Well, we have four more days until the Springers leave San Fran. The weather lately has been extremely nice; It's sunny but not too hot, breezy so it's not stuffy...It's these two weeks out of the year that makes San Francisco absolutely gorgeous and I feel very sad to leave. However, when the fog comes rolling in next month and stays for three months, I won't miss it too much. ;)
So, here's my top ten list of things we will and won't miss about San Francisco:
We WON'T miss:
1. The endless foggy summer, fall, and winter that drips from the trees and seems to always collect at the top of our hill, even when the rest of the city is bathed in sunshine. Spring's okay. 2. Lack of parking ANYWHERE in the city resulting in crazy double parking and too-close-for-comfort car dodging.
3. Narrow, twisty, hilly streets, all of which you can't turn left on!
4. Paying astronomical rent prices for a tiny apartment, which in student housing, goes up every year even though our student loans don't.
5. Finally, we won't miss the inconvenience of having to drive out of San Francisco to do any serious family shopping, such as going to Target, the mall, well-known restaurants, Costco, etc.

Now, the things we WILL miss about San Fran:
6. First and foremost, all of our wonderful friends, in and out of Aldea, and our church "family" that has made us feel so welcome and loved. Camden has had the best four years growing up surrounded by playmates and their loving parents. We will miss everyone very much.
7. The preschool that Camden went to. The Orfalea Family Center, through City College, has the best teachers and was run with experience and love that helped Camden to grow and thrive socially, physically, and mentally. I'll be hard-pressed to find a better one in Ohio. (Oh, and did I mention it was free? That might play a small part in my love for the place.)
8. I have to admit, that when the weather is nice here, it is absolutely breathtaking. The ocean is close but you only have to travel a little to be near hills and mountains. The recreational outlets are numerous. We're just glad we were given the opportunity to live here and experience all of the sites and attractions offered.
9. I know I said above that the weather here isn't my favorite BUT I will miss the mild winters. I constantly was in awe of walking around here in January with only a sweatshirt on and the temperature would be a cool 53 degrees. As I cook, fry, burn, peel, and boil some more in Ohio, I will definately miss the winters here. (Though I will finally have a tan again!)
10. The last thing we will really miss about living in San Francisco is the diversity of life here. Nate and I were both raised in predominately white communities and weren't exposed to many other cultures. San Francisco is truly a melting pot and we have been so blessed to know and experience other cultures, religions, and political freedoms, some we have agreed with and some not, but all of the exposure has led us to grow in tolerance and love for mankind. I am so sad to leave such a cosmopolitan place.

So there it is. My longest blog ever but it will probably be my last for awhile as we are moving in four days and we won't have our computer hooked up for awhile. We are grateful for our time here but look forward to new adventures.