Memories...

So today whilst bored at work (this is nothing new) I was talking to a friend who works at my old office in California. He was saying how they are going to the Del Mar races again in a couple weeks and it got me thinking.. "that's already been a year ago?!" So I started wondering what else I was doing this time a year ago...and things have changed a lot--but at the same time not much at all.

For starters, this time last year I was blogging about mine and Ben's impromptu visit to San Diego. I have been thinking of this memory actually, as it was such a fun trip and I really miss living in California and having fun places be just a hop skip and a jump away. Funny how when I lived there I couldn't wait to move home, now I'm here and I really miss those fun things! Anyway, we had a great time staying at the Marriott and going to Sea World, eating Mexican food and having time away from our dogs. I loved that trip, it was just what we needed at the time!
I also found a picture from when Robyn, Tyler and us ate at Pizza D'Oro. Let me tell you I've honestly considered driving down there JUST for this pizza. But it just feels too far...and I'm trying hard to find some place ALMOST as good, because it'll never be AS good.
Then I saw the post that had some pictures of ZZyzxx Inertia Snowball Squirts McGee.
It made my heart hurt. For those of you who never got the update, she was lost and assumed to be eaten by a coyote, as evidenced by the cat hair and poop all over the front door. But miraculously she appeared in the backyard at the Tyrrel's later that night! I hugged her and loved her for a while before I put her down. And I decided against my better judgement she should still stay there in Riverside. After all, she had apparently survived ONE attack..she'd be ok! Well we drove away and I will never forget watching her run accross the front yard of the Tyrrel's house...looking for somewhere safe to play. I thought for sure she'd be there the next time we came around. I found out later she had disappeared within days, even though I'd wanted her to sleep indoors at night. She wasn't always cooperative to come inside. So my theory is that some wonderful family found her and adopted her! :) I'm holding tight to that idea because my pregnancy hormones make me really REALLY sad when I consider the alternative! I don't think I'll ever have a cat again. She was irreplaceable and I feel terrible for giving her up. She was sorta naughty, clawing the carpet and peeing in corners. But I still loved her, and look at how cute she was!

All in all the changes this past year...moving to Utah, more specifically getting our own place again here in Cedar, expecting a baby, getting ready to experience life as a Student Family, and many more small things...have been GREAT changes. I'm so thankful to live near all my extended and not so extended family. I love that I have instant friends here in Cedar that I can hang out with! I love that we can walk to my Grandma Irene's house and to the park whenever we please. I love that I work part time and still have plenty of time to relax and have fun with Ben! Life is good...what more can I say? And despite the lack of excitement in Utah versus California, there's no place I'd rather be right now!