the list....

I stole this idea from a friend, so I hope that he doesn't mind, but I thought it would make a great blog.  One of the things that you get asked most from people back home or even people here is "what do you miss the most or what do you need?"  I have to echo his answer in saying the simple answer is that I am very blessed and the Father has provided for every want and need.  The fun answer in no particular order, is as follows:  

Driving - It's been right at a year since I've owned a car and almost ten months since I have driven. There is something so glorious about being in a car, with the windows rolled down, your favorite CD cranked up and singing at the top of your lungs.  (someone go do that for me for kicks..okay?!!) 

Cellphones with ringtones and voicemail.  Now I know this sounds silly but wasn't it great when you could put your own fightsong, love song, etc. on your cell phone...or if you chose the voice of someone screaming at you telling you to pick up your phone??.....  Then VM, how cool it was to be able to check your vm and then call your friend and leave one of those absurdly long funny vm.  Ah, those were the days.  

The 4 seasons...There isn't a true winter, spring, summer, fall here and oh how I am missing those beautiful leaves right now.  

Food. Now I know this sounds very trivial and I do have to say a big thanks to a lot of food being sent over, but as unhealthy as it is, there is just something about pulling through that drive-thru at Chick-fil-A, Sonic, or Zaxby's.  1 Sweet tea please.....Oh bless!  

A yard. For the past five years that I lived in the states, I lived in apartments and none of them had yards.  But some had little courtyards or a front yard area or at very least a park near by.  The area where I live in now, those don't really exist....they have parks but they are very different and mostly concrete...lol.  With not a lot of seating.  Along with a yard, I must add a lawn mower and the smell of fresh cut grass.  

Now I could go on and on and talk about holidays, friends, shopping, and so on but a lot of that would just make you cry. So I'm gonna stop here with the "list of missed." As with many things, that I miss about home, there are some things that are truly enjoyable about living here.  Here is my "list of loves."  

Massages...I can go down the road at anytime of day with no appointment necessary, stop into my local salon, and get a head, shoulder, neck massage that will last a solid 45 minutes for about $1.50.  Or if you choose, you can get a foot massage which is from head to toe for a solid 2 hours for about $ 12.  Not bad! 

Cheap sunglasses and bags.  Okay it's no Target, but there are a lot of places all around my town and all over this country in general that have fake Ray Bans, Chanel, Coach, Gucci, or even Oakley's for dirt cheap.  And i don't care that they are fake....

Food.  As much as I miss food from home, I've also come to enjoy the food here.  Noodles, rice, fresh veggies and fruit.  You name it.  Plus there is a little thing I love called Bubble Tea. 

Manicures and Pedicures.  Now I'm a girl at heart, so if I can get a manicure and a pedicure with little flowers painted on my toes, for less than $6 well, what is there to complain about. 

The Grace Gifts.  Now, I couldn't finish this without getting just a tad bit sappy.  But one of the things I must put on the "loved list" are the moments when the Father shows up.  Its a pr answered, a blind man, a child, finding a spot, or just a little grace gift that you never would have expected. Those are the things that let you know it's all worth while.  

Rest assured, the day I get home I am going to get in a car (probably not my own, but I won't steal it) and crank the radio as loud as a can. Then i'm gonna go to the drive thru Chick-fil-A and then find the first home were someone is mowing their grass.  I'm gonna get out and plop myself right down in the middle of their yard and enjoy a big ol sweet tea.  Then I'll probably call everyone I know and leave annoying voice messages.  

Beautiful Feet