Monday, October 27

What I Miss about Iowa

When we first moved to Iowa, I write a post about what we missed (and didn't miss) about Utah. I also wrote a post about what we had learned about living in Iowa up to that point. Now that we have been living in Utah again for about three months, I wanted to write about what I miss about Iowa.
  • I miss the ward, and friends from the ward. Within 4 weeks of moving there I had a calling in the YW presidency. They welcomed us right in the ward, and everyone was so friendly. And I miss my Beehives!
  • I miss the green-ness of Ames. Trees everywhere, green grass everywhere. That is a stark difference from Cedar.
  • I really miss the parks and playgrounds. In Ames, there were 3 parks within walking distance of our house. There were something like 35 parks in the city, and it only had 50,000 people in it! Cedar has 30,000 people and it has four parks. Pathetic. I was crying to my husband last night how ridiculous it is to have to drive to get to a park.
  • I miss the friendliness of the city. When we would go to the library, people would say hi as you passed them on the sidewalk.
  • I miss Fareway! That cute little grocery store that I once thought was completely bizarre because the Mexican food was above the ice cream, I now wish I had back! I miss the fresh meat that was decently priced. I miss the really nice workers.
  • I miss The Café. This awesome restaurant was in our backyard. The blueberry lemon scones, the breakfast veggie skillet... My taste buds miss you.
These are the things I miss the most. The grass is always greener on the other side.

23 people wanted to leave a comment:

Brooke said...

The grass really is greener. . .

That Girl said...

Ain't that the truth. When I'm in Brazil, I pine for the States. When I'm there, I yearn for here. Essentially, the more you move, the more loved ones you leave behind ...

And the more full your life becomes!

Jillene said...

I have never lived anywhere but Utah so I guess I don't know what I am missing here or anywhere else!!

Suzie said...

Awww I hate that feeling of home sickness its the worst

Anonymous said...

The grass green on the side, so true!

Lara Neves said...

I miss different things about everywhere I've lived.

I never thought I'd say it, because I was not thrilled about moving down there, but I miss Arizona something fierce.

Although, the grass is definitely greener here! :)

Sarah Mickalson said...

As much as I miss Utah and wish we could move back to be closer to family, I do like where we live. There are four parks within a 5 minute or less walk from my house. It's small town, but that makes the people even nicer and our backyard bigger. We are only 20 minutes from Target, Costco and the mall so it's really not bad. And I like our ward. I do still miss Utah though.

Christine said...

Dang, I want to move to Ames!

Kristina P. said...

I really wish Utah had the same greeness as the east does. I love trees and foliage, even though I'm trying to destroy the earth.

Jilly Bean said...

So our challenge is to enjoy the green grass we're on right now, huh?

Pam said...

I love your blog! I really love when women are real and truthful. It is refreshing. I especially love your post with the video clip of "STOP IT" That seriously is one of my husband and mine favorite clips. It reminds me of the Bill Cosby clip in "Bill Cosby Himself" Where he is saying in regards to talking with children, Stop it, stop it, stop it, stop it, and is getting faster and faster as he says it. I am definitely putting you on blogs I will follow. Thanks for your posts. Pam

Jessie said...

Ditto - totally miss the same things.
I DON'T miss the high income taxes (even for poor students!) or the lack of good produce (ironic, no?), but I miss everything else. Ames is a special place.

*MARY* said...

The only place I've lived in besides Utah is China, and...yeah... the grass is definitely not greener over there.

Christa said...

I'm boring. I've never lived anywhere except Utah. I would love to go out into the world and explore, but we're pretty much stuck here for now. Thank goodness we have a lot of family and friends around to keep it interesting.

While typing this, I noticed "your story in 3 sentences". How awesome that you were married in Hawaii. I've been to that temple and it's gorgeous. I'd love to get back someday.

Erika said...

We miss you too!

Melody said...

I totally agree, Erin -- Ames does rock. Love the parks, the library, the Cafe. But hey, you can always come back for a visit, right?

Tracey said...

Oh, I love the Cafe too. I had breakfast there Saturday morning, alone:) I even tried something new! It's a bit chilly here today. You probably aren't missing the 31 degree windchill much (which will feel warm come January!) Miss you too.

Romney Family said...

It seems we always like what we can't have. I am just like that!! Iowa sounds like a great place!!

Rhonda said...

Oh, how I feel with ya on all this... I am currently writing a post...titled: So You Want To Move To the East Coast.

We have done several moves across the nation and I always have the same feelings.

Anonymous said...

I drove through Iowa once. It had a real 'homey' feeling. Not to mention it's the home state of one John Wayne.... Where in Utah are you living?

Anonymous said...

I live in Provo right now but I'll be moving to Texas in about a week and a half.

I was born and raised in Salem Oregon. I moved out to Utah when I was 21 to go to school and I have been here ever since.

I am pretty jealous that you have seen John Wayne's house, I agree about the name 'Erin'. They save the name Erin for the cool people ;)

Kallie said...

it's like you're speaking my mind... NEVER thought i'd miss OH but i miss aldi's grocery, and i miss the DQ in Bowling Green (or more specifically, their pumpkin pie shakes - out of this world) and i miss our bosum friends -- a couple we hung out with practically every weekend, oh and i'll always miss pagliai's pizza...

Nathan and Annie Miller said...

I'm definitely going to miss the greeness of the midwest. I am already missing it here, and I haven't moved yet! I want to have it all...family, green lawns, Nauvoo, Utah, etc. But I haven't found the one place that has all of this!