August 19. 2012

8/19/2012

Denver has a distinct feel that sets it apart from a lot of other cities:

1) It’s really spread out. There are no bodies of water that limit it from expanding in all four directions, unlike Detroit, NY, Chicago, etc… It’s a fairly patchy city and suburban area.  There are giant sections of undeveloped land, or undevelopable land because of rocky patches, reservoirs, and foothills.  Denver is also very segregated, not racially, but between commercial, residential, business, and entertainment areas. I think that the zoning is stricter than Detroit area. I suppose “compartamentalized” would be a better word. For example, the area where we live is all apartment complexes, and corporate technology businesses.

2) The streets are hilly and winding. They’re not in neat grids except in the downtown. The streets have more lanes and are in better shape than Mich roads. Also, when entering the freeways, the freeway traffic is not obligated to let you in, you have to yield to them. At some entrance ramps, there are little traffic lights that only let one car in every seven seconds or so during busy times.

3) The downtown is immaculately clean. I think they scrub it every night or something, it’s totally weird, but great.

4) White people. Tons of white people. (who like country music)

5) It’s sunny almost every day, which is jarring to a Midwesterner, but also awesome.

6) Everybody has a bike and a dog. And most people are really active and fit. I feel like I’m at the gym everywhere I go. I gotta catch up, apparently.

7) It’s really refreshing to see glorious mountains when you go up a certain freeway ramp, or to one of the southwestern suburbs. They’re so impressive and majestic; I forgot just how giant the Rockies are.

8) Speed limit 75? Don’t mind if I do!

9) Everything costs 10% more, but I guess it’s because of the previous eight reasons.

I’ve been super lazy the last two weeks other than unpacking, grocery shopping, and setting everything up and settling in. I finally got down to watching the short lived sci-fi series “Firefly” (2002). It’s amazing. Also,” Louie” season two was real good. Emmy and I have been powering through “Community” as well. I’m finally turning in my job apps on Monday. Hopefully somebody will bite and my six hours a day of cuddling with the cat while watching TV shows will come to an appropriate end.

I’m kind of lonely, just because all my friends and family are so far away (except Emmy and Tom J), but I assume with a job and starting class (Sep 10) that’ll change and get easier. The public transportation looks solid, I just haven’t got a chance to use it yet.

Emmy starts her first day of teaching tomorrow, and I’m really excited for/proud of her.  She’s had to overcome a ton with her surgery and back pain. I have the highest of hopes for her to succeed with great passion and enthusiasm and inspire young people musically.