Nine years ago, I cashed in my advertising career so I could be a stay-at-home mom. Seduced by the idea of a simple but interesting life, we left the big city and moved to a small town where the houses were cheaper and the grass seemed greener.
We chose a pretty town: well-stocked with perennial gardens, award-winning schools and historic homes. It’s a town where the local folk take their utopia seriously. Everyone is out happily exercising, volunteering, fundraising and dressing like the pages of a JCrew catalog.
Socially, however, it’s more arduous than high school. I do my best to slog through it, but some days the local delight is too wearying and my face hurts from smiling.
It’s amazing that after all this time, I still consider myself an immigrant. I stumble with the language and customs, my clothes aren’t quite right, and I really miss the food (only a handful of good restaurants here, despite what the natives tell you).
My two daughters have adjusted well – I mean, who wouldn’t want to grow up in such a pretty place? And my husband seems to have made a good go of things, too. It’s just me that feels beleaguered by all the white picket fences.
This blog chronicles my journey towards assimilation – one small moment at a time. With any luck, I may get there one day.
Small Town. Small Times. 
I can relate.
As a broadcaster, I’ve moved a lot…especially in the beginning. A post graduation TV gig in a tiny market; then as time and experience dug its claws into me, I moved up the scale…bigger markets meant bigger paychecks and far more exposure to life in these cities.
Interesting.
J. Crewville.
Sister, I SO get that. I’d even go so far as to describe these communities; these enclaves of processed perfection as “Stepfordian”.
These places are inhabited by people obviously, but it’s the female of the species==the women that are true works of an art form so rare, I don’t have an adjective for it and this is odd because I am indeed, a loquacious little heifer. These are the woman that are so well put together that they can make you feel dirty…even though you’ve just Dove’d, Ivory’d and Caress’d yourself to bubbly oblivion.
I’ve always been amazed at these women. I’d live among them if I could get it in writing that they wouldn’t attempt to have me exterminated in this huge neighborhood Orkin sweep for pests and other “undesirables”.
What a gifted writer you are. I’ve enjoyed my stay here. Thank you.
LK
Houston
Wow — I couldn’t have said it all better myself. In fact, I’m pretty sure I didn’t!
Our version was “Pretendville” LOL Oddly, I find that I miss it ridiculously now that we’re living in Exile. And both of them beat the heck out of Iowa (read: longest. 15. months. of. my. LIFE.) I cannot wait to read more about life in JCrewville!
Hmmm, I’m thinking Exile is a state of mind. Glad your 15 months of Iowa are over. Some days I feel like “seven years and counting…”
I’m looking forward to more visits on your blog as well.
Could you do me a huge favor and see if you can put up an email subscription (maybe using Google Feedburner?)? Me and RSS…sigh…I’m old and it’s hard to teach me new tricks. And I would like to keep up with you and read your posts when you post them…
I will try and do that — must be some kind of widget, yes?
I’m not sure if I can talk you through setting up an email subscription. But this link looks like a pretty good explanation.
http://wordpress.jdwebdev.com/blog/feedburner-email/
Thank you!
I added one under widgets — see if it works.
I signed up. Thank you!
Now write 🙂
I have a similar story – left the big city and career to move to a small mountain town that I should call “Patagoniaville.” Or as we like to call it here: Patagucci. But now I can never imagine living in a city. Although I do miss the culture and restaurants and museums. And not having to drive one hour to go shopping.
Oooooh Patagoniaville. That sounds like a lovely place — to visit.
Oh Jodi, you are an amzing writer. You can write all the things I want to express but can’t. My talents are not in writing. I’m going to love reading your blog!
Do I have to turn in my man card if I say …”I love your words!”. Love the vulnerability, sarcasm w/insight, a reflective journey . Your words put language to what my wife has gone through..helps me understand her better (why she may not do back flips when I tell her I shot a 79 on the golf course today)
Write, write, write!!! You have a gift!
This is a nice peek-behind-the-curtain of small town life. Sometimes the white picket fence can seem like a prison wall!
Just stumbled upon you on freshly pressed. LOVE IT! Hope to read more!
A very beautiful introduction….fantastic!
Does your Google or WordPress Feedburner still work? I would love to sign up via email too and can’t find anyplace on your blog to do this? I really enjoy your blog as well!
Best!
Ronda
love love love small towns….that’s what I (mostly) blog about too!
I’m pleased I have discovered your blog and I look forward to following your progress toward assimilation. My own assimilation is in the other direction. I’m from rural Indiana, making my way in a big city. Well, a city of 100,000 or so, which seems big to me. Life is good.
interesting. I too live in a small town, Cradock, South Africa. Small towns a far better and healthier environment for kids. I love Cradock. Getting about takes minutes and never a red light, because we have 4 way stops. Its much quieter and more peaceful.
Hey!!!! I’m awarding you with the Versatile Blogger award! You can check it out on my page 🙂 Congrats!!!
http://thediaryofsugarandspice.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/let-me-take-my-bow/