Good Things Utah!

Alright, so my disdain and utter annoyance about Utah and it's dominant culture is no secret. I'm sure many have rolled their eyes in response to some of not only my comments but Heidi's as well. However, since it is General Conference weekend we thought we would confess a few of our favorite things about Zion.

Yep, I admit it, there are a few things about the Beehive State that Heidi and I miss. I never denied that fact, but the obnoxious characteristics far outweigh the positive. Let me remind you that there are countless family and friends that have chosen (for what reason I know not why) to stay in Utah and we love them dearly and miss them but here are a few other things we also long for.

1. Aw, the mountains. We miss them, the canyons, and the valleys. It is a true aspect of the Rocky Mountains that once one lives in that environment one will never get over it.

2. Nicklecade...you ruined arcade games for me forever. I mean honestly, after only paying a nickel a game I could never feel good about paying a quarter again. Unfortunately I have never seen a Nicklecade outside of Deseret.

3. Crisp Bean Burritos from Taco Time. Sure, there were a few of these eateries in Vegas but they are all over Utah and absolutely none in Texas. Oddly enough Texas has two fast food Mexican chains, Taco Bell and Taco Cabana. However, there are a lot of fantastic sit-down Mexican restaurants to go around.

3. I'm going to admit something here that I have never admitted anywhere else. I like Fry Sauce. Yep, that disgusting sounding concoction of ketchup, mayo, and spices is something I really miss and I truly don't know why.

4. With several million people Houston is one of the largest cities and metropolitan areas in the country and has one of the lousiest public transportation systems in the nation. Utah on the other hand has proven with TRAX that a light rail system is cost effective, good for the environment, and efficient. Many states could learn from Utah's experience with speedy commuter trains.

5. Not only does Utah look like fall during the fall season but it smells like fall too. That is my favorite season and I miss it. The desert and the bayou just don't do that luscious season justice.

6. A lot of people that travel to Utah are befuddled by the street layout. You know, by numbers, not names. A giant grid system, similar to the game Battleship. Well, I love it and it makes perfect sense. We have had the privilege of driving in dozens of states and even a few countries and Zion has this one figured out. Brigham Young knew what he was doing when he insisted on this format, it just makes life easier once you know how it works.

7. Strawberry Days. Yes, the carnival is frightening, the rodeo is kind of sad, and the parade has tractors in it but you know what, I miss Pleasant Grove's Strawberry Days. You just can't beat paying a buck for a cup of freshly cut strawberries and cream not to mention the nostalgia is thick as molasses.

Uh, oh. Our original goal was to come up with 10 of our favorite things found in Utah but our well has seem to have dried up. Bummer. Perhaps some of you expatriate Utahns have a few to add. Those that are still in Utah feel free to add to the list but my guess is your too close, it is hard to miss something when it is readily available. Opposite in all things works here too, huh, go figure.

P.S. One thing I don't miss is that obnoxious, lame, and cheesy TV show called "Good Things Utah."