Monday, October 29, 2012

A New Journey

Dear Readers,

I have done it. I have moved (back) to suburbia. Type of land where my mother and father raised me. If this is a journey into sustainable American living, then it's apt that I live where half of Americans live. But that's not why I moved. I moved because I found a new job directing a non-profit which I deeply believe in.

And so I left many friends behind in beautiful (but foggy) San Francisco, moved in with L, and started a new life in get this, Pleasant Hill. Yes, it conjours up black and white notions of the movie Pleasantville for me as well.

But we didn't leave behind our bikes. We didn't leave behind composting. In short, we didn't leave behind our ideals. And despite the bad rap suburbia gets, I get suburbia. Even if it doesn't get me.

I can't tell you how many people have asked how we live without a car. Even our city friends wonder. But the truth of the matter is, suburbia is a pretty nice place to bike. The bike lanes (when there are ones) are wider and have less potholes. There are regional trails that connect through Walnut Creek, Alamo, San Ramon, all the way down to Dublin. Others that take us to Moraga. In fact, we went bike camping (60+ miles!) for the first time.

And while it is sad that our city doesn't take our compost, our apartment came with a trash can on the balcony and I started my own pile within. It doesn't even take that much work (and thanks to R+J for making it a vermipost!) and only smells when you open the lid and take a big whiff (guests of mine, please don't do that).

Speaking of apartment life, when I lived in the city, I brought all my neighbors cookies. I did the same out here. The difference is, we have our neighbors cell phone numbers. We make each other food. We ask for help (and rides). I couldn't even get a neighbor to come over once in SF (perhaps because they were embarrassed about their loud sex noises, but still). It's like Avenue Q, but with less singing.

So, in summary, this American life is great. Perhaps great enough...to continue blogging?