Earlier this week, the Journal Sentinel reported that Milwaukee is the eighth poorest large city in America. This did not surprise me; instead it confirmed what I have observed for a long time: that conditions are worsening in the central city and its surrounding areas.

And it has been a particularly rough summer. At least where I dwell.

I live on the far west end of Riverwest, in a neighborhood that was once referred to as "the suburbs of Riverwest" or the "River Hills of Riverwest" because of the nice housing stock and high number of owner-occupied buildings. But in the past few years, MPD's finest have confirmed that just as much crime takes place on this side of the neighborhood.

In the past three months, I had a slew of crap happen, including a broken window and steering column, as well as a stranger peering through my office window. I recognize this was part of the deal when I chose to live in an urban community, and cities all over the map experience an increase in crime during warm-weathered months, but when the block starts to boil over, I have to reevaluate why I live here -- and why I make the conscious choice to raise my kids in this environment.

Talkbackers, I suspect some of you will rip me a virtual new one, but know that I do not believe my thoughts are "right" or the only way. I'm just another flawed human trying to make the most of my strengths and do the right thing despite my hypocrisies and blind spots. That said, here are my Top 10 reasons why I live on the cusp of the central city (not necessarily in order of importance):

1. I'm inspired by slight discomfort. Being "too comfortable" has always sounded like the end of the end to me. In fact, I thrive on living outside my comfort zone. For some reason, I have to stand on the proverbial edge, peer over to the rocky ground below and say, "Yep, I could plummet at any moment so I better make the most of this amazing opportunity (life)."

2. The creative class. I want to live among creative people. I crave constant exposure to new ideas and fresh perspectives before they inevitably eek out to the mainstream.

3. Anything goes here. Although I am living my life somewhat conventionally these days, I still unfurl my freak flag from time to time. I love being surrounded by people living their lives exactly the way that they want to, and one of my main messages to my sons is, "Show me who you are, and I will support it." Living in a culture where people do not have to censor their thoughts and desires to fit in means, hopefully, my boys will be able to transition a little easier into adulthood, without having to reckon with their inner selves. Gay, straight -- Jesus, even Republican -- is fine with me, as long as it's who they really are.

4. The opportunity to blend in as a bi-racial family. I'm not one for labels, but my family does have a range of skin colors, and I can accept being "A bi-racial family," but I never want to be "THE biracial family" on the block. Here, most people just assume my boys have different daddies, which is fine with me. (In reality, I have a biological son and an adopted Latin son.)

5. My husband is an MPS teacher. In the spirit of full disclosure, if you're still reading this you should know my husband has taught for a decade in the Milwaukee Public School system, and for the past seven years at the amazing Lincoln Center for the Arts. As an MPS teacher, he has a residency requirement that says he must live in the city. (For the record, we both support the residency requirement whole-heartedly.)

6. I feel comfortable here. Living here is not for everyone; I know that. People have to have peace of mind, and for some folks, living here would not allow for that. But because I CAN live here comfortably, I feel a sense of responsibility to do so.

7. The future importance of communication. We've all heard by now that the ability to communicate in a variety of different ways -- even in multiple languages -- is the key to success for the next generation. My sons are learning, on a daily basis, how to communicate with other people from other cultures, life styles and in two languages.

8. The 'burbs aren't much different. I grew up in the city of Milwaukee and later moved to a nearby suburb. I had similar experiences with friends in both neighborhoods, only in the 'burbs, the drugs were more expensive and the cars we did 'em in were fancier. Plus, I think that fleeing the city to protect your kids doesn't ensure anything. Just ask the parents of the deceased Columbine students.

9. I see potential here. I really do, and it's exciting and fun to be a part of the solutions. The Riverwest community is amazingly strong, and I love being a part of it.

10. Finally, two words why I live in Riverwest: The Uptowner!