Life Isn't Always Great, but it's Usually Good

A bluejay visiting our bird feeder...

When we first moved to Pennsylvania, it was like most moves, a bit daunting and lonely. New place, no friends and no idea what to expect or where anything was. We've been in Alburtis for four months and as spring arrives I have come to really like this new area that once seemed so foreign to me.

Of course, with the good there is still some bad like the fact that Ernie is still working 14 hour days (and now even some weekends) it's a busy time of year for Home Depot. Overtime sucks when you're a salaried manager you're expected to be there longer than the hourly associates and you aren't getting paid for it. It's hard for Ernie because he likes his job, but the hours are starting to take a toll on him and on our family. While we continue to makes sacrifices we are hopeful that when we move on to another warehouse sometime this year we will find a work life balance. Apparently they do exist--technology sector is the way to go.

We have so much to be thankful for--a healthy family, employment that still allows me to be at home with our kids, safe, affordable housing, a beautiful area to explore and family and friends within driving distance. We are looking forward to visiting NYC and family in May. We have a family wedding in July and are going to Ocean City and Pensacola (hopefully) in August. The kids are joining the Alburtis swim team this summer, and we will be able to walk to the pool each day for practice and fun. Our little borough has free summer concerts in the park every Sunday starting May 18th until mid-September. I am confident we will make many, many memories this summer to reflect back upon.

I've taken our 1600 sq ft townhouse and made it into a home. It's across from a beautiful park with huge tree tunnels and a flowing stream. We have a deck for the very first time, and I've turned it into a greenhouse and fun outdoor eating area. The kids and I started seeds a few months ago, and we now have tomato and basil plants that are thriving. With our two bistro sets we have a nice, comfortable place to enjoy meals together. Josie and I have been enjoying breakfast out there before school, and then she hops on her bike for a short jaunt to school.

Sometime it's the little things in life that make difficult times bearable...

Like the t-shirt says, "Life is Good."