Rainy Days and Wednesdays

One thing I loved about Wyoming was that you never knew what type of weather you'd have when you woke up. It could be snowy, windy, rainy, sunny, or a combo of the above. And that's not even mentioning freezing snow or hail. Arizona is more stable. Sun, sun, and more sun is usually in the forecast unless it's Monsoon season. So, I have to say days like today are extremely welcome to me.

I sat on the bed with no other noise except the sound of water splish-splashing outside. The window was open and the cool air wafted in regularly. In short, it was perfect napping weather. It was drizzly all day long and I loved every moment. Well, not so much the ones where I begged the dog to go to the bathroom outside but overall I loved the day.

Four Years In Wyoming

I'm not sure how it's possible that we have been here for four years already. Sometimes it seems like yesterday that we were packing up, saying "goodbye" to family and friends, and driving up here. I remember how hard of a transition it was for me due to the fact that I was freezing all the time. The kiddo was three and a half when we moved here which means she has officially lived here over half her life. I'm not sure she actually remembers living in Arizona at this point. That seems insane.

There is not a lot of variety as far as restaurants and things to do, unless you want to venture into Colorado, which most people do. I don't want to always drive 45 minutes to go to Trader Joe's or an Indian restaurant or Lane Bryant but I do occasionally make the trek. I used to think it is hilarious that people would complain about traffic sometimes. "I mean, seriously haven't they ever seen a bit city?" But, I get it now. For Wyoming the traffic can get frustrating, especially during Frontier Days when the city swells to more than three times the people than normal, I've heard, but don't get me started there.

Photo credit: Debs

Something I adore about this climate is the fact that for much of the year it is unpredictable. You can go to bed one night not expecting snow and wake up the next morning with it. Seeing our daughter enjoying the snow makes me happy too. We do still struggle with the dryness of the climate. Honestly, I'd think that the hot, dry Arizona climate would be worse, but for us it is so much more dry here. Altitude? I should buy stock in moisturizer and humidifiers.

Still, I wouldn't change it. I do love it here. Wyoming is absolutely beautiful. The state is large and can be very different depending on where you go. Open plains, desert (cold desert), mountains, forests, and all of it beautiful, some of it is the most spectacular scenery you will ever see in your life and I haven't even gotten to see most of it yet. Outdoor adventure abounds. I love nature. Well, as long as it doesn't get on me too much. However, if you love long summers, this isn't the place for you. Winter seems to last from October to May. There will always be a part of me that misses Arizona. It is gorgeous and we have so many people we love there. I guess it just comes down to this.

Bloom where you're planted...even if it means getting snowed on from time to time.

Remind Me to Keep My Mouth Shut

If you hear me talking about warm weather, stuff a sock in my mouth! This is yesterday and today in Wyoming. On the other hand, our dog seems to have taken it upon himself to rid Wyoming of all the snow and rain. He keeps trying to lick and eat it all up. What a nut!

5 Things I've Learned Since Moving to Wyoming

Just a warning, this post isn't a history lesson. Instead it's more of a insiders guide to what it's like to live in Wyoming after living in a very populated city in Arizona. I don't claim to be funny, but life is.

1. This whole time change thing is a pain. Why does it exist again? It makes Abby want to go to bed late and wake up early. Boo. And, then there is trying to explain to a five year old why we do this twice a year. 

2. A "long drive" is subjective. I can drive across town in about 15-20 minutes here. When we lived in Queen Creek, Arizona we tended to drive 45 minutes to get anywhere. I'll take this, thanks. 

3. The wind is fierce. It can be a warm day (and by warm I mean 55) but if it is windy then it feels like it should be snowing. The wind here can toss things around easily.

4. It can snow one day and be warm the next. It's very fickle. Also, it can be Spring (like April) and there is a definite chance of snow. I love the fact that I can go to sleep and not know if there will be white stuff on the ground in the morning. Well, unless I have to drive a lot that day.




5. It's a slower moving state in general. The speed limits in Arizona tended to be 45 mph and here it seems that most of them are 35 or 40. It takes a lot to get used to and I'm not even a speed demon. 

I have to say that, even though I have lots of people in Arizona that I love very much, I really love living here.

What I Love About Living in Wyoming

The largest theater we have here has twelve screens. Not 16. Not 24. Why do I like this? There are less choices to get caught up in. Less of an "I can spend lots of money on entertainment" vibe in my opinion. Of course, if we NEED more movie choices Colorado is nearby.

It snows. (and blows but that doesn't not make this list) The fact that it can spontaneously snow might freak some people out. Driving in it still has the aptitude to do so for me. However, I LOVE the possibility that there could be snow on the ground when I wake up in the morning. I'm a kid at heart after all.

The schools aren't as big. I am hoping this means more personal attention. I've not had personal experience with this as Abby doesn't start school until August but I've been told by many people that the schools are great.

There are horses (and buffalo) around. I like being able to drive and see a country like atmosphere. It's pretty around here to me. Trees, grass, open space.

We are only 3 hours from my sister-in-law. I love that woman.

We are not far from the Denver Airport. This I like because if we have friends and family visit we don't have far to go to get them! ;)

My friends. God continuously puts awesome women in my path. People I love to spend time with. I am so thankful for my friends, here and everywhere.