City Living.

Although I've always considered myself to be a city girl at heart, I've never lived anywhere but the suburbs/country. I spent most of my formative years in a town where the high school band played at the grand opening of the new Super Wal-Mart. Some of my most memorable high school nights were spent at places affectionately named 'The Field' and 'Shaw's Bottoms.' I spent my college years in a tiny enclave of privileged white kids surrounded by nothing but cornfields and cow farms.

Needless to say, I've been a bit surprised by the realities of city living.

So, after nearly three full weeks of exploring downtown Indianapolis, here is what I've noticed about living alone in a city:

Walking. I have done more walking in the last three weeks than I've done in the last two years. Sadly, this is not an exaggeration.

Smells. Over the years, I've become quite accustomed to the smell of cow manure and skunks. City smells have these beat by a mile. The gag-inducing smells of human waste wafting from manhole covers or warm urine at the bus stop is something I may never accept.

Things to Do. I'm not saying I don't get bored here. I do. However, there are actual events, things to do, and places to go beyond the Wal-Mart parking lot at 2:00 AM. This, of course, is a very welcome change.

Creeps. I would never suggest there aren't creeps in the country. There are, but these city creeps come at you, no holds barred. A woman not-so-subtly asked me for drugs. I watched a man try to break into a car from my balcony and, when he saw me watching him, he waved.

Mail. I don't get any. I always knew this, but now, I'm more aware of it because I feel self-conscious when someone notices I didn't get any.

Bugs. Don't get me wrong. There are way more bugs in the country, but there are weird, different ones here. Cicadas are all over and I saw my very first centipede on the floor of my apartment. Lovely.

Friends. No, not the show (although I watch it almost every night). Making friends is hard. I think I forgot how to do it. Everyone in my program is really nice and cool, but how do you start hanging out outside of class? We're all in a fantasy football league and had a live draft, but last night, I watched the NFL Kick-Off Game by myself and wished I had someone with me.

SPORTS. I live walking distance from Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts), Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Pacers), Victory Field (minor league team Indianapolis Indians), and the NCAA headquarters. Not bad.

In fact, I went to the Bengals and Colts preseason game last week. Despite the outcome (Colts won, 20-16), it was an awesome time. Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of last year's Super Bowl, is incredible. It was also the perfect excuse for Jenn to visit and spend time with Morgan.

View from inside the stadium.

Awesome view...even from the stratosphere.

Seriously, though...the Colts are lucky that I'm not infatuated with any of their players...yet.