I’ve read at least three different places recently people vent their disdain for this state, and it’s surprised me. It’s not the normal “Utahans are closed mind/misunderstanding/unrighteous and need to know what real life is like outside of Mormonville” stuff either.
I’ll admit I haven’t been thrilled about the weather every minute, or the drivers, though I’m getting used to them, and other than the infamous Utah road blocks (you know, when all lanes across the freeway are blocked with vehicles that seem oblivious to other traffic and happy to remain just below the speed limit while the road is wide open in front of them, and there’s no way to pass), I’m used to the way traffic generally flows when I’m out and about and even appreciate it.
But it’s beautiful here! I’m not nearly as afraid of the kids my kids will meet on the playground or the park. People understand people have kids, and get over it when one has a tantrum or you have to take a child with you in public.
For the most part I have all the shopping and metro lifestyle I could wish for within half an hour either direction, but there’s also gardens and farms and country, or mountains and lakes too. Sure I miss the ocean, big zoo, great flea markets, and and half-price book store, but I can vacation to those things too. I actually think I can get real Mexican food and authentic horchata more places within three miles, than I could in Texas. There’s family friendly catering everywhere I go, restaurants, stores, entertainment.
I like it here. It’s a good place with good honest people everywhere you go. Not that there aren’t in other places. It’s clean, and there are beautiful mountains. Here in a few weeks the whole environment will light up with beautiful colors and blooms. My first spring back I just couldn’t stop staring and enjoying it all. I can’t wait for summer nights, cool walks and enjoying the nights. I can’t wait to pack up the car and just go somewhere local with my family.
I still stand by my theory that there are great people and places everywhere, and that if you don’t like where you are, don’t make it everyone else’s problem, move or make the changes you want to see. You’re responsible for your own happiness, not everyone else.
Well, I did just get back from a trip to UT today in fact. I was probably one of those trash-talking people LOL. 🙂 I can’t say I enjoyed it. Though, I can say, out of all the hundreds of times I’ve been to UT it was the first time I really did not like it. So I figure if only one time out of hundreds I didn’t enjoy it, then that is okay. I’m allowed. 🙂
I agree. Utah sounds nice to me!
Jenni, I’m not sure I could be happy in Paris if the trip was under the circumstances and reasons you took your trip here… Sick baby, uncomfortable, endless drive, and it goes on and on. No thanks!
I wish we’d have had a chance to get together though. I need to get your cell number so I can call you if I happen to know you’re down here again!
Amen sista!!! I’ve been here since 1995 and love it. The only time I don’t love it is when the inversion sets in :P. But that’s just a handfull of days per year.