yesterday something good happened. something that seemed so minor at first, but it just kept building and building, and left me smiling at the end of the day.
we live in the city, and with that, we get all of the challenges that come with living in a more urban area. when we first moved here, i was so excited about the idea of the city. i was so excited about the people we'd meet. i was looking forward to walking down the street to the local restaurants. i so badly wanted to renovate a house and be part of something. and our house was old! with so much original character! and pink! and it needed me!
lately, the reality of living in the city has started to get to me. in fact one (of many) recent incidents has left me with a hole in the door of my car where the lock was previously located. and, it's been hot. so very very hot. and humid. so very very humid. maybe it has just been the combination of the recent surge in unwanted activity and the heat, but for some reason, the last few weeks i've just felt kind of trapped in the house. but last night.... last night it was only 80*, with a slight breeze, and the humidity was low. so i decided to get out of the house and go for a run outside.
as cooper and i ran up and down our street, i passed people out walking their dogs, and neighbors sitting on their front porches. everyone smiled and waved, a few shouted words of encouragement about running. and i started to remember why i was so excited about living here, in this place. it all started with the people.
there are two kinds of households on our street - the first are the families who have lived here for 50+ years. most of these households are now just older couples, who sit outside on their rocking chairs and listen to the cardinals play baseball on the radio. the second type are the younger families, with their kids riding bikes and playing in the grassy boulevard. these are the people who define our street in the city. these are the people who look out for their neighbors and continue to be optimistic that this can be a good place to live.
i am one of those people and i am excited about living here. and last night i was grateful to my neighbors for helping me remember that.
4 Responses to running thoughts
So sorry about your car, but that's terrific about the neighborhood!
I love moments like you describe. I love our new house, but there are so many things I miss about St. Louis ... and the hope of LIVING in a neighborhood and wanting it to be everything you know it could be is one of those things.
Yay for loving where you live, for better or worse!
Very nice. Having good neighbors and living in a house you like is almost unusual these days. You've done such wonderful things to your home and have made good friends. Who could ask for more?
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