Last Sunday, I officially vacated my home in Hot Springs. I had what felt like an out of body experience. I can't believe I'm leaving this place. I love it so much. The city, my house, the people, the amazing natural surroundings, all of it. I always have. If one's heart were city shaped, mine would look like Hot Springs.
In the past few weeks, things have taken shape in this beloved city, and it is really starting to blossom. The historic Arlington Hotel finally sold and has been rescued from the hands of its former owners. The town is alive with high hopes and an air of progress and restoration. It's really coming into its own. Seems like a horrible time to leave it.
I loved this city even during a time when I would frequently hear remarks about how great the downtown "used to be" or how run down it looked. I loved her then.
And to see her blossoming now, well, it makes my heart glad. If the Majestic had to burn to wake the city up, I suppose her sacrifice was well worth it.
Now I'm leaving one city for another in the great state of Arkansas, however, Little Rock doesn't seem to be on the up and up. Quite the opposite. Stories of violence and homelessness sweep the news frequently, and finding a home there in a safe neighborhood is proving to be an interesting undertaking.
However, I am finding that Little Rock has many great qualities, and I am enjoying learning more about its rich history, its culture, and the locals' favorite spots. But it doesn't seem to have the hopefulness and the progress that Hot Springs has. I feel that such things are cyclical, and I do have hopes that Little Rock will find forward progress again in the near future- for my sake, in the very near future. This city certainly has all the potential in the world...
I'm leaving Hot Springs for a wonderful career opportunity, and I took a bit of a pay cut to do it. Turns out, career opportunities aren't always for more money, and if that's not profound, I don't know what is.
Because of this job change and because I want to find the right spot in Little Rock, and possibly enter the next adventure of buying my first home, my wonderful mother and step-father were kind enough to agree to let me move in with them for a few months while I get my finances in order and figure out the next step. I am very grateful to them, even if more than a little bummed to be moving back in with my parents. I'm experiencing what many millennials have, and quite frankly, what I have judged people for. Being strongly independent, I never saw why anyone would move back in with their parents when they have the option to be out on their own.
Sometimes the measure is called for, it turns out.
In my case, it's a strategic move more than an act of desperation, but I would say there's a fine line this day in age, with student loan debt at an all time high, skyrocketing rent and mortgages, and stagnant salaries. But that's a whole other blog post.
So, Finn and I are living here for the next few months while we scout out the next adventure, and I really said all that to say this: It appears I won't be hosting my annual Halloween party this year. But we'll see. ;)
(Photo from Arkansas.com)
In the past few weeks, things have taken shape in this beloved city, and it is really starting to blossom. The historic Arlington Hotel finally sold and has been rescued from the hands of its former owners. The town is alive with high hopes and an air of progress and restoration. It's really coming into its own. Seems like a horrible time to leave it.
I loved this city even during a time when I would frequently hear remarks about how great the downtown "used to be" or how run down it looked. I loved her then.
And to see her blossoming now, well, it makes my heart glad. If the Majestic had to burn to wake the city up, I suppose her sacrifice was well worth it.
Now I'm leaving one city for another in the great state of Arkansas, however, Little Rock doesn't seem to be on the up and up. Quite the opposite. Stories of violence and homelessness sweep the news frequently, and finding a home there in a safe neighborhood is proving to be an interesting undertaking.
However, I am finding that Little Rock has many great qualities, and I am enjoying learning more about its rich history, its culture, and the locals' favorite spots. But it doesn't seem to have the hopefulness and the progress that Hot Springs has. I feel that such things are cyclical, and I do have hopes that Little Rock will find forward progress again in the near future- for my sake, in the very near future. This city certainly has all the potential in the world...
(Little Rock Skyline by Derrick Rose)
I'm leaving Hot Springs for a wonderful career opportunity, and I took a bit of a pay cut to do it. Turns out, career opportunities aren't always for more money, and if that's not profound, I don't know what is.
Sometimes the measure is called for, it turns out.
In my case, it's a strategic move more than an act of desperation, but I would say there's a fine line this day in age, with student loan debt at an all time high, skyrocketing rent and mortgages, and stagnant salaries. But that's a whole other blog post.
So, Finn and I are living here for the next few months while we scout out the next adventure, and I really said all that to say this: It appears I won't be hosting my annual Halloween party this year. But we'll see. ;)
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