Dear Marie, snug as a bug in a rug

So...there isn't a Danish Dream like we have here in the states? Or at least it is certainly a xenophobic dream. I guess they don't want just anybody to use their free health care system, free education, minimum wage of, what, $15 an hour? You'd think they'd at least let you pay the 50% tax rate or whatever it is.

I've been thinking plenty about my decision to stay in Salt Lake. All of my friends outside the state strongly suggest I move some place more socially and politically progressive, with a more vibrant art community, a more established infrastructure of community organizing and social action. When I get frustrated here, I day dream about moving to a place where Critical Mass isn't criticized even by the people you'd think would be down to participate. A place where I don't have to convince people that performance art doesn't just mean plays, dance and poetry slams. I'd like to have a conversation about political correctness with more than just a bunch of white middle class people.

All good reasons to leave Salt Lake. But regardless of its shortcomings (all of which I believe are on the verge of changing), Salt Lake is a fucking fantastic place to live. On clean, clear days (I'll tell you all about inversion some day) the city is surrounded by magnificent mountains, snow capped in winter. Pockets of creativity, diversity and rebellious insight are consistently strengthened in the face of adversity. If you ever need to polish your Fuck You attitude, Salt Lake is a great place to do that.

On top of all this, it's EASY to live here. I can have a luxurious one bedroom apartment in a turn of the century home in nice neighborhood for the same price as a bed in a 2 bedroom house shared by 4 people in an apartment complex 20minutes from the train in Brooklyn. I can work less than full time and make enough money to live comfortably.

The coolest thing, however, is I can start my own business or non-profit, throw parties or events or workshops, open a boutique or themed restaurant. And anything I do, people will think it's original or unique. This city is just enough behind the times that even ideas that are mainstream, common knowledge or so last year in New York or LA are still brand new here. And the community is tight enough that new ventures are likely to be supported and thrive.

I'm saying all this not in a neener-neener-my situation-is-better-than-yours sort of way, but to point out a stark contrast in choice and priorities. Denmark is awesome. There is something you have been strongly attracted to in the land, government, people and culture. For a long time it has been worth being an outsider, not knowing what people were saying all the time. And even if you know the words, sometimes the culture differences are so profound that you feel totally lost. Regardless, you chose your lifestyle with admirable intention.

Now however, you are seriously reconsidering your priorities. This can be a very empowering thing, but sounds like for you it's overwhelming. You've given it everything you have. You went way beyond anything I would have anticipated, marrying a Dane! That should show the universe your serious commitment to your relationship with this guy and with the country. I try to hold myself back from telling you to do what I want you to do, but I just want happiness for you. All the way from being in alignment with the big, big world down to a little, personal coup d'etat here and there.

How can we make this happen for you?

Love, Jennica