City Vs Suburbs

 

Right, let’s dissect this whole “city lover” nonsense, shall we? Apparently, some people find the constant assault on the senses invigorating. They crave the feeling of being sardines in a can, jostled by tourists with selfie sticks and businessmen talking loudly into Bluetooth earpieces the size of their brains.

Me? I like a bit of breathing room. I do not need the soundtrack of my life to be a symphony of car horns and jackhammers. Don’t get me wrong, I was born in Boston. I know the city life. Dodging pigeons the size of terriers, navigating a minefield of discarded pizza boxes and overflowing trash cans – that was my childhood.

But then, thank the Lord, my folks moved us to the suburbs. Now, some comedians like to take potshots at suburbia. They paint a picture of Stepford Wives with perfect lawns and identical SUVs. Listen, here’s the thing: I’ll take a neatly mowed lawn over a puddle of questionable origin any day. And as for the SUVs? Well, at least they can fit all the groceries you need without playing Tetris with your shopping bags.

Now, the “anonymity” of city life? More like a recipe for social awkwardness. You want to avoid eye contact with people? Fine, be my guest. But in the suburbs, there’s a sense of community. You know your neighbors, you wave hello, you might even borrow a cup of sugar in a pinch. Sure, you might hear Mrs. Henderson’s yappy poodle serenade the neighborhood at dawn, but at least you know who to blame.

And let us not forget the “hustle and bustle.” Hustle? More like a frantic scramble for the last overpriced parking spot or latte. Bustle? Try dodging a rogue double stroller while wielding a latte. Give me the peace and quiet of my suburban street any day. I can hear myself think. I can grill and eat without dodging pigeons (although the neighborhood squirrels can be a bit of a nuisance).

Look, the city might be your cup of tea. Maybe you thrive on chaos? But for me, the suburbs are a slice of sanity in a world gone…well, let’s just say a world that could use a bigger dose of weed whackers and friendly barbecues. So, the next time you hear someone wax poetic about the “urban experience,” just remember, there’s a whole world of perfectly manicured lawns and friendly (if slightly nosy) neighbors waiting for those who prefer a life less stressful and a touch more…beige.

–30–

Mother’s Little Helper

Mother’s Little Helper

After a trouble-free pregnancy,  and a complication-free C-section, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy.   We hired a wonderful baby nurse to show us the ropes,  we had loving  grandparents living nearby,  and I was on maternity leave from a job I loved that would wait for me when I was ready to return.

Everything was perfect – or so it seemed – until a few weeks after the birth I found myself often weepy and feeling at sea.

It became apparent I was suffering from postpartum depression,  something more common than I would have guessed.  In fact 1 in 8 women have some aspect of PPD with symptoms that may vary from feelings of sadness,  to extreme anxiety,  or sleeplessness,  or irritability,  or a sense of being overwhelmed.  Some women report feeling suicidal,  or even harboring thoughts of harming the baby.  In my case I remember asking myself,  Is this all there is?

PPD is not completely understood altho the drastic drop in hormones after childbirth may contribute,  and unfortunately there is no sure fire medical cure.   Joining a support group or seeking counseling can help,  altho I did neither.  Instead I told my doctor the nighttime baby feedings were taking a toll,  and I asked him for something to help me sleep.  He gave me a prescription for an anti-anxiety med and warned me not to abuse it –  but for a time I confess I did.

Then thankfully at some point the cloud lifted,  and I stopped popping those pills.  And looking back now I realize that despite the exhaustion and the stress my darker memories are far outweighed by my happier ones,  and I miss those early, hectic years!

(For more on those years see My Brown-Eyed Girl, Stay-at-Home Mom,  Going Back to Work,  Three-Ring Circus, and Our Noisy Nanny)

– Dana Susan Lehrman