Why I Couldn't Live in the Mountains

In light of recent events, I have spent some time thinking about the possibility of moving out west someday (or just staying here, as I was offered a job at Elevation Imaging today). I know I have always said that I would love to live in a place like this, but the truth is, I couldn't do it. The list of pros basically consists of 1 thing: being close to big-mountain riding. However, this is offset by my list of cons:

-I think I get more riding days out west by living in Minneapolis. I would be constrained by a job(s) in a ski town which probably wouldn't afford me a whole lot of time actually doing what I came there for. On that note, I would probably be working a strict schedule, and most likely full-time or more to make ends meet, neither of which are really my thing.

-I like the city. I tend to take it for granted when I am there, but realize how I couldn't live without it when I am gone. There are a couple of aspects to this. I tend to like the fast-paced environment of big city living; nothing happens fast in the mountains. There is also a certain convenience of being able to go pick up anything you might want or need at the drop of a hat. You need a card reader in Telluride? Or Mazda wheels and tires in Hotchkiss? Sucks to be you. That'll be at least 5 business days. You want a certain book or organic celery or maybe just some Chipotle in Minneapolis? No problem.

-Moving would suck, especially when you know you are most likely committing to a smaller space.

This list seemed much longer and convincing in my head, but I still don't think I'll be sold on mountain living anytime soon.