Anticipation and Reflection

Its an exciting time in our house.  We FINALLY got a list of bases we could get sent to.  Finally.  It seems like we have been waiting 4 years.  Now that it is here, I feel like the time is flying by.  Here is our top 10. (In Alphabetical Order)
- Europe (Germany/Italy/Belgium)
- Ft. Eustis (Virginia Beach)
- Ft. Gordon (Augusta, GA)
- Hawaii
- Ft. Hood (Waco,TX)
- Japan
- Korea
- Ft. Lewis (Tacoma WA)
- Ft. Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX)
- Ft Stewart (Savannah GA)

We should know in about a month where we are going.

We have also been reminiscing about what an awesome 4 years it has been here in the 'burgh! (I could make a list of things I dislike too, but I am going with the positive vibe for this post)
 Favorite things here:
1. The great friends I have made.  I have never met a better group of girls in my life.  They have changed me and uplifted me and help me be a better me.  Thank you girls SO much.  You know who you are.

 2. Running on the trails around here.  I heart Schenley Park.  And Frick.  And South Park.  And the GAP trail, especially at the Waterfront.  I have so many great memories of running with Jessica, and Cori, Rachael, and Ashley.  Memories being drenched in sweat, and soaking wet from the rain.  Memories of me pushing all the kids up icy hills and memories of stopping to watch the deer in my path.  I have memories of running that damn er, darn 2 mile loop 4x in a row training for half marathons.  I have memories of Bryan pushing the kids and me with a baby bump, or a new born taking a nap while we stay on the paved paths and enjoy the gorgeous scenery around us.

3. Bike riding.  BEST purchase as a couple ever!  Our 330 mile bike trip to DC will forever live in my memory as one of my all-time favorite vacations.

4. Game nights with Jessica and Adam.  The only thing better than having a game night is beating Bryan and Adam.  At ANY game.

5. Bike riding with the Gniegtings.  What could be more fun than hauling 5 kids behind us in trailers and bringing enough food to feed an army?  Answer:  Doing this on a weekly basis!

6. PNC Park.  I am a Pirate fan, just because of the stadium.

7. PPG Steps and the Fountain, and the splash parks.  Awesome summer fun. Even though I got shot at, it still stays on my top 10. (yes. for reals.  Gunshots, and bullets. You can read about it HERE)
     7.1 The Zoo
     7.2 The Children's Museums and Science Center
     7.3 The Library system.  It rocks.

8. Having four seasons.  Did you know in places outside of Arizona, the blossoms have flowers and don't freeze off?  Or get blown away in 100 mph winds?  It is amazing.  And in the fall, the leaves change colors.  Like, LOTS of colors.  Reds, oranges, yellows, golds, pinks.  And it lasts for a couple months.   Breathtaking.

9. The view coming out of the Fort Pitt tunnels of the city. And the entire downtown area at night.  I don't think there is a cooler city at night.  And the Bridges.  And the view from Mt. Washington.

10. I couldn't leave being entertained by the bizarre people that live here off my list.  Seriously.  People wear sweatpants to weddings, and as long as it has a Steelers logo them, it is entirely exceptable.  There is such a sub-culture here.  They have a set of driving laws, dress codes, and speech that is completely unique to Pittsburgh.

11.  I have to add Ballet to my list.  I know it isn't unique to Pittsburgh, but it has been one of the things I LOVE about living here.  Being able to take an advanced dance class doesn't come around often as an adult.  To do it with a very talented instructor and live pianist just takes the cake.

Yinzers like my list?

Finally, in true Pittsburgh fashion, I am posting our Christmas picture. Gotta love the auto-timer feature.  Merry Christmas in February!  (my neighbors haven't taken their Christmas lights down yet and there is a giant abominable snowman around the block from me, so I don't feel like this is bad timing at all.)