of parking. But, it would be nice to have a car every once in a while to get out of the city.

3. Clean streets. Let me clarify. We live on a street, which is pretty clean. But the avenues that run perpendicular to the streets are DIRTY. The worst is on trash days when all the businesses put out their trash and the wind kicks up. Gross.

4. Having a washer and dryer in the apartment. I've only lived in a few places that had this amenity (besides my childhood home). Going to a laundry mat really makes you appreciate having your own washer and dryer. Even more, it makes you appreciate having a mom who will do your laundry for you!

5. Only living 5 minutes from church. Utah spoiled me. I never had to drive more than 5 minutes or walk more than 10 minutes to get to church the whole 6.5 years I lived in Utah. Now it's a 45 minute subway ride to church. It wouldn't take that long if we drove, but...well see number 2 of this list.

6. Dry air. I grew up in VA where basically you regretted spending any amount of time doing your hair because once you walked outside the humidity made your hair turn into a big frizz ball. In general, when you live in a humid climate, going outside makes you feel like you haven't showered. When I lived in Utah the air was nice and dry. Yes, I had to invest more in lotions and what not, and during the winter my skin itched like crazy, but at least my hair looked good! Well, the humidity here brings me back to my childhood: frizzy hair that is usually in a pony tail and break outs. But at least I'm saving on lotion!

7. Public school systems other than New York's. I've just heard some things. And it's a little nerve-racking and slightly disappointing.

Now, for a more uplifting list of things I like about New York:

1. The trees on our street are really pretty. I think our street looks like a scene in a movie...a movie based in Brooklyn.

2. I've been surprised at how nice people are here. Of course, there are rude people. And people who think Brooklyn is the center of the universe (newsflash: it's not.). But for the most part there is always someone willing to help us carry the stroller down the steps to the subway. Even yesterday a guy in the 99 cent store helped me find dish washing gloves and even let me switch sizes when he happened to find the size I needed as I was walking out of the store.

3. The diversity. Sometimes I like this, and sometimes it is frustrating. It's nice to be around lots of different people from different places. On the subway I hear people speaking Spanish, Russian, French, and Chinese. And sometimes English. The frustrating part comes when I can't understand people. One time I almost had my groceries delivered because I couldn't understand what the bag boy was asking me. I just assumed he was asking paper or plastic, so I said plastic. Then he started to put my groceries in a huge delivery bag. Luckily the cashier told him I didn't want them delivered. Crisis averted.

4. I'm excited for fall. The colors are going to be gorgeous!

5. Going to Times Square...just to eat at Baja Fresh. Hahaha too bad it started storming so our trip was cut short.

6. Being able to see the Statue of Liberty from a nearby park.

7. Living in a brownstone. Ok there are definitely things I DON'T like about living in a brownstone (little creepy crawly visitors that I'd rather not have to deal with, creaky hardwood floors that wake Blake up, "mouse hole" kitchen and bathroom). But, I think our apartment is really pretty. And I hope I will be able to look back on this time and think, "Man, I can't believe we lived THERE!" (In a good way, of course!)

Brooklyn still doesn't feel like home to me, and I'm not sure when or if it ever will. But I'm trying really hard to find the happy times in every day that we are here. Some days are great, others are blah. And still others are not so great (usually the days that involve creepy crawly visitors...yuck.)

Blakey update: We've got a tooth! (and far less sleeping is going on in our home because of it...)