The Suburbs

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/79261662.html

It was probably 1987 or 1988.  I was 15 or 16 years old.  I *loved* the Suburbs and I thought that Bruce Allen was pretty freaking awesome.  I remember seeing them play at First Avenue...an all ages show (Downtown, people!) and feeling so super cool as only a teenager feeling larger than life possibly can. 

Babysitting at an Amway convention.  In Des Moines (I think...).  For some reason I was by myself, about to get on the elevator at the hotel.  The doors open.  I step on.  Look around and realize that I am not only super cool but SO, SO super cool.  I am on the elevator with the Suburbs.  The whole band.  And ME.  SQUEAL (but only inside.  I am *way* to cool to actually make any sound or, you know, ask for an autograph. I'm pretty hopeful they'll be blown away by my presence, ask me to be in their band, or maybe Bruce will marry me (!) (musical talent and age discrepancies aside.) People, I rode, like 6 floors down with the SUBURBS and now they are my best friends for life!  It doesn't matter that we didn't speak.  Or that I forgot to breathe.  Because I am 16 and the giddiness of this moment stays with me for a looooong time ;-)

This blog isn't about that.

This blog is about the other Suburbs.  The ones with housing developments and chain restaurants and big box retail.  This blog is about the fact that hell may actually be freezing over. 

I have repeatedly stated to my husband, Bob, that living in the 'burbs has all the appeal of eating pig snout.  I am an individual! I am a liberal! I shop locally! Recycle! Hate chain restaurants and urban sprawl! I am an URBAN girl and I am *so super cool* as only a near-40 year old child of aging former hippies feeling slightly less larger than life possibly can.

But yesterday, after looking at what seemed to be 2,000 houses for lease in the Austin metro area, it seems we are down to issues of size & affordability (1000 square feet (where every square foot counts...no freebies) for $2000/month and up in central Austin...yikes), & availability (very few houses available in our price range in central Austin, but numerous choices in the 'burbs).  The rental market is hot here.  We could buy (actually quite affordably) but we don't want to do that after being here for all of five minutes.   

And to be honest, I am tired of living in a teeny, tiny house,(seriously, we haven't invited anyone to dinner in three years and I love to cook for people).  

So...pig snout may be in my future.  But it *will* be served pastured and organic, wearing a "Democrats do it Better" tee-shirt, singing "Love is the Law." 

**(Advice from other committed city, freaky, out-of-the-mainstream women living in the suburbs incredibly welcome! Befriend me! Please! Or I may stalk you! Cuz' that's how I roll!)
**(Apologies to all the terrific people I know who live in the suburbs.  This isn't about you.  It's about me.  Or rather, about how I perceive myself. Or rather about how "never" has no place in my vocabulary because it just keeps slapping me silly.)

That laughter you hear in the backround?  That's just my husband, Bob relishing a rare moment of possibly being right ;-) Perhaps at my expense. 

Trying to consciously wander about Austin,
Chandra