Manners.

I grew up in the south. ( I really could stop here.) Kids are taught to say yes mam and no mam to EVERYONE including their parents, in school the teachers were always Mrs or Mr ( last Name) not Hey! last name or first name, and people were polite, kind and curtious.

Arizona people are the opposite or maybe its just the ones I seem to come in contact with. Dont get me wrong I have great friends here, but im so ready to get to NC where people offer to help with things before I even ask... Im privelged to have met a great friend who is just like this. She lives next door. Yesterday after seeing how stressed I was even on top of her many problems and her own stress she stopped what she was doing and came over and started packing... I didnt have to say a word. You have no idea how much I am going to miss her she has def helped me through a lot, including this upcoming year...

I also have friends in Tucson who have stepped up and have let me know that anything I need while nick is gone just ask. ( a bunch of people have said this, But I know that the select few in Tucson actually mean it. ) Yesterday Kami came to take me to lunch, to get me out of the chaos of packing and so I would actually take a break.... she said something that really hit home... " Janine You shouldnt be packing and moving stuff, but instead as high risk as you are should be sitting and letting your friends and family help. It is true I should be but unfortunately many friends have kids or are already in Tucson at school and although the later would love to be here to help, its just not possible.

A lot of people come to Arizona and love it -- I unfortunately only loved it as a kid since I could be in the swimming pool year round, People without manners didnt bother me, and certainly the heat didnt bother me. But now as I realize that in a year I will be on the other side of the country, my mum will be back in Australia, My brother doing whatever it is he does... and the rest of our family spread out that really all I need is my husband and two girls.

So here is to the next year! May it be full of good manners, awesome people, and go by quickly so my little family of almost 4 can be together again.