a window into the world of city living

i LOVE living in the city - that is, the REAL city. not the one with urbane, distant neighbors, manicured lawns, garage parking, nannies pushing carriages, kids who apply to preschool and coffee shops on every corner. no, i'm talking about the city of neighbors that know all of your business, small patches of weed-infused grass, street parking, older siblings pushing carriages, kids who are the poster children for the need for universal preschool, and gas stations on the corners that aren't home to liquor stores. so then, here are two things to keep in mind if you are ever considering moving to the city -

1) living near public transportation is key, but living next to public transportation is not - simple translation - bus stops are better placed in front of your neighbor's house. i'm beginning to realize that in the city it is universally accepted that the bus stop is a public gathering place and the nearest front porch becomes the bleachers from which the spectators observe the action. bus stops are also "safe" when teenagers are playing tag with the police. you know the conversation - "no officer, i didn't just (drop that little clear bad with a white, powdery substance) (throw a rock at the passing car) (tell you to f off as you drove past). i was just waiting for the bus."

2) a basic rule of city living is "what's mine is yours and what's yours is yours, UNLESS what's yours is something that -

*is broken

*you don't want to deal with

*you don't want to pay for

*in any way crosses over your property line onto my property

*you gave birth to and you're currently annoyed with it

- then it's MINE and it will cost me at least $500 so that it will again become YOURS!

**this list is not complete and i will continue to add to it as i become aware of other city living realities.