City Mouse and Country Mouse

Nobody would actually consider moving from New York City to Los Angeles as moving from the city to the country. But when you’ve been living in cities for so long and depended on public transportation for so long, you start to believe that ‘city’ is NYC and ‘country’ is everywhere else in the US.

Birds. When you hear different kinds of birds – not just pigeons – it’s because you’re in the country. So far I have seen little birds, big birds, and crows.

Greetings. When people say hi to you with open and friendly dispositions… it’s because you’re in the country. “Hello! How are you today?” says the friendly man who collected my garbage yesterday… HIDE YO WIFE, HIDE YO KIDS. I almost ran to the door to make sure it was locked. WHY does he need to say hi. Peace be with you and everything… but don’t say hi to me.

Trunks. When you can shop for food and dump it in the trunk of your car, not worrying anymore about the weight or size of your items because you no longer have to carry it home, it’s because you’re in the country. Unless you are a lucky city folker who owns a car.

Space. When you take more than ten steps to get to another room, it’s because you’re in the country. Small city spaces make for less cleaning, less storage and less walking. Bigger country spaces make for endless cleaning, cobwebs, and more furniture.

Bugs. When your bug sightings are limited to dust-like spiders and flies, and there hasn’t been a roach in sight… it’s because it’s only been two days.

Finally, when everything familiar is gone; when the sounds of cars, birds, doors, floors, and humans frighten you; when you wonder when you’ll see your sister or friends again… it’s because you’re in the country.