Don't Jackson hate, appreciate

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

By Planet User

Jackson, Wyo.-Since this past Christmas, a presidential election commenced, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, the fed initiated its largest one time interest rate drop in 24 years, and now we might get extra tax refunds in an effort to stave off an impending recession. I cannot recall any conversations I have had in Jackson about any of these things in the past five weeks.

I can, however, recall myself and others ranting for hours about how expensive the real estate is around here, how I can’t get dinner anywhere for under $13, how the Pass is so crowded and full of angry people and how hard dating is in this town. I have been trying harder to keep my mouth shut when I don’t have anything nice (or new) to say, and avoiding making statements that begin with “this town.”

Rents are hiked every season. More people ski the backcountry every year. Rich people are everywhere. I know. I am sick of hearing about fights on the Pass and our financial woes. In the words of Sam Petri, “it’s time to stop hatin’ and start appreciatin’.”
Monday night, the Center for the Arts hosted its first in a series of $7 films in the theater, and there will be more to come.

On Friday three art Galleries in town will open shows featuring contemporary art and, yes, free booze. Also on Friday, a huge dance party will be thrown on the west bank featuring a nationally renowned D.J.
There are two new bands in Town, The Jet Black Ninja Funkgrass Unit, and the Jackson Six. One plays a catchy mutt mix of funk, bluegrass, and rock and the other plays classic New Orleans Jazz.

Did you know that Jackson has a Center for Global Affairs? They try to promote awareness of world issues by bringing cultural and educational events to town. I learned more about Mexican politics at a lecture they sponsored this past fall than in nine years of studying Spanish in school.

That is only the tip of the iceberg. This town has vast opportunities for you to enrich your life and help you enrich the lives of others. That is how people build communities.
On the snow king boot-pack last Saturday, a skier approached to congratulate me on my hike. He asked me to spread the word and get my friends up there, so we could get a better boot-pack, like the ones in years past.

When people become less nervous to tread ground that is new to them then opportunities will open up for everyone else. That might require reaching out to someone and sacrificing some of your vanity, shyness or precious time.
PERMALINK:
Don't Jackson hate, appreciate | Planet JH News Article: Editorial

Reader Comments

WOW~ I dont even live there but totally agree with you. I am what they call a Local at heart. Ive been coming to Jackson for the last 10 years a few times a year. Ive made some great friends there and always keep in touch. Im soon to be moving there actually was to have already been moved, but tis life and issue that can hold you back from your dreams. Nonetheless, Ive been hearing these same things since visiting and the comments have frightened me a bit to moving there and getting worried things wouldnt work out, but Ive still got to take my shot at my dream and get to JH. Im 40 Year old Female who is totally in love with Jackson. I hope that I will find countless opportunities because I WILL be bound to make some happen! :)
April