My Jenny.....

This is my Jenny. Jenny Murphy.
We met, just over 10 years ago - and since then we've had this amazing friendship. This friendship had all the elements of a good, strong relationship. We had our fights....along with all the love in the world. She is one of my bestest friends!!!!!!!
Tomorrow she will be honored, and will be front and center at her Bridal Shower. More than anything I wish I could be there - but living across the U.S. - it isn't possible. I am attending the wedding of course. Wouldn't miss that for anything. I am so beyond excited for her. And for what God has in store for her, as a "wifey" - she is going to be uh-mazing at it.

I am counting down the days until I get on my flight, to San Diego - 12 days. Five and a half years ago, she stood by my side as I got married, as my maid of honor. And boy, was she a trooper, let me tell you. And now, I just can't wait to hug her and laugh with her, and just "be" with her as she prepares for the big day....which, by the way, is in 15 days. 15 days and she will be Mrs. Ryan Freeman. Man, I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about this day, and all that it will entail.

I do have to note that we already have plans for the 1st few hours of my arrival. True Southern California style....Food, Starbucks, and gettin' our nails did.

HOLLLLLAAA!!!

What I do NOT like about Erie, PA

Black ice in the winter.
Any degree below 30. (brrrr!)
The local mall.
Having to travel to Buffalo, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh for some good shopping.
Not being able to travel, due to the weather.
Stop lights/signs on almost every corner.
Pedestrians. (They never look before they cross the street, especially on State Street)
The lack of maintenance on ones self.
The humidity in the summer.
*Shoveling snow
*That I'm far away from loved ones during special occasions

(* Add ons, after 1st initial post)

What I love about Erie, PA

Hartman/Orelski Family.
Friends.
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (well, the first couple months of Winter anyway...)
Cost of living.
Being able to purchase a home, in just 8 months of living here.
Family-owned restaurants.
Romolo's chocolates.
No traffic.
The Peninsula.
Lake Erie.
My part-time job, being a part of Erie County County Convention Center Authority (ECCCA).
Trees and all the greenery.
Relaxing by the lake.
Everything is just about 10 minutes away....
WEGMANS grocery store.

What I do NOT miss about CA

Traffic.
Adding "traffic" to the amount of time it takes to get anywhere.
Gazillion people.
100 degree heat.
Spring, Fall, and Winter not really existing....(Didn't know what I was missing.)
Vanity
Cost of living.

*I visit in about 2 weeks, I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as well

What I miss about CA

My mom.
Friends.
Old job.
Beautiful weather, all year-round.
Disneyland.
San Diego.
Beach.
Laying out at the beach.
Reading/relaxing at the beach.
I don't have to worry about "black ice" in the winter months. (Not that winter exists in CA.)
Great shopping.
The Lakers. (Not that I've ever been to a game, but I always thought about it.)
Palm Trees.
Del Taco.
Mexican Food.
Carne Asada Fries.
Jack in the Box tacos.
In 'n Out Burger.
Normalcy of tattoos on females.
Pismo Beach, just a 4 hour drive.

I'm sure I'll add to this as I think about it some more.....

According to Mr. Punxsutawney Phil, we have 6 more weeks of winter. Thankfully in 5 weeks I'll be in California. Now, this winter doesn't even compare to last year, and I haven't found myself complaining about the cold....unless I have to go out in it before 8am. Brrrrr!!!!

I can't even go to my orthodontist w/o someone in the office mentioning my CA blood, and how it's dealing with the frighid cold. "Oh, I'm doing ok. I just layer my clothes, and stay indoors as much as possible." People who know where I'm from, just look at me with this "is she crazy?" look - like they feel sorry for me. I don't feel sorry for me. Why should you? I'm doing ok. I'm braving this weather the best I can.... I get anxiety when I have to drive in it - when the weather is really bad w/snow & ice. But when the roads are clear, I'm good. Looking forward to my AWD vehicle, that's for sure. And I'm hoping it'll come w/an automatic starter.