It’s like I just moved here except that’s entirely not true because I’ve lived in this area for 98% of my life.

I drive around and see certain restaurants and stores, little shops and cafes and I think, “oh, there’s my favorite place for cupcakes” or “oh, I love to shop there for pretty things.” or “my best friend says they have the best french fries.”

I could go on and on. My favorite parks (we have many) our favorite thing to do on a Saturday, the country roads with the best foliage…you get the idea!

The thing is, either I’m paying better attention or living in this area is becoming more and more fun and interesting.

Yesterday, Anna and I went to see Annie at Chicago Street Theatre, I’m not going to go into what I was expecting but let’s just say that I wasn’t expecting much.

It wasn’t until we sat down and the little girls filled the stage that I was totally overwhelmed with emotion. (side note: I always, always cry when I see plays. Am I alone here?)

The songs, the simple set, the great performers, the live music, everything was sensational and totally entertaining. While I sat with my seven year old daughter, who was in total awe, I could only think about the past performances that I had missed because I had no idea this theatre existed but I also dreamed about the future performances our family will be able to see because now I know about it.

She and I drove home and talked about our favorite parts of the play, we even thought about going back with her Dad and little brother so they could see the play, too.

And part of me was positively giddy because of the unknown sites and pleasures that exists around us that we have yet to learn about. And with that thought, I fell in love with Northwest Indiana a little bit more.

*I wasn’t asked to write this or paid to write this, I bought the tickets myself. I just want to share this goodness with those of you who didn’t know about it!