The trip to NYC was good for me in a couple of ways. First, it was a break from sitting in front of a computer. More importantly, it was a chance to remind myself of why I don't want to live there. For a while I was starting to become nostalgic. Nashville is great, but it simply doesn't have the professional opportunities that NYC did. However, Nashville is green. Sure, NYC has Central Park, but for someone that grew up surrounded by trees and hills, that simply doesn't cut it.
Last night I stood out on the back porch with J for a moment. Instead of the sounds of squeaking bus breaks, loud diesel engines, and distant sirens, I heard the pleasing sound of the whip-poor-will. Instead of the metallic smell of the city with touches of human and animal excrement, I smelled the green freshness of trees and flowers. Instead of seeing the glow of the city, I saw the wind passing through the trees, the stars beginning to shine, and clouds reflected in moonlight.