10 Things I've Learned About Connecticut

Well... we've been here for a lil' over a month and I thought I would share some things that I have learned about my new home:

1. The cost of living in the New England area is A LOT more expensive than what we're used to. Everything is more... rent, gas, taxes, milk. Yes, milk goes for about $4-$5 a gallon. It has taken us a little getting used to but I think we are coping alright so far, haha! I'm looking at this as a lesson that God is teaching us about the value of a dollar. It has definitely made us appreciate our money and helped us maker better decisions in how we spend it. I'm also cooking in a lot more these days ;)

2. The people drive like maniacs here! No joke... I sometimes fear for my life when I'm out driving. They swerve in out and out of traffic like they don't care if they wreck and it makes me SO nervous. I tend to stay in the slow lane and let the others fend for themselves. This fact will also probably explain why our car insurance skyrocketed when we informed our company that we were moving!

3. In order to get anywhere, it is mandatory that you take the interstate. Traffic isn't always bad but there are times when it is bumper to bumper. I'm still getting used to always hopping on the highway to go to the grocery or run a simple errand. It makes me realize that New Circle Road wasn't always that bad!

4. The state of CT, and especially the city of New Haven, is very eco-friendly. I love this... makes me more environmentally aware. If B and I want to run an errand and it's downtown, we walk. Why take the car? Our entire apartment building is eco-friendly too. Our electric bills are ridiculously cheap ( that's about the only thing!!) It's amazing and very refreshing to live in this sort of environment.

5. The people here are NICE!! I was so excited to move here but there was a small part of me that really wondered if I would ever fit in. You know... the whole Yankee/ Southern thing. Not the case!! B and I have met some of the nicest, most helpful people and they have all made us feel very welcome. We have found some great conversations with complete strangers who have lived here for years and I'm always so interested to hear about their life here in New England. Of course... they all love my "accent" and immediately want to know where I'm from, haha! I'm proud to tell them that I'm a KY girl ;)

6. It's illegal to talk and drive. That's right... no phone while driving. No texting, no calling,... I wasn't aware of this until I saw a billboard on the highway... while I was on the phone. Oops!

7. There are some GREAT restaurants! We've had the best pizza from Frank Pepe's ( I can see why it is a legend!!), the best seafood, the best fresh fruit, the best cheesecake, I could keep going but now I'm just making myself hungry.

8. There is always something to do. I was out walking last Wednesday and I stumbled upon a sidewalk Farmer's Market with a live band playing across from them. Friday nights, in the green across from our building, they have a free movie night. There are several beaches and state parks close by. You can go antiquing, to an aquarium, wine tasting, see a play, listen to music at a coffee house, read at the library,... the list goes on and on. I'm thankful we are in a vibrant city with lots to offer.

9. Here in New Haven... Yale reigns supreme. Store windows are full of anything and everything to do with Yale. There is a sense of pride here and B and I are proud to join in. You already see signs up around campus for the elite and heavily rivaled Yale/ Harvard football game. People are already talking about it... it is a lot of fun to be a part of! I love walking around campus with B and admiring the outstanding architecture of the campus and the sense of history that is brought to life here. I'm beyond thankful that God brought here so that B gets this incredible training and so that we are exposed to this amazing area.

10. I love it here! B loves it here! We knew we would probably like it but we were surprised at how quickly we settled in and called this home. The summers are gorgeous and I'm secretly awaiting the fall time. And yes... I'm looking forward to the winter days here. The snow, the cold, a blizzard or two... I don't care! The winter's may be harsh but it so worth it to turn around and see spring and summer in CT. What a beautiful cycle of seasons... I'm happy to be here and to be able to go through this experience. I'm not sure what God has in store for us after B's fellowship comes to a close but I have a feeling we would be just fine sticking around here for a lil' while longer ;)

Lots of love ladies... I'm going to go enjoy this Connecticut sunshine!

xoxo