South of Sunnyside

Maybe it’s the change in season. Or perhaps it’s the result of reaching an academic milestone. Whatever the reason, Kim is anxious. She just hasn’t been the same since we left New Orleans.

Sure, it has its problems, but every one of the Big Easy’s flaws make it all the more beautiful.That city got to her—now Kim can’t let it go. It was all that she expected it to be; when Kim says she now wants to move there, I can tell that she’s serious.

I suppose, in some ways, that the timing’s about right. When I moved here in 2004, we talked about a five-year timeline for getting out. That would give us enough time to build a little equity in a first home, finish school, start our careers. Then, we’d try something new—maybe even move back to Denver, where we met.

As the end of that timeline approaches, it’s encouraging to realize that we’ve met all of our goals, at least those within our control. The reality, unfortunately, is that while we are blessed to have a home, it has lost almost half of its value, which would pose significant challenges were we to uproot.

But that’s besides the point, really. After planting roots and building relationships for the last five years, I’m no longer in a hurry to leave Fresno. This place has grown on me—in many ways, more than I thought a city or community ever could.

I’m not saying I’d never leave, but I’m starting to think I’d like another five years here.

In the mean time, Kim will try to temper her angst by re-piercing her nose, or changing her hair, or painting a room, but these will only buy me a little time. Maybe it’s time to start talking about having kids…

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