Ode to Utah

It's been four and a half years now since I packed up my little chevy aveo (Yes, I've totaled that car, and another since then) and drove... kicking and screaming (or at least crying) every last mile from Washington to Utah.

Four and a half years....

At one point I said I never wanted to move to Utah. Then I said, "If I ever move to Utah, I will not marry someone I meet in Utah, because then everyone will say, "You just moved to Utah to get married."'

So... I did, I did, and they did.

But life is good, so I'm not complaining. Sometimes when I round that bend around Farmington, and I can start to see the lights of the Bountiful temple and know I'm almost "home", I remember how I felt that night when I drove in, in tears, knowing that I was here to stay, and so alone. Yet, as much as I didn't want to admit it at the time, I knew deep down there must be a lot of good waiting for me in this city. My mom once said about another difficult move I once made: "Just think of all the people here who you have yet to meet and love." I have tried to remember that every time I was frightened of going somewhere new. Of course, every time she has been right.

Now we are putting in med school applications all around the country. Come next summer, there is a 1 in 27 chance we will stay (I am not smart enough to figure out that percentage in my head. Anyone that wants to do it for me, be my guest). If we don't stay, we will live in Washington, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Louisiana, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Virginia, or North Carolina.

And so, in honor of the state and city I have now devoted 4 1/2 years of my life to, here is a list of the top ten greatest things about Utah, that I will miss next year, (in no apparent order):

1. The Mountains:

I'll miss the hiking, the views, the fresh air, the summer bbqs, the places that have been my places to be alone and think over the years... the beautiful mountains of Utah!

#2- The City Library

One of my favorite places in this city. When I first moved here I used to love to go buy an Italian Soda, climb to the top floor and spend the afternoon studying for my boards. Now I love to take my baby there and attend story time, check out books for babies books on how to raise babies, classics for me to read and keep my mind sharp, and old movies. I still buy Italian Sodas of course. I love how light this building is. It's always been great for lifting my spirits.

#3- The Salt Lake City Temple

The place we were married... one of the most beautiful places on earth! I will miss being able to go there on a regular basis. I will also miss this:

 The lights on temple square at Christmas time. Despite how COLD it is (see Caleb's face) it really is beautiful, and a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season.

#4- Siblings:

I have loved being so close to my sister Robin at BYU, and all of the fun activities we have done together! I will miss her next year if we leave Utah! We will also miss having Josh and Amy so close!!!

I should also mention all of our extended family that have taken such good care of us, including my grandparents, and several of our aunts, uncles and cousins. Family dinners have definitely been one of my favorite parts of living in Utah!

#5- LDS Hospital

The place where I learned to be a nurse, became a charge nurse, led my own committee, experienced my first encounters with death, laughed, cried, fell asleep standing up, and overcame fear in a way I never have in my life. The only place I spent almost as many nights as I did in my bed. All the doctors and nurses that I have come to love and respect, and shared so much with.... I will miss this place.

#6- Nurses day out:

Three of my favorite RNs, who constantly teach me how to be a better nurse, and make me laugh hysterically for hours on end every time we get together. I will miss our breakfast/lunch dates out that I have come to look forward to so much!

#7- Liberty Park

Another one of my favorite places in SLC. My favorite place for picnics in the summertime, my favorite trails for running or going for walks with the stroller. I love this place!

#8- Hale Center Theater

Where else on earth can you see Broadway quality for only 26 bucks a ticket? We have seen SO many good shows at this place. I will miss this for sure!

#9- My canning/running/mothering/reading/greys anatomy watching/bread making/decorating/cooking/budgeting/deal finding/farmers marketing/fellow nurse/traveling/shopping/event planning/restaurant hopping/crafting buddy/adviser Bree Ballard:

Last week we stayed up till 11 pm making applesauce, bread, and a complete disaster of her kitchen. Together we peeled apples by hand for 8 hours straight. This week we are taking our babies to story time, exploring the library, canning apples and making apple pie filling, attending a show for women about Christmas gifts, and running a 5K. DEFINITELY don't know what I'll do without her!

#10- Cafe Rio

My life will never be the same. One can only hope and pray for franchises.

Now, before you start saying your goodbyes and reach for a box of kleenex... we aren't going anywhere yet! In fact, we just got our secondary request from the University of Utah yesterday! (That makes 17 secondary requests out of 27 so far, wooohoo!!!)

But since the likelihood of us leaving before the year is up is still quite high, let me say before I go that I'm glad I came. I've gotten a lot of good things out of Utah in the last four and a half years.

And the best of those things..... I'll be taking with me. :)