Arizona: The Good, The Bad, and The Positively Vile

As I collect all of my belongings and make my very first trek to the great state of Massachusetts, I can't help but ruminate over my complicated relationship with Arizona. In a way, being raised here was the reason that I restricted my employment search to the East Coast (and San Francisco, 'cause it's awesome). Don't get me wrong: I see the intrigue of this desert oasis, given that both of my parents fled here after enduring one too many Chicago/Minnesota winters. But early on, I knew Arizona wasn't for me: the politics, the monochromatic landscape, and the near-constant sunshine have never appealed to me. What follows is my attempt to reconcile some aspects of Arizona that I actually enjoy, in addition to the areas of the state that I find particularly disturbing.

The Good

1. Despite what seems like a constant lament over our hot, hot, hot summers and mild winters, I have to say that I take Arizona weather for granted. When the snow is up to my waist this winter, I know I'll be green with envy as I see pictures of my friends in shorts and t-shirts in November.

2. Vegan food! As much as I hate to admit it, Phoenix has really become a hub of suppressed liberalism--as a friend smartly noted--and, along with it, veg*n restaurants are popping up all over! We now have Green, Aside of Heart, Bragg's, True Food Kitchen, Pomegranate, Chakra 4, and many more that my coffee-addled brain can't presently identify.

3. Orangewood. Royal Palm. Washington. These were the settings of my most cherished memories, and they housed the people that I hold so close to my heart. Even if time and distance have created some chasms in our friendships, I love all of these people and wish them the best in their own life adventures.

The Bad

1. Damn, it's gonna feel so good to be in a veritable sea of liberals. A lot of my friends are conservative, and although I don't agree with their politics from an ideological standpoint, I don't think their views are any less legitimate than my own. There was a time when I argued vigorously for women's abortion rights, the legalization of gay marriage, etc. (admittedly, I'm not at all well versed on economic policy), but I have come to realize that most of my efforts were futile at best. I am still obstinate in what I believe, but it's illogical to force a set of opinions down someone's throat, especially if he or she is just as set in his or her views. A super tangential analysis, but let's just say I'm excited to meet more like-minded people.

2. I know people will disagree, but Arizonans are really unfriendly, myself included. When I was in Washington, D.C., it was wonderful to be approached by strangers who were simply interested in meeting new people. As I said, I'm pretty insular myself, but that doesn't mean I don't hope to become more outgoing.

3. No. Green. Besides the artificial grass that blankets Scottsdale lawns, I am sick and tired of seeing mountains and pitiful attempts at trees and flowers. I would love love love to start a garden once I'm settled in Boston. On the agenda: kale (a must for this vegan!), basil, dill, collard greens...ah, a verdant paradise!

4. As much as I view driving as a cathartic experience, I hate that nothing in Arizona is within walking distance. Boston, on the other hand, has ahh-some public transportation--in addition to being known as a walking city--and I fully intend to take advantage of it.

The Vile

1. There is really only thing that fits into this category, and it's a criticism of my own making. Without going into too much detail, I associate the state of Arizona with a protracted illness, one that I wish to excise once and for all upon leaving.

What do you like about your state? What aspects do you detest?