Christmas in Santa Barbara.

It's been quite a while since I've written anything because of being so busy with the entire moving process. We've now been back in Santa Barbara just over two weeks and I've never been happier. It took us about a week to get into a proper routine with James. For the first weeks his naps were hit and miss and meltdowns were a plenty! But now that we've been here a while and James realizes that this is his new home, he has settled and is thriving in his new surroundings. I am sure that the sun and fresh air has a lot to do with that because he is getting to spend a lot of time outside.

I think it's true what the say about not appreciating what you have until it's gone because I've been so completely appreciative of everything Santa Barbara has to offer since we got home. The beautiful mountains, the sea air and the warmth from the sun all year round. 

I was standing outside the restaurant that I work at greeting guests and passers-by and the sun was beating down on my face. Having been in Seattle where winter was well underway, I hadn't felt that heat in a long time. Also I have been very appreciative of how happy people are as they stroll up or down State street. I get so many smiles and hellos and from time to time people even stop to talk. While we do sometimes have the people who are grouchy and clearly have something going on, their moods and attitudes have not been able to ruin my positivity. 

This is the first job I've had since a month before James was born which makes it just around 20-21 months.That's a long time to go without working, so I was a little nervous but just about two hours into my first shift I felt myself relaxing and just doing what I knew how to do. I was also nervous and a little sad about ending my 'stay at home mom' period and spending so much time away from James. Thankfully James has taken to it quite well and is enjoying some one on one time with daddy. What really makes work worth it right now is that when I walk through the door, James drops whatever he is doing and comes running for a hug :)   Makes my day every time.

So long story short, being back in Santa Barbara and being back with my family is a hugely positive thing and I am excited to continue working in an awesome environment and will also be excited to get back to school in January.