Missing Pieces
I have no regrets regarding making our home in California, however, there are many things that are different for us, that we haven’t replaced, or that are irreplaceable. Those are the things that I miss.
- My sister. In the almost three years we lived in my parents home, I spent a lot more time with Emily. Whether I was driving her to a from work, dancing with her (kind of for the first time), or spending her rare downtime at home, we became better friends. I miss having her around.
- Movie or lunch dates with family. When big, or not so big movies came out, they would often be shared with my siblings (like Harry Potter), or with my parents as well. This would often happen after church and might include lunch.
- Johnny Rockets. It was one of our regular favorites, especially before a movie. It’s my favorite hamburger/diner place. Neither Five Guys, or In-N-Out are as good.
- Sara Ellen’s time with her grandparents. I don’t miss it just because it was free babysitting (though that’s a huge obstacle right now). I know she’s lacking the extra adults that love to spend time with her, exploring and playing. While she is a good enough judge of character not to attach to just any adult, I can see her hanging on to adults who are friends, or that we meet at the museum for instance, that she follows and enjoys playing with.
- L’Ecole de Danse. After you’ve enjoyed more than twenty years at a place, it’s hard to leave. Though I’ve wanted more challenges, it’s been to good to come back. I’ve enjoyed the new younger friends, and the opportunities I’ve been given. It’s also been wonderful to start Sara Ellen’s dancing there. Though we have found a studio here that she likes, I prefer Barbara’s class.
- Pilates with Marjorie at Evolutions Body Clinic. It was really hard work, but she was an awesome teacher and I felt so good after.
- My friend Kate. She was one of my best friends when I transfered to AACS in high school and we reconnected last year. Almost a year ago now, she was the one to see me through Sara Ellen’s first night away and introduced me to Twilight. She even made a trip to Charlottesville to visit us before we moved.
- Donne Keene, my hairstylist at JCPenney. I saw her regularly for the last couple years, and she gave Sara Ellen her first cuts. She was friendly and quiet, like we Helms-Altman women who saw her.
- John Russell and Maya Vernon. Dr. Russell was my dentist since who knows when as well as a fellow Calvary Church member. Dr. Vernon first saw Sara Ellen soon after her 2nd birthday. Though we have found a new dentist for all of us, we had great relationships there.
- Downtown Annapolis. Our favorite downtown, the best outdoor place for a date, or an afternoon out. Good playground, great places to eat, historical sites, and walking distance to church. It’s been irreplaceable so far.
- Calvary United Methodist Church. We’ve found a nice church, but it’s hard going when we don’t know anyone. Though we didn’t have close relationships at CUMC, it’s like L’Ecole because I’ve been there since I was a baby! Most recently my participation was the opportunity to dance, with or without my sister, to “rave reviews”.
- Hillsmere Beach, aside from family, the best thing about living in Hillsmere Shores. It was also a great community for walking, shady in places, nice destinations, and full of houses that didn’t all look the same.
- Rain storms. I live in the land of sunshine. Apparently there has been a drought for a while, even in the rainy winter season. We very occassionally get clouds, but it hasn’t rained for quite a while. When it’s sunny for so long, the rain is really refreshing, especially when it doesn’t get muggy.
- Road trips to Lynchburg. It was nice being able to drive down to see my best friend and my alma mater (despite her changes).
- Day trips to Washington D.C. With all it’s great museums and monuments, it’s a great place to study the past and present for a day.
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