I need to get away

Although I appeciate where I came from I often wish I was born in a big city. Somewhere large enough that I could actually get lost on my way, have my sense of direction turned about, have to stop and mingle with the locals as to where I am going and why. I find it romantic. Perhaps it would be on the way to Ikea (which unfortunately we do not have here) GASP! I KNOW!

I find the city streets comforting. I appreciate the way the tall buildings surround me on both sides, enveloping my entire being as if to say, "Welcome Ashley". They guide me, show me the movement of the city.

The sounds of the city are almost the soundtrack to the day. The sound of the tires on the pavement, the shoes meandering along the sidewalks, the horns, the heat being extracted from the furnaces and blowing itself on the streets almost setting the stage for your appearance as you walk through. 

It is just so exciting, so familiar. Although it shouldn't be. I have never known this lifestyle. Although I dream about it and perhaps my other being (in an alternate universe) is from such a place.

I love the little shops, the sidewalk vendors (which always seem to be stocked with Ginger Ale-one of my favs---how come we can't find Ginger Ale except in the grocery stores), the boutiques, the thrift stores (OH THE THRIFT STORES-imagine the things they hold-with such stories), the convenient stores on the corners that are stocked with fresh flowers everyday.

And when it rains- everyone carries an umbrella. It's so very vintage and glamorous. The adults on their way to work (big financial gurus, stockbrokers, attorneys) the nannies with the children all lined up in their golashes and the strollers covered with the clear plastic protectors that canopy the strollers. Even the convenient shops have clear plastic perfectly tailored rain jackets for their flowers on the sidewalk (so not to get wet).

I say hustle and bustle (I think almost trying to be funny) when I speak to people about moving from Arlington, NE to Omaha, NE. HA. I wouldn't have the slightest idea of what it is actually all about living in a city. Perhaps without a car, relying on public transportation (which isn't frowned upon like it is here), not having enough space in the apartment or flat for a stroller and it's too damn difficult to lug it up the stairs of the pre-war buildings (as they call them) so they are chained (with bicycle chain) to the outside street lamp. And that is in Greenwich Village-that's elite. We get a fine for not having our snow removed from the sidewalks within 24 hours. IT LANDED THERE-LET IT BE! It's not like it's staying forever.

And what is it with people that rake their leaves in the fall?!? What is THAT about? Enlighten me. I am curious to know. I just absolutely love autumn and love the colors the have blanketed my surroundings. It's a part of the process. We have seasons. Let's thank goodness for that, although we complain no matter what season it is. Again, the leaves landed there, they are not bothering you in any way are they? I see the idea of raking them in a pile strictly for the purpose of allowing the children to run and jump in the perfectly formed pile only to do it all over again..with leaves flying, laughter filling the air, smiles from ear to ear. I GET THAT! I don't see the point in messing with a perfectly placed piece of art that was placed there for us to enjoy.

I am feeling the opposite of homesick. I am feeling the need to pack up a very small bag and hit the open road (or air-whichever) and arrive at a destination that is no longer familiar to me, even in the dark in the middle of the night after waking from a deep sleep.
I need a vacation... to a big city