Likes and Dislikes

So we have lived in Federal Way, WA for a year now and we've had time to assess our likes and dislikes of our new home. These are in no particular order:

Likes:
1. We really like our apartment. It is a major step up from what we've experienced before, the area is quiet, and we've got lots of room for the little guys to run around, plus thier very own play room.

2. We love our ward! Lots of good people and everyone is very involved.

3. Scott loves his job!! For most of you who thought we were going to New York and then it didn't work out, it was a good thing, because one of his fellow MPA grads actually did get one of the internships up there and he has already quit because he hated it so much! Scott gets tons of awesome projects that he gets to head up and put his name on, and gets a ton of face time with the big wigs who have been great mentors to him.

4. We live in the city where Scott works, which for this area is pretty unheard of. In fact, we live only 1.8 miles from City Hall, and Scott saves us money by running to work most of the time.

5. We are finally back out west and a lot closer to family. We even have extended family in the area (aunts, uncles, cousins, and Lindsey's grandparents).

6. We are close to all of the advantages and things to do in the big city, without the big city lifestyle, and we also have an array of outdoor activities available. An awesome vacation is but a short drive away!


Dislikes:
1. The weather! It never stops raining! Today is June 8th, and it is around 50 degrees outside, and although it is not raining now, it should by night fall. We still have our heat on, and we're wearing pants, coats, socks and shoes. Not really summer weather!! (p.s. This is not a fluke; its been like this for about 2-3 weeks and I don't think we'll see 60 degrees for about another week.)

2. Its expensive!! Unlike other major metropolis cities who have taken the economic blow, Seattle's housing market is still fairing pretty well. Scott was notified of the 1st house in Federal Way that fell below 200K last week, and it was a foreclosure!

3. Although we are out west and a lot closer to family, we are still very far away. We are still looking forward to the day when we can actually visit our family on a three-day weekend, or at least be a days drive away from them instead of a 17-23 hour drive. And worst of all, my sister just moved 3 days ago to New Mexico. (sniff, sniff, tear.)


We're still not sure if we'd actually like to settle here if the opportunity presented itself, but its doing okay for us now, and I guess thats all we could ask for. Who knows what the future will hold for the Pingel family.