Today I am thinking about Utah and reminiscing. That's not to say I'm unhappy or ungrateful to be here in Montana. Quite the contrary. I am SO happy and thankful to be here and don't regret a minute of it. But I just want a minute to be nostalgic about the place we spent 10 years of our lives.
Mostly, I'm missing my friends, my neighbors, my coworkers. Openings in the fence in the backyard and game nights with baby monitors by our sides. Babysitters to depend on right down the street and safe neighborhoods where you can play outside on the street and have scooter parades. Volleyball and music nights.
I'm missing afternoon prop shopping forays and lunch with my coworkers. Funny Photogs, Halloween Zoolander runway walks, and the best hard-working and talented team anyone could ask for. Ever-inspiring and super-creative product designers and concept artists. Meetings (yes, even meetings) and chatting it up with staff.
Brighton Ski Resort and the beautiful mountains. The aquarium. Children's museum. Jazz games. The symphony. KSL Classifieds and Craig's List (I know, I'm a nerd.) Manicured neighborhoods.
Kneaders french toast. Zupa's tomato basil soup. Noodles Mac & Cheese. Pawit's amazing Thai. Bajio's shrimp salad. Starbucks on the way to work. Rumbi's sweet potato fries and best salsa ever. Pie Pizzaria. Cafe Rio. (Except I don't have to miss that anymore and am already enjoying weekly visits in Great Falls!)
Anthropoligie. Banana Republic. The apple store. Home Again. IKEA. Nordstrom. Down East Home. Yes, the shopping in Montana leaves a lot to be desired. I want (need?) my shopping fix. I need to hit that new Crate & Barrel and H&M and my IKEA list is a mile long.
Everything the city had to offer was amazing. We aren't feeling sorry for ourselves because Montana has so much to offer in it's space and tranquility, but that isn't to say we don't miss it all (except maybe the traffic).
Last week Tom lost one of his old bosses to cancer (at only 44 years old) and his heart is being pulled back to Utah. It is very tempting to get in the car and pay a visit. But until time allows us to do that, Utah, just know you are in our hearts. We didn't leave you behind without looking over our shoulders a few times to wave goodbye.