I've picked much fun at the expense of the state of Connecticut and its rigid Yankee decorum and WASPy society. But the truth of the matter is that the place where I spend most of my waking (working) life has sort of won me over. There's something about the centurion shade trees and saltbox cape homes with their wooden shutters that is appealing. The air is fresh and smacks of the sea. The sidewalks are free of dogshit and garbage. Banks of flowers bloom in hedonistic abandon. It's peaceful here. Calm. Tidy. Chock full of wildlife and downright folksy.I'll grant you the particular city I work in is lacking in the cultural diversity that makes a city simply habitable for me. Yet there are other cities in this state that offer a satisfying and balanced blend of people and cultural activities. And as you may have guessed, I'm starting to think about moving here. Two-hour-plus commutes each way wear mere mortals down in time.
Presently, to remain in Manhattan and to work in Connecticut, I pay mortgage on a co-op, maintenance fees and insurance on a co-op, a monthly garage fee to store my car for several hundred dollars a month, gas that allows me to travel 80 miles round trip per day (or 1,280 miles a month), E-Z pass toll fees upwards of $3.50 a day (or $56 a month). You get it--I started doing the math and it's costing me a pretty penny to live in Manhattan and work in Connecticut. This is made even more ironic considering I barely take advantage of living in New York City anymore...simply because I am barely home anymore. Something has got to give.
I do love this wild metropolis that I currently call home. Could I give it up? A year ago I would have called you crazy. Now, I am thinking why yes, I believe I could.
The truth is for what I'm doling out of pocket to live here and commute to work, I could own a lovely cape near the water, with multiple bedrooms, multiple baths, some acreage of land, real life trees and a 20 minute commute to work. You bet your sweet ass I am thinking about it.
The state motto of Connecticut is "Qui Transtulit Sustinet." Translated from the Latin, this means: "He who transplanted still sustains." That's a freaking sound validation.
7 comments:
CW you're gonna think I'm totally weird, but I swear I was JUST THINKING about this last night. I guess it took me awhile to realize that you live in NYC but work in Connecticut. In my mind you are at a big publishing house in the city, living like Carrie and the gals. But anyhoo, I was thinking, how weird is it to go that direction? Don't most people do the opposite?
If you do move to that lovely cottage, I'll be your first visitor! :-)
And YOU are so totally welcome, my darling!
Stop drinking the Kool-aide
and drink some good wine.
Make the move.
MoreWines, my dear pal--
I need your advice! What do I serve with a halibut filet with olive oil, capers and lemon, spinach, garlic and couscous? Pinot Grigio? White burgundy? Champagne? You've yet to steer me wrong!
And a warm hello to you. I've missed you.
Hey There!!!! Who are you calling WASPY anyway ??!!!! So I guess Connecticut isn't so bad after all. Darien is the epitome of Suburbia. When should we start calling you June ?
I heartily welcome you to New England, should you make the choice. As I have read this blog, I have actually thought about this too - MY GOD! The money this woman must spend on her apartment, the garage, the gas, etc! And the commute! And yet, she still gets to the gym way more often than I do.
It's unusual to think of someone saving money by living on the shore of Connecticut, but in your case it sounds so true and so fabulous. You'd still be close enough to the city to go in for weekends, shopping etc.
Bluesy: When I said a move to Connecticut, I never mentioned Darien! Honey, I am no way white enough for Darien!! I'd be lynched!
And Jen, as a true Yankee, your welcome is particular coveted.
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