Leaving Babylon

I did it! No worries, no misgivings...I had to return to my first love.

Have you ever met those people whom, without trying, annoy the bloody piss out of you talking about their hometown? Their pride and nostalgia can make one say "Then why don't you bloody well go back, wanker!" Up until the beginning of 2002, I was one of those people. I truly believe there is a support group for South Floridians on the web that helps them through the inferiority complex I have contributed to simply by reliving my childhood outloud.

In 2002, I feel out of love with C-town...like a scorned lover I ran into the arms of another (South Florida) and whored myself up for revenge. I then returned to the fold, but not the lover in 2003, for school and more nose-flipping. It didn't work: C-town missed me as much as I missed her and now I am back! Much like past lovers, she has moved the toothpaste; changed the order of the books on the bookcase; and gotten rid of our favorite couch- too many memories. But she has improved her wardrobe, her mutli-culti vibe and kept her love of Rock & Roll vibrant. I enjoy walking down crowded streets at lunchtime with buildings blasting WMMS- The Buzzard from PA systems on their perimeters; it's like a rock theme to our lives.

Unfortunately, much like a past lover, I have to deal with old friends disagreeing with our reunion; family members trying to hurry us along (or hurt us); and those unmentioned occurences that ran me away previously- crime and unemployment. I have been going to interviews steadily (on the way to one this morning, I beauty pageant-waved at some tourists on a Lolly the Trolley bus); and watching in the evenings with a heavy heart as my day-weary cousin comes home from work where she has had to relive every crime I see on the local news in Mayoral meetings. I'm older now...I think I can handle seeing my ex-husband on Coventry or Cedar Lee and hearing about my other exes' Leave-It-to-Beaver home lives.

I could have had one, you know? A picture-perfect nuclear family with all the trimmings...but my Gypsy heart told me to travel while I could and being 'tied down' with the Ohioan mantra of 'spouse, house, job and kids' was not for me. My old classmates marvel at my experiences and worldliness. They believe my constant daydreaming was a precursor to my explorations and admire me for them. I am no Marco Polo...I too often have longed for what they have.

M.~ is presently suffering from 'Did-I-REALLY-make-the-right-choice?'-itis; a nasty cold (why do I always get a cold when I move back no matter what the season?!); and a visit from 'Aunt Flow'. One promises this melancholy won't last!