Things I Like About My Life

As fall seeps into our lives again, all crusty condensation and crunchy colors, I look back on my life over the last ten years here in southwestern Connecticut. Yes, it's been ten years for us here - a period of change and transformation. A big move from the midwest, pregnancy, motherhood, renovation, writing, reading, worrying about the economy...But overall, I would say that despite all the changes, life here is pleasant in more ways than one can count. "Here are a few of my favorite things":

First, there is the unquestionable prettiness of the place. Despite the McMansions, the overdevelopment, the terrifying roar of I-95 and the shock and awe of consumer prices, the land and its beauty still break through - in the sweep of a tree branch over the Merrit Parkway, all burnt red and orange in October, in the quietness of the little lanes that meander their way around neighborhoods, in the curve of a slope on Redding Road, in the whiteness of a church perched on a hillside, shining against a clear blue sky.

Second, I actually like the reserve of people here. Many revile the coldness and the stiffness of the Connecticut WASP. But a) it's actually far more diverse here than people think, at least in Fairfield County and b) I actually don't mind the famous northeastern reserve. In fact, I am relieved. When I lived in the lower midwest, way back, I felt at times that I would burst with vexation at people's fervent opinionatedness especially on matters that I consider intensely personal - religion. Not that in-your-face intolerance is totally unknown in the northeast but there's a reason why that blasted, hatemongering church is located "there" and not in Fairfield County.

Third, it's just close enough to the big city. I love, love, love city life. But I have accepted that we will be suburban parents and a suburban family. Still, it is so nice to able to pop into New York whenever I really get the urge to pep up my life, dress up a little, and eat something different and well-prepared (and well-presented). And even nicer to know that I can take the train in and out in relative safety and comfort and only have to worry about bringing home a bedbug or three on my person.

Fourth, my family is happy here. And in the final analysis, is there any other reason that matters?