The Best Things About Being Back

I have to admit that when I realized that I had to return back to Utah for research, my response was a little... lackluster. Don't get me wrong- I loved my time at BYU. LOVED IT. But I miss living in a diverse metropolitan city (Salt Lake City does not count), and where I don't have to drive everywhere because I can take public transportation. Plus I'm a little more politically liberal.

So I was (and still am) very pleasantly surprised at how good it is to be back for a while! I still don't think I can stay here permanently, but I can definitely handle being here for a few weeks. It helps that the weather has been breathtakingly beautiful- cool, sunny days, springtime flowers slowly turning into summer blooms...

MY FAVORITE THINGS SO FAR
- Seeing my sisters
- Surprising friends at their doorsteps
- Hanging out with friends and just talking
- Getting my hair cut by my hairstylist- see THIS POST
- Getting excited when my research yields fruit and makes me go "Ah ha!"- I am SUCH A NERD!!!
- These:

I'm still trying to figure out a way to transport my beloved mountains back with me.

- CHEAP rent. Seriously. It's worth the long commute up to Salt Lake everyday.
- Frontrunner Train from Provo to Salt Lake. It's a little pricey (frankly my car gets slightly better gas mileage so gas would have been cheaper than the ticket), but in exchange I get a seat in a comfortable chair, air-conditioning, no stress from peak hour traffic, and no parking fees. The view is pretty nice too- I love to simply stare out of the window as it rolls through all the different towns. Also, there is free wireless (which is how I'm typing out part of this post) and I'm saving the environment.

Win. Win. Win. Win. Win.

But I think my top favorite thing about being back so far, has been the chance to return back to Temple Square. During lunch I simply cross the street from where I do research (the Church History Library) to the main Temple Square arena, find a seat somewhere outside in the sun, and just enjoy the gorgeous landscape and serenity of the area.

I love sitting near the Reflection Pool and watching the children play with the water, or admiring newly wed couples taking their pictures- a sure sign that a) wedding season has descended and b) Temple Square definitely has some calming effect on me since I don't get cynical/ bitter about seeing all these couples.

My spirit feels like it can breathe, something I didn't realize I needed till I came back.

 And I saw this sign while walking this morning. Good to know the Church recycles its water! (;p)