Saturday, June 27, 2009

Top Ten Reasons I'll Miss Nebraska

10. Runza onion rings and crinkle fries. I only have them once in a while (thank goodness or I'd be as big as a house) but I am always glad when I do. And they're open late for emergency stops on the way home from covert shopping trips to DSW. Right, Megs?

9. Thunderstorms. I love the way the rain sounds on the roof. I love sitting on the front porch and watching the lightening. And I LOVE the way they smell.

8. Mid-western kindness. I have never met nicer people. Ever. Humble, generous, and salt of the earth.

7. Cornfields in the middle of town. It still amazes me that they grow corn wherever there's a spot. But it makes town so lush and green and watching the stalks grow almost before your eyes is amazing. Not to mention buying fresh sweet corn from the farmer set up on the corner.

6. The absurd loyalty of Husker fans. They are rabid. And during football season, you can't escape the mania. Not that we would really want to.

5. Winter Quarters. Every time we visit the Winter Quarter's Temple or Visitor's Center in the Winter, I am grateful I'm not a pioneer living in a mud hut along the banks of the Missouri River. And I am amazed by the faith of those who did.

4. The Henry Doorly Zoo. This may be one of the greatest places in the whole world for our animal lovin' family. We especially love the aquarium tunnel, the Leid jungle, and the okapi. Yes, I said okapi.

3. My house and my neighborhood. I will miss everything about my sweet little house on the corner. The front porch. My granite countertops. The great backyard. Drawing with chalk on the driveway. The memories of teaching Josh to walk here. Our wonderful neighbors. Our jammin' block parties. Sigh.

2. Being so close to my sister. Megan was only nine when I left for college and I must admit, I barely knew her. Now she is a gorgeous, put together young lady, just a few weeks away from finishing her Masters. I love her and am so proud to be her sister. Knowing she is staying in Lincoln just breaks my heart.

1. My friends. Book group. Play dates. Girls Night Out. Sharing moments of glee and despair. New babies and babies on the way. Running in races. Crafting. Shopping. Having people willing to be my family when my real family is so far away. People who have watched my children. And have loved me and my family. How can I ever thank you enough??

Until we meet again...

14 comments:

TheReader23 said...

If it's any consolation, I have three brothers who moved from New York to Spokane over thirty years ago and absolutely love everything about it. I think you'll be happy. What part of Spokane are you moving to?

Kathleen said...

what a sweet post, amber! i'm all teary-eyed and everything. your reasons for loving it here are just terrific and will give you such sweet memories for years to come!

Lacey said...

Way to make me cry. It's Wicked all over again! :0)

Christina said...

to tell you the truth I would miss that picture perfect home too!

Our Complete Family said...

That is the hardest part of being a military family is the uprooting every few years, isn't it? Hang in there sweetie. Your next home will be all of these things and more... that is my wish for you and your sweet family!
xo Les

April said...

That is SUCH a cute picture of you and Mugs! I'm sorry that moving always has stinky parts.

We'll see you soon! Maybe we can go shopping. That usually makes me feel better!

LOVES!

Cherie said...

Goodluck with the move!

Camie said...

Oh Amber, you nailed our little slice of heaven to a "T." Who knows, maybe one day we will all find ourselves back here.

Jenn said...

I just love reading your posts. You write amazing things! Love your reasons - hope you can come back and enjoy them all over again!

Heather said...

Nebraska is going to miss YOU!!

Loralee and the gang... said...

...sorry about deleting the previous comment. Too many typos and an unfinised thought! Anyway, like I said before, I know that moving is hard...even if it's for good reasons and to a good place. Living in north Idaho, right next door to Spokane, I can tell you that it IS a good place, and soon you will find at least 10 reasons that you love it! Hope we get to meet someday!
:~D

Scribbit said...

Oh how I"ve been craving onion rings. I haven't had any and it's killing me.

Eloise said...

For every reason you can name of what you'll miss about Nebraska, I bet Nebraska could name TEN of what it will miss about you! You are such a dear, sweet blog friend that I can only imagine how beloved you are to your "real life" friends and neighbors. There are some super lucky people in Spokane who don't know what a treasure they're about to receive when your family moves in their neighborhood.

Good luck with the move! I look forward to seeing pictures of your new home.

shawna b. said...

These lists just tug at my old sentimental heart. I have my own from New Orleans and Virginia - they are bittersweet. A new list awaits, right? But I am sure your sweet little neighborhood will never be the same now that you and your crew have left. I can see that you made your mark, that's for sure.