This year I resolve to. . .

Todd and I went to Utah for Christmas, and had a wonderful time with our families. Over the break, I often heard the question, "How do you like Alabama?" This was always awkward, because I couldn't think of anything positive to say that I really meant, and my silence was usually a conversation-stopper.

This happened again as we traveled home. We had a stop in Atlanta, and I met a young woman from Italy who had just married a soldier who is attending flight school in our area. She asked what Alabama was like, and I really struggled to make it sound good. What could I say to someone from Italy - a country that has been #1 on my travel destination wish-list for over a decade - that would make her excited to be here?

That was a strong reality check for me. I know we're only here for a year, but that doesn't mean I am justified in spending that year sulking about where we live. I have made it one of my New Year's Resolutions to turn my attitude around and focus on the good things about living in Alabama - because there ARE good things about being here. I'm going to keep a little gratitude journal by my bed and jot down at least one thing a day that's good about being here. I've already brainstormed a good starter list:

* You can see a ton of stars in the sky right from our front porch.

* I get to spend more time with Todd each day than I have our whole marriage.

* Todd can tell me about his day - he's not doing top-secret stuff like he was at work in California.

* I am fortunate to be able to substitute teach this year - I'm not spending the year creating projects and lesson plans that I won't reuse back in CA. I go home 10 minutes after the kids do - it's amazing!

* I love our townhouse (See the entry A Nice Abode for more specifics.)

* Gator huntin'

* We've got good friends here - AND we are blessed to still hear from friends in CA and UT. We received many Christmas cards last month that made me reflect on how grateful I am for great friends.

* We DO have a Walmart and a Lowes - it could be worse. At least we have SOMEWHERE to shop.

*Beautiful scenery - the trees and hills really are nice

* Free doctor appointments and prescriptions - thanks Army!

* Awesome weather 8 months out of the year - October through May. Right now it's sunny and 50 degrees. (We're having a cold snap. Give it a couple of days, and we're expected to be back in the 70s.)