I find it therapeutic to write down my thoughts, especially the negative ones. Doing so makes me feel like I have a voice, even if only a handful of people hear it. So here goes.
Every time I leave and return to Utah, I take a week or two to adjust to the fact that I'm stuck here for another few years. Two weeks ago, I spent the weekend in Boise with the family and four days last week in Austin with the urban family.
Q: My husband was the number one reason for returning to the Beehive State from the Gem State. The number one reason for returning from Texas, considering I had my husband with me there?
A: My sense of responsibility; although, one look at my work email prodded me to expedite getting on the librarian register for the military which closes next month. I shudder and feel trapped at the thought that the economy may take several years to improve (but at least I have a secure job now, ho hum).
Luckily, my husband is being exposed to outside influences and recognizes the benefits of diverse demographics and beliefs; yummy restaurants; beautiful parks; open-minded church members; and warmer weather. He even commented on how healthy the people in Austin looked compared to Utahns.
I'm tired of hearing people here talk about "the world" outside "Zion" and how the lives of nonmembers are shallow and rampant with sin. These comments come from the same people who are born and raised in the same county they decide to settle down in as adults, with limited experience outside the state (and, no, missions don't count). They also tend to be vocal about some fringe, gloomy, and strange beliefs that I've never heard before (and, no, I'm not being close-minded about these ideas either; they are just plain weird!).
Yes, the mountains and national parks are beautiful (the primary reason to visit Utah). The cost of living isn't very high. There are some respected universities and research facilities. I imagine the crime rate is pretty low (except for meth use). The Salt Lake City central library was named Library of the Year. The Olympics were here in 2002 (yipee!). It is home to a few celebrated authors. I met my husband here.
For some Utah is a wonderful place to call home. For me, well, let's just say that after 3.5 years I have yet to feel at home--and it's not for lack of trying--so I chalk it up to that maybe I just wasn't meant to spend the rest of my life here.
Every time I leave and return to Utah, I take a week or two to adjust to the fact that I'm stuck here for another few years. Two weeks ago, I spent the weekend in Boise with the family and four days last week in Austin with the urban family.
Q: My husband was the number one reason for returning to the Beehive State from the Gem State. The number one reason for returning from Texas, considering I had my husband with me there?
A: My sense of responsibility; although, one look at my work email prodded me to expedite getting on the librarian register for the military which closes next month. I shudder and feel trapped at the thought that the economy may take several years to improve (but at least I have a secure job now, ho hum).
Luckily, my husband is being exposed to outside influences and recognizes the benefits of diverse demographics and beliefs; yummy restaurants; beautiful parks; open-minded church members; and warmer weather. He even commented on how healthy the people in Austin looked compared to Utahns.
I'm tired of hearing people here talk about "the world" outside "Zion" and how the lives of nonmembers are shallow and rampant with sin. These comments come from the same people who are born and raised in the same county they decide to settle down in as adults, with limited experience outside the state (and, no, missions don't count). They also tend to be vocal about some fringe, gloomy, and strange beliefs that I've never heard before (and, no, I'm not being close-minded about these ideas either; they are just plain weird!).
Yes, the mountains and national parks are beautiful (the primary reason to visit Utah). The cost of living isn't very high. There are some respected universities and research facilities. I imagine the crime rate is pretty low (except for meth use). The Salt Lake City central library was named Library of the Year. The Olympics were here in 2002 (yipee!). It is home to a few celebrated authors. I met my husband here.
For some Utah is a wonderful place to call home. For me, well, let's just say that after 3.5 years I have yet to feel at home--and it's not for lack of trying--so I chalk it up to that maybe I just wasn't meant to spend the rest of my life here.
