So far...

Things I don't like about Boston:
1. Driving.  These roads are absolutely ridiculous.  It's like trying to navigate your way through a bowl of spaghetti.  Can we say grid system, early colonists?! Even with my smartphone telling me precisely what to do, there is no way to see exactly what is coming next.  Google maps or Siri usually guide me in very calm tones saying something like, 

"Keep left, then keep right...find the correct exit out of this intersection with five different options for escape...(rerouting)..., make a figure eight under the bridge while being honked at by multiple grumpy Massachusetts drivers...(rerouting)..., pay toll; avoid going the wrong way onto one-way streets while simultaneously turning and changing lanes without being killed; pay toll again...(rerouting)..., finally arrive at the destination you were seeking, and continue to drive past it because there are no blasted places to park...(rerouting)..."  

Ahem.  Sorry.

Things I adore about Boston:  
1. Diversity.  There are all kinds of individuals here.  Everywhere!  And they are simply fascinating to a seasoned people-watcher such as myself.  I'm thoroughly enjoying getting to know people and listening to their tales of how life brought them to this place.  My own answer to "Why Boston?" isn't sounding as crazy and unresolved anymore, thank goodness.    

2. History.  This place is packed with treasures that take me back in time and teach me a little more about how I, and the amazing country I call home, came to be.  Around every corner awaits another incredible story, and it's very difficult with my sense of direction to turn the same corner twice.   

3. Sunrises.  In my adorable house, there are some stairs. And up the stairs, there is a darling room.  And in the darling room, there is a soft bed.  And from the soft bed, I can see through a charming window.  And through the charming window, every morning, I have a perfect view of the sun rising over the city skyline.  And with every sunrise, another adventurous day begins. 

Magic :-)    

...and then I moved to Boston!

To my dear cousin Carlee who encouraged me to return to blogging, and inspires me to remember that life is made up of some really big things... and even more small ones :-) 

Decisions.

We make them all day, every day. 

Some we make subconsciously and routinely like choosing to wake up and go to work again. Others are trivial like selecting the best combination of flavors at Twizleberry or which new shoes to buy. Some are significantly more important and require prayer. And the amazing thing is... when you pray, someone actually listens and responds. 

Elder Richard G. Scott taught me a lot about this, in a much more eloquent manner than I could ever attempt:

The Supernal Gift of Prayer

My simple version goes about like this:

God always answers our prayers. 

Sometimes we are comfortable with the answer, but usually not...because God knows if we are comfortable, we aren't going to grow much. Sometimes God quietly says "do this!" And after we respond, 'No thanks I'd rather not,' He gently tells us again, "Yes." Sometimes He answers, "Don't go that way." And even when we respond, 'Umm check again because I just know this is the right thing for me, not to mention I really really want it,' He calmly but ever so clearly replies, "No." 

And then, sometimes, more often than I think I used to recognize, God says... "Well, I've blessed you with a brain, haven't I? I've provided you with numerous life opportunities and preparatory experiences, right? And you're making this decision with integrity to the gospel principles you know to be true, correct? Well then...this one is all you. You choose, my daughter, and then GO for it!!!"

This was one of those times. 

For once in my life, I didn't over-think and analyze. I just DID. And it felt fantastic. 

"To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair, and that there will be wonderful surprises." -Ugo Betti 

I am absolutely thrilled to be on the next phase of life's journey. I can't wait to discover what the world of Boston holds for me...and more importantly, as my good friend Anne of Green Gables said, what I can bring to it!