Saturday, May 14, 2011

A Year in Vegas

It has certainly crept up on me. The fact that we have lived in Las Vegas for a year now. A pest control salesman stopped by our house the other day, and as I explained to him that we already had a year contract with someone I had to stop in my tracks. It has been a year!

I remember well arriving here and being an emotional wreck. No electricity and no gas for a couple days. No food in the fridge.

This is a photo Nate took when he came out to Las Vegas to look for houses. He wanted to show me the little park and walking paths nearby. This area is now part of our morning routine of walking to school and a fun little place to ride our bikes.
Thoughts on Las Vegas:

Although I get hot easily and I swear the sun makes me sick, I really enjoy the sunshine. As we walk to school before it gets hot, I always feel happiness looking at the bright blue sky. We are gearing up for round 2 of summer, so I may come back and delete this next statement...but I have really liked the weather here.

It has been a lot of fun to have our own house. Although I do about 95% dreaming and looking and only 5% actually doing, I have really found joy in decorating and creating our space. 

There are so many wonderful people here. New friends that have welcomed us from the first day and longtime friends that make us feel like we have "family" here. 

Nate and I are serving in callings at church that have required us to get to really get to know the members of our ward. We have been busy, but we have been blessed. I am constantly learning how to manage my time and where to give my attention. I am grateful that the gospel makes it clear to me where my priorities need to be. 

It has been a great experience to be a part of the Air Force family and all those involved in Family Medicine. Watching Nate grow as a doctor and seeing him give care to others is very, very cool.

Being within driving distance of friends and family has been AWESOME.

It makes me a little queasy to think that this time is passing so quickly. Is it worth it to invest ourselves in this place? In our home? In the people here? Well, yes. In fact, YES. It's been a big adjustment for me to learn how to jump into these situations and make the very best of our time in each place we live. It's challenging, but it's rewarding and fulfilling.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh My gosh...thank you for this post. I am in the place right now where I am wondering if it is really worth "investing myself into a place" that I know is temporary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Prefect timing for me.

Heather said...

Wonderful post. I can't believe we've been away for a year. What is your calling these days? It's my first time in YW and I love it!

Lara said...

I can't believe it's been a year either! I remember when you guys moved into Laurel Canyon and look at us now lovin' Harmony Hills. We have sure loved having you guys here, and I know I for one will be sad when one day you leave. But let's not worry about that right now...let's just have tons more fun together! :)

Michelle said...

Jessica, everytime I learn something new about you, it is something to be impressed with! I didn't realize you were a blogger, and I also didn't realize (until yesterday) that you are a food storage/emergency preparedness genius! I love you and am so grateful to be your friend. I know exactly what you mean about wondering at times if it is worth investing so much energy into a place (and the people there) when you know it is temporary. Jason and I have moved every single year since we have been married... and always right about now! I can't believe we are actually going to stay here for at least another year... I'm so tired of investing so much energy into something and then leaving. However, I have to say that I have never regretted it. Every new situation and every new friend has always been worth it. Sorry to ramble so much. You really are one of my very favorite people here and someone that I sincerely hope never to lose touch with! :)

Gazdik Family said...

All I can say is, I love you and Nate!! Reading your thoughts and looking at your pictures really is like breathing in pure, fresh air. I can NOT beleive that your little baby is no longer a new born. When did that happen!! And Love the close up picture of you and your hubby. My mother's day was like a mental bubble bath. Glad that yours were good, too.
My family moved every 4 years, and my mom made them all feel like a solid place to live. You are a rock!!