As I was driving in to work this morning, I was thinking about what I’d like to write about today. I thought I might do a post listing all of the things I miss about living in San Francisco, but I know it’s not healthy for me to dwell on the things I don’t have. For better or worse, I’m in Arizona now, at least for a few more years.  So instead of focusing on all the things I dislike about living here, I’m going to try to think of 5 good things about Arizona.

1. It’s beautiful

Phoenix is surrounded by interesting looking mountains and has some of the best sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen in my life. If I need to be surrounded by trees, Prescott is a short drive away, and of course Sedona and the Grand Canyon provide plenty of mind-blowing scenery. And although I like to complain about Phoenix not having a “real” downtown (unlike San Francisco) I have nothing bad to say about the amazing view from my office building:

2. No Seasonal Affective Disorder

With an average of 211 sunny days per year in the Phoenix area, I don’t ever have to deal with the depression that a long stretch of gray & gloomy days can bring on.

3. Really cool thunderstorms

Monsoon season usually starts in July and lasts until September. Sometimes it will rain 2 to 4 days in a row, which I love. The thunderstorms usually gather in the early evening and it will rain at night. One of these days I’m going to learn how to use the remote shutter I have for my camera so I can take cool lightning pictures like this one:

4. It’s cheaper than California!

Our three bedroom, two bathroom house in Peoria rents for the same price I was paying in San Francisco for a one bedroom apartment. Food is cheaper, gas is cheaper, I don’t even want to think about how expensive daycare for two kids would be in California!

5. I met Tony here.

Of course I saved the best for last! If I’d stayed in San Francisco, I never would have met my fiancé Tony. One of the smartest people I’ve ever met, he’s also kind, extremely dedicated to his job, generous to his family and friends, and a wonderful father to both Zane (his biological son) and Seven (who he plans to adopt someday). Obviously if I hadn’t met Tony I wouldn’t have my awesome little baby Zane!

Okay, so that wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, and it actually made me feel better about living here! I suppose someday when I’m in a terrible mood I’ll list out all the things I hate about Arizona, but for today, I’m just going to stay positive.