Becoming a New Englander...NOT ;)

I have wanted to write a blog for quite some time but in all honesty, I've been in a negative slump. We have had some great moments that I really want to share, but we have also gone through a rough patch that I pray is coming to an end. I want to make this post somewhat light-hearted, so won't go into anything negative just yet. I have been thinking of the great experiences I will take away from this journey, and thought it would be best to put it in a top 10 things I will do differently after leaving. :)

1. I will recycle everything I can and be more proactive in preserving our earth. That's huge here and I love it

2. I will always shop with reusable bags (hence #1)

3. I will force myself to WALK to the super market, pharmacy, etc. at least once a week. I might look a little strange doing this in an Austin/Houston suburb (yes, one of those will more than likely be the city we move to), or maybe I will start a new trend. ;)

4. I will pretend I have the right-of-way when turning left at a green light, clench my teeth, and turn RIGHT in front of on-coming traffic...just kidding!!! ;) But man...it is definitely something I have watched and learned how to do here. :) But I WILL drive more aggressively :)

5. I will be a better neighbor by randomly bringing them baked goodies, inviting them over for game nights, etc. Living in a dorm with other families is actually really great (I have probably had more than 8 special deliveries in the last 4 months from people who just wanted to be friendly and been invited to more social events to count)

6. I will read more books. I always say that, but I have met the most fabulous women here and they all read so much (and are very intelligent). It's such a no brainer really!

7. I will not be so paranoid about every little thing when it comes to parenting. Kids get hurt. They get sick. They do things that drive us crazy knowing that it drives us crazy. Kids need to be kids. No one is perfect and no one has the perfect kid. As long as I teach them life lessons, be the best role-model I can be, and love them unconditionally, they will turn out just fine. ;)

8. Always have quarters (just in case I need to park at a meter, pay at a toll booth, or do a load of laundry). :) Again..may not be as important after I leave.

9. We will try to participate in as many "seasonal activities" (wreath-making, apple picking, leaf peeping, etc) as possible. Because life gets busy and you never know if the opportunity to do those things will ever come up again!

10. I will make more frozen meals to have on those nights when I just don't feel like cooking. After participating in frozen dinner exchanges here, I don't have an aversion to frozen food anymore! :) And I've actually come up with some fantastic meals to freeze and they're still great (could write a whole other blog on that one).

I should really write a book about the experiences we have had here. I have so many things I want to write about after our journey is over. Just not yet. I would hate to be whiney, and would rather write about it as something " I can laugh/smile about later." Until then, I will see Texas in just 3 days and am over the moon!! I know I will miss my friends here in New England, but I'm ready to have a taste of southern love and hospitality back home (and definitely some good 'ole Tex-Mex)!! :)