Letters to the Editor
beanie
Published Letters: 3
-
I am Somewhat Smug About Not Commuting
[Read the article: Help! I'm a prisoner in a big suburban house!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]but it's because I recognize that I gave up some of the luxuries living in the burbs can offer -- mostly SPACE. My husband, teenager and I made a conscious decision to stay in our 1,000 sq ft home in-town even though we could have a much bigger place if we moved to the burbs. I work with a lot of people who drive 60-90 min each way and I wouldn't do it for a million bucks a year. I get antsy if five cars are in front of me at a red light. Anyway, why do you need all that space? I would probably just fill it up with unnecessary stuff.
The burbs:
Cons: Everyone says "good schools." What I realized is, this actually means "predominantly white schools." That is not an option for us, since we want a diverse school for our child.
Sense of security: Is the sense of perceived security linked to fear of "others," whether it be racial, homophobic, or class-related? Advertising in real estate often plays on this fear. I got online and discovered that our in-town neighborhood actually had FEWER crimes than three popular suburban areas.
Pros: Suburban communities can make some people feel safe because they are shy or loners. There is nothing wrong with that. Not all of us are cut out for the bustling city streets.
Suburbia doesn't have to be boring. Ever seen "Weeds?"
In town:
Obviously, closer to culture. Any museums, major parks, downtown, etc are only a short drive away. Plus I am 2.5 mile from work.
Notice I said "only a short drive." It seemed like we'd walk everywhere but guess what? We usually end up driving because our huge city suffers from such suburban sprawl. It is highly likely that our trip to the grocery club, Old Navy, post office, etc is either too far to walk or is along a busy highway that's not safe to walk.
I tend to agree with the Give it Time crowd. A few months is probably too soon to decide to move again. In the meantime you could try to be philosophic: Wherever you go, there you are.
-
In a Time Like This....
[Read the article: My childhood dreams are shattering as I approach adulthood]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Rent the DVD of The Big Lebowski and watch it as much as possible. I don't drink and am not suggesting that White Russians are the way to salvation, but I can attest that humor certainly is. Find others who have the same sense of humor and hang onto them. I found my spouse 23 years ago and we got married on April Fool's Day just to make sure we never lose our sense of humor.
The good news is, you can hang on to some of that wistfulness - however much is comfortable as you mature - and use it in your career (just like Cary!). I don't think being an adult is nearly as bleak as Cary makes it out to be. The world is full of artists and writers who have been exactly where you are now and are pretty happy with life. It's just a matter of finding your niche. If you're a loner (as most highly sensitive, empathic people are), try doing some volunteer work that will get you out of your own head and help someone else.
Please avoid the psychiatrists! They will label you, pigeonhole you and put you on drugs. Not that I'm opposed to a little prozac - sometimes I think it was made just for people like us. But if you go that route get it from a general practitioner. Or try St John's Wort first - OTC and at most retailers.
The dude abides.
-
Comment to Trishwah
[Read the article: The strange case of midnight renegade oleander gentrification camouflage]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]and others like her. You said the "fat" guy's house was a "major concern" when you moved in next to him. Please note: he was there first and you knew what you were getting into.
I hear the same intolerance by your need to mention that he was fat. Just like, why mention the LWs neighbors are black? Would it make any difference? It is possible the LW was trying to point out that maybe the nasty neighbor is racist, but Trishwah's hatred of fat people is clear.
Anyone who wants to live in a nice neat little enclave of ticky-tacky homes with nice yards, new cars and thin people should stick to the suburbs. And no, you do not have the right to bitch when the house/person was there before you!
-Caught me on a bad day on sudafed which makes me grumpy. Very grumpy.