Sunday, February 21, 2010

Last Minute Thoughts of My Fair Town

Today was my last day of church here in Wenatchee. As such I was able to good-bye to some while others said good-bye to me. I realize that sounds like semantics, but I'm learning that the two are not always the same.

Anyway, as I think about my 21 months in the fair city of Wenatchka I am most thankful for and will miss the following the most:

1. Beautiful weather - it has been sunny and 50 for the last week. We've had some dreary weather as of late, but most often it is gorgeous. I'm thankful that in the last two weeks I'm able to enjoy the Wenatchee weather I have come to love.

2. I love the people who inhabit smaller towns. Not that big town people are inferior, but I love the people who inhabit smaller towns. They are down to earth, happy to help, and welcoming of all new people. From the people at church to my little high school friends, to the random assortment of people I've met around town. Small town people, as a general rule, are just good folks.

3. I love Wenatchee non-traffic. I love that at 5:30 it takes me 8 minutes to get across the bridge instead of 4. I've noticed that I get stressed out now when I drive on freeways in big cities. All thanks to the lack of traffic here in my town. Also thanks to the lack of driving I do these days. I'm still able to walk just about anywhere I go.

4. I love always finding a good parking space and never having to wait for a table when I dine out. I always feel like a VIP - it's fantastic!

5. I have love love loved the opportunities of service I have found with my cute high school kids and my most precious church kids. They mean the world to me and I will most likely miss them the most. Just them alone make my time in the Wenatch completely worthwhile.

Thanks Wenatchee for being such a hotbed of life lessons, growth and support. I have enjoyed you and will always hold you in high regard. Even if, on the date of departure, I say to the rear-view mirror - "see ya suckas."

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Grandparents and Their Surrogates

I may have mentioned before this adorable couple in my ward. They are as round as they are tall and are of that indeterminate age when I can't tell if they are my parent's age or my grandparents age. They are retired so I just assume grandparents. And whenever I see them they say how much they adore me, which isn't that what grandparents are supposed to do? So, they along with some other special individuals have become my adopted gp's.

I've never really known my grandparents. On my father's side, my grandmother died in childbirth with him, and my grandfather died when I was 2 or 3. On my mother's side, my grandfather died when my mother was a teenager and my grandmother (while the longest lived) was away in New Mexico living close to her 50 (or so it seems) other grandchildren. One of my only memories of her is that she called me arrogant when I was a teenager. It was probably deserved, but at the time I remember thinking what an awful thing to say to your grand daughter. And it has obviously stuck with me. We also never visited her (much to her dismay); so I have to confess I never really knew her either.

As such, over the last few years, I've latched on to gp-like figures. In high school it was our home teacher Brother Morton (I loved that man) and in Wenatchee, home of, it seems, every senior citizen when they're not spending the winters in Arizona, I have the the cute Eldreds (mentioned above) along with this sweet sister I get to visit teach. They say lovely things whenever I see them and treat me just how I think my grandparents would treat me were they alive and able to know me. I think my own gp's must be as grateful as I am for these heaven-sent individuals. So, if you are of gp age, be nice to the younger people you meet, you could very well be acting on behalf of grateful gps in heaven.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Moving

Since last writing, Matthew and I have decided the best course of action is to move back to Portland. The temporary job market (especially for attorneys) is practically non-existent, meanwhile, with all the connections Matt had to make looking for a job, we feel he has a better chance of finding something worthwhile to do with his time there. And since we'll only be there a few months, we figured moving in with the parents made the most sense.
My mom is so funny. She tried to sound so nonchalant when I brought it up, but has since been calling to make sure we're still moving and to give updates on her progress in getting everything all ready for us. I love her!!
So in a few short weeks we'll move everything to a storage unit and say goodbye to our beloved Wenatchka.
It seems odd to me that for the last few years I haven't been able to stay anywhere longer than about 20 months. I always figured my military-brat days were over when I got married. I thought Matt would settle me down somewhere. I guess not. In fact, military life was never this hectic. At least growing up we stayed somewhere for 3 years. Though for the adventurer in me, I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Matt's still in the process of interviewing and hearing from schools, but when we know, I'll let you know as well. Thanks everyone for being so supportive and for being excited to see me when I call and say I'm coming to town!!