After 13 years(!) of living in the corrupted northeast corridor and beyond, my Colorado heart itches for big sprawling spaces, skies that actually get dark and dear old friends. Our dreamy visit to my mom's house and some QT with Mr. One’s family reminded me why I so crave that Rocky Mountain High. We had a glorious time (and I have the pictures to prove it. What I don't have is the cord to retrieve said pictures from my camera. Next week, friends, I promise!!).
While frolicking in that bucolic land of friendly people and abundant parking spaces, our urban world kept chugging along. And not really in a good way. Don’t get me wrong -- I love my city. Sometimes I think I want to stay Right Here forever. But when the West beckons with the siren call of better weather and better schools, and Home beckons with, well, sirens, the contrast can lead to that widespread ailment of the Conflicted Urbanite: Ghetto Fatigue.
Top 5 Symptoms of Ghetto Fatigue
as indicated by actual events of the last couple weeks
1. You wonder if urban homesteading might be more pleasant in a rural environment.
2. You are annoyed upon receiving notice of an impending fine because someone tagged your front steps (rather than just being grateful that the police are keeping an eye on your neighborhood!)
3. You tell your sisters you’re headed “downtown” to buy milk. In LaVeta, Colorado. Population 834.
4. You remain disturbed that your toddler prefers to toddle on pavement rather than grass.
5. When the police call to let you know your car window was bashed in by thugsters, you think it might be a sign that you should trade it in for a minivan.
Happily, I think my case is pretty mild. A quick stroll around the neighborhood, (see picture below, courtesy my cell phone), proved a worthy remedy.
For now.
P.S. It is with a very heavy heart that I report the untimely demise of Bach and Wilbert. Wilbert fell victim to some over-zealous grandparental feeding the night before our departure. Tenacious little Bach made it all the way to DC in a carefully tended BPA-free Nalgene bottle, only to succumb an hour after landing. Thank goodness Princess H. is taking it very well. Mr. One, not so much....
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the fishies, alas. The capitol sure is pretty, but those mountains are calling me. I can't wait get back and kick your symptom #1 into full gear!
ReplyDeleteAfter spending the weekend in St. George, UT and hiking through Zion's Canyon today, all I can say is AMEN sistuh to this lovely post. I wasn't at home but I was with family.
ReplyDeleteSee you soon!
I can totally sympathize with this post. It's really too bad that we can't always have our cake and eat it, too, right? I have a splendid idea...you should plan your next foray out west to coincide with my visit to SLC in January. I think you'll be due for some more Rocky Mountain High right about then :)
ReplyDeleteGinger - I can't wait to add you to my list of Treasured People to visit out West!!
ReplyDeleteChristine - I think it hits us all from time to time, but there's always a silver lining. Like, if the car is out of comission due to vandals, a bike or stroller is a totally legit and surprisingly practical second vehicle, right? And your front steps may get tagged, but at least you have AWESOME neighbors :-)
Chels! I miss you like crazy! Whether in UT or elsewhere, I definitely plan to stalk you once you're finally back Stateside...