April 08: Our favorite "family" friends moved from the neighboring housing complex to New Mexico
July 08: Our upstairs corner neighbors, the people who were nicest to us when we first came (other than the "oh ___ you aren't Mormon are you?" when I didn't take her up on a margarita) moved out of our complex. Tt got kind of quiet since they took the domestic spats along with them but still we missed them and Gillian STILL asks for a playdate with their daughter.
September 08: My upstairs neighbors whom I had grown to love as my absolute favorite daily visit, moved a mile a way. That doesn't sound like a lot but it really is far, far, far compared to just running upstairs for a quick check in. I ought to be grateful because they stayed in town, but I miss the regular contact.
Modern day: Two of my recent neighbors, who also happen to be members of my ward at church, have relocated to live about 5 miles away. We will remain in the same ward and remain friends, but I am very sad by this. Proximity is everything.
One more neighbor will move next week taking with her my son's bffs for the last three years. Needless to say he is devastated.
Freighbor in particular is a blow to me as I have come to rely upon her for so many friendship needs I have. She stopped by randomly to chit chat last night with her adorable son who is not much younger than lil Meg and in spite of his predicable future political leanings, I hope that he will one day look her way when they are attending BYU. I cannot contain my sadness at their departure from the hood.
This is the life of family student housing in graduate school.
However, surely there is much to rejoice. I have acquired new friends who will forever be in my circle of digital friends as well as Christmas card list forever. But in addition I need to remember that I still live in a lovely neighborhood.
For example the delightful family that lives above us with the world's cutest little boy who I get to see gleefully climb and descend the stairs on the regular. I love having this family as neighbors, they are models of physical fitness and healthy eating and they spend so much time together as a family! They can be seen riding bikes, hiking, and smiling together on an ongoing basis (in spite of the fact that she is in the last trimester of pregnancy!) My only complaint is that they are so clean and organized! They make me feel like a crazy and chaotic mess.
I saw them at the park (another perk of living here) yesterday and I received a call from one of my principals-- my neighbor immediately offered up to watch Meg so I could carry on my conversation and while I was on the phone took several pics of Meg that he promptly emailed me last night.
In case you missed the curls she is developing lately:
Playing on the slide:
How many of you have a neighbor who would volunteer to watch your baby on the spot AND take such great pics?
I always love your posts, but my favorite line of today's has got to be: "in spite of his predictable future political leanings"- didn't know you were filled w/ such dread and disgust towards conservatives! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou truly do have great neighbors. The biggest benefit of the in-and-out is that they try to get to know you despite the short time you will both be around, not to mention the year-round good weather means you actually see each other. We had a hard time getting to know our neighbors in NJ and MA, probably cuz of weather and also because of the general reserve that exists there. Kinda sad, actually.
Yes, it's the perfect place for a gal such as yourself, who can make friends in a heartbeat and love them formyever.
ReplyDeleteAnd....
Holy CURLS batman!!!!!! I think she is more of Char Char's age cuz after he goes on his mish, etc, etc.
That's it, I'm going to start throwing garbage in front of my place just to bring you comfort. And I need to be a better neighbor and actually STOP sometimes when we are running up and down the stairs.
ReplyDeleteI myself don't know what I am going to do without Katie's perfect example as a mother, stylist, eat anything I want without gaining a pound ways. I pretty much try to copy her any way I can. Sad to see her go!
^ Love Hilary ^
ReplyDeleteI'm going to miss you so terribly. Even from just across town.
And if Meghan thinks she's going to run off to BYU and marry a liberal, she is sorely mistaken. I have been to their College Democrat meetings. They have an average annual membership of 4 people, and not one of them is attractive.
By the time Meghan is applying for BYU they won't even let in her "kind" (read liberal nutcases). You know, cuz they are always raising the bar and such.
ReplyDeleteSo you better come up with an alternate plan is allz I'm saying.
I had some good neighbors in Ohio...and had some amazing ones here for about 9 months when we first moved in... nothing since or in between. You are blessed.
You are so lucky to live where you do. Colin and I have (half) joked about going back to school just so we can have the awesome community that you do.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Hilary/Tyler's pictures of Meg are fantastic!
When we lived in an apartment, we had these crazy next door neighbors, the Ropers. Good times.
ReplyDeleteCurls are adorable!