What I miss about Utah...

In about a month we're returning to Utah to move our stuff and close on the selling of our home. While that is good news in some ways, it's sad to think that Utah will not be home for us. I love it there, really. Over the last 12 years we built a good, stable, easy life that has been absolutely perfect. Our home was just right for us...not too big, not too small. Just right. When I think about walking in the door from work, it's like how I think Heaven will be. A sweet, loving place that has all of the people you love there. It's safety. It's happiness. It's home. And I really really miss it.

On a lighter note, I also miss:

1. Donuts - Let's get real for a minute. I don't drink, smoke, drink coffee, cheat. I don't abuse my wife or kids, try to treat others with respect, and work hard for an honest day's wage. I go to Church every week and try to be a good guy. But I like treats, and top on that treat chart are donuts. And I've not been able to find one good donut here. They're dry, bland, and expensive. Oh Bowman's or Daylight donuts, how I miss you!
2. Radio - SLC has a couple of really fun radio stations and some great sports stations. It's a small thing, but given how much time I spent in the car, I liked to know what was good. And honestly I cannot find one radio station that I like here. It's like being in a bizzaro world...they're similar, but different. So I listen to NPR and a Gospel channel. Everything else is just so...disappointing.
3. Newspaper - I've subscribed to the Desnews for 12 years, and really think it's a good newspaper. Kind of light, conservative, etc...but all in all a good read that I've enjoyed for many years. Just can't get into Seattle Newspapers.
4. Shopping - Granted, we have not explored Seattle much cause the weather's been horrible, but thus far the shopping on the east side is just, eh. More stuff, but nothing significantly "better".
5. Eating out - I honestly am befuddled by the restaurants. There are basically three kinds - Indian, Teryaki (or Thai, or Chinese), and everything else. It's all totally overpriced and disappointing. After spending 6 weeks as a family trying to find a place we like we ended up at the Mall Food Court!
6. Sports - Jazz, BYU, U...I don't spend a lot of time watching or participating in sports, but I love BYU Football and the Jazz. Maybe when we get Dish back I can catch some of it. Speaking of...
7. TIVO - I think I love TIVO above every other gadget I have...even my iPod. Mel and I can watch a weeks worth of TV in 2 hours, saving tons of time and aggrevation associated with watching live TV. It's been painful here...we watch less TV, so that's good. But it's far more annoying. Fortunately, when we move to our official rental, we will be getting our TIVO back. We cannot WAIT!

What do I like here? I like having a job, though it's terribly frustrating and difficult. I like our ward, but we just got put into Primary so no more getting to know people or learning. I had hoped that I would be able to at least say I liked not having snow, but it's snowed all winter. So little improvement there.

If you can't tell, I miss Utah!