Fish Out of Water (but with lungs instead of gills)

Almost a year ago I married my wonderful husband. He moved to Salt Lake City about 10 years ago and has been there ever since. We met three years ago while I was living in Portland,Ore. Once married I moved with him to SLC where I currently am. And I am a fish out of water.

Yesterday our carpet delivery man stated that they'll be delivering the carpet a day early due to the holiday. I replied "What holiday?" with a shocked look he said, "Pioneer day."

Obviously, I'm not Mormon.

I miss my Portland. I miss being able to walk everywhere, sipping on lattes at independently owned coffee shops. When I see people completely tattooed and wearing patchouli I feel at home. They are a breath of fresh air here.

Because Salt Lake City is has the second most plastic surgery figures [outdone by L.A. (I feel so insecure that I couldn't make the letters bigger)] there are billboards all around stating that the already lovely ladies of Utah need breast enhancement, or surgery for their droopy eyelids or whatever... It's oppressive.

This culture that is fixated on perfection leaves those who do not fall into that category, or who chose to not be in that category, completely ostracized.

One of my friends claims that she is in love with the hippies here in Utah. I'm sorry but Utah does not even come close to the glory of Portland's finest.

Since the culture is completely dominated by the Mormon norm, people speak as though am I Mormon. Well I don't understand this culture.

I am doing my best to understand it as it is for all it's faults and beauty as well, because I chose to live here so I must accept what the culture is no matter how I do not agree with the norms.

Suffice it to say that here I chose to be who I am despite how that looks to others. I wear a tattered sweater that I've had for 4 years around. I wear my birkenstocks, I don't wear make -up (not only for the fact that I just don't like it but because I chose to not fit in) I will wear sweats to the grocery store. Here my little part is a silent rebellion against the oppressive norm of the culture in which I am immersed.

Luckily, my friends (all my friends, save for 2 or 3 are in the church of christ which I attend) are more focused on improving their spiritual well-being rather than their looks. Perfection is not what to strive for, because we are all human and fail. However, being our best is what to strive for. For God, for our families, for ourselves, our perfect is our best however that looks, however that feels for individuals.

Thank goodness for imperfections.

Sending love to the Northwest.

Angelina