What I am missing about east coast living right about now...

We have lived out west for 3 years and 3 months now. But who is counting, right?

This week it finally hit me. There are "things" that I am really missing right about now about living on the east coast.

#1 Sweet tea in restaurants. Don't get me wrong, you can get iced tea out here, but then you have to sweeten it. Frankly, the artificial sweeteners just don't do it for me. It needs to be made with real sugar that melts after the tea bags steep in boiling water. I'm just sayin'.

#2 Humidity. I know all of my east coast family and friends will cringe when they read this, but hear me out. Humidity is because of the wonderful rain you get that makes your grass, trees, and beautiful flowers green. If those things are green out west, it is because we just spent $300 a month on our water bill to make sure they stay green. I find it a bit crazy, personally. Also, I know the rain and thunderstorms can put a damper in plans on some days but it is nice to have a change in the weather once in a while. Most days out here it does feel like Groundhog Day. Hot, sunny, and no clouds in sight. While that is an ideal weather day for most people, I personally like the occasional rain/thunderstorm. Another perk to the humidity: it is SO good for your skin. The moisture that stays in your skin is saving you a ton of money on moisturizing cream! Believe me on this one. The wrinkles pop out a little more with less moisture in the epidermis.

#3 Chick-fil-A's. I know there are a few of these out here, but never where we have lived. It just reminds me of fun trips to the Garden's Mall and having lunch. They have the best fries and, of course, sweet tea.

#4 BBQ joints. I was watching the Food Network the other night before bed and there was a BBQ ribs special on at the time. So I had a sudden craving for Park Avenue BBQ in Tequesta. Or Beach Bully in VA Beach. I have yet to come across a good BBQ joint out here. There was one in Fallon that we went to back when we lived there. Chris took a bite of the cornbread and said, "This tastes like crap. If they can't even get the cornbread right, the BBQ is probably going to be bad." And he was right, it was bad.

#5 Bagel shops. I love a good bagel. Or a good bagel sandwich. The only thing resembling bagel shops are the Donut shops on every corner out here. Not the same. You can't put cream cheese, lettuce, tomato and sprouts on a donut and feel satisfied with that meal. How gross does that sound? So I stock up on bagels at the local Costco. They do an OK job. Not like Einstein's or Brooklyn Bagel though.

Just feeling a little east coast home sick this week. That's all!