6 Places

I know that places is a pretty broad term.  It can be a country, state, town, restaurant, store, etc.  I chose to stick with cities I've not just been to, but lived in.  It was hard to narrow down that list.  I have lived in 7 states in 4 years.  Multiple cities in some of those states.  Lots of travel for mini trips.  I wish I could list like 20 places, but I can't, so this is what you get.....

Place #1

Queensbury, NY.  It's where I was born and raised.  It's funny how when you are a kid you don't appreciate where you're from.  I can't say that everyone is like that, but it's how I was.  I never stopped talking about how badly I wanted out of Queensbury, Upstate NY, and NY in general.  And I got out, just like I wanted.  And now I always go back.  I try to avoid it in winters, if I can, but that almost never happens.  In the summer and fall, however, Queensbury is gorgeous.  Right at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, a lake less than a 10 minute drive from my house, and decent weather.  There's a reason I'm heading back that way to get married, and why I'll forever return to visit.

Place #2

St. Louis.  My first impression of St. Louis was how terrifying it was.  6 lanes on the highway filled completely with cars?!  Eeeeek.  Just 2 exits north of where I grew up, the only highway went down to 2 lanes.  Then I started going places, experiencing what the city has to offer, and I went home in love.  It's scary to move someplace new where the only person you know is your boyfriend, but that's what I did.  I'll probably never leave.  It has everything someone could want, except for maybe glitz and glamour, which is not my style.  It has 4 true seasons, family friendly attractions, free museums and zoos, the ability to live in small town feeling neighborhoods just a short drive from downtown, and lots of shoes (you had to see that coming).

Place #3

Las Vegas.  Mike played there for 2 seasons.  I lived there for 1.  It.  Was.  Awesome.  The apartments were nice, and far enough away from the strip to not have to deal with tourists and traffic if we didn't want to.  The team was tops in the league, the organization was amazing, and I loved all the girls.  It was like one big family while we were there.  Being with the team there certainly had it's perks.  Like free tickets to shows, being on the guest list for nights on the town, and free drink tickets to any of the bars in the casino where the rink was.  It was by far one of the best places we've been.

Place #4

Norfolk, Virginia.  It was so different from Vegas, and yet just as incredible.  The apartment I loved most was there.  It was gorgeous and right across from the rink.  It was also located immediately behind the street that had all the bars and restaurants.  The mall was down the road.  We drove the car once a week to go to the dog park and grocery store.  I think I saw a grand total of 10 snowflakes that year.  And just like Vegas, the team was one big family.  I think I was saddest to leave that team than any other.  It was just such an incredible year, even before Mike's call up.  I'd go back to Norfolk in a heartbeat.

Place #5

Riviera Maya, Mexico.  It was my first time to Mexico and we went with some friends.  It was incredible.  Great food, great drinks, great beach, great water, great weather.  There was nothing about that trip that I didn't love, other than the snorkeling attempt in seriously choppy water.  But I did get to see a sea turtle, so worth it.  I love sitting on a beach, taking in the sun, a cool drink in hand, and that's all I did for 5 days.  Loved it.

Place #6

The Caribbean.  We haven't made up our minds quite yet on where to go for our honeymoon, but it will be somewhere in the Caribbean.  We have out list narrowed down, and are pretty sure that we have the place picked, but nothing's definite.  All I know is I can't wait.

Tomorrow is 5 foods!