A Tale Of Two Cities

March 11, 2010 0 Comments

It’s unusually nice outside tonight, which I’m going to interpret as Chicago’s way of welcoming me back to the Windy City after my visit South.  This also happens to be the first night I’ve sat out on my balcony since I moved in to my new place.  It’s just as peaceful out here as I hoped it would be.  Of course, I felt this same sense of calm while back South, which is what has me wondering if a Belle would like living in the South after a few years in the city.  And no, there’s no whirlwind romance to report of, although as it turns out I still have a bit of a weakness for the Southern charm.  Which is exactly why I returned to my urban surroundings so I could snap back to my senses.  Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite happened yet.

I don’t understand how I can feel at home in two places that are so different.  For starters, I’ve always been bugged by the fact that I can’t go anywhere in the South without running into someone I know.  Yet, after a couple of days at my neighborhood pub, Maxine’s… it was nice to walk in and have people know my name.  Note: If this were ever to happen in Chicago, I would check myself into rehab immediately.

And while it’s safe to say my hometown offers a drastically smaller dating pool to choose from, I suppose it does make the good ones easier to pick out.  That being said, I am currently working towards “Guybriety”, which I’ll tell you about once I’m through experiencing withdrawals.  Obviously, I’m not there yet.

Where I have found myself is sitting out here on my balcony making a Pro/Con column for each place that I have referred to as home.  This, Belles, is an acceptable activity when deciding between vacation destinations, careers, or major purchases.  However, if you find yourself creating one about your relationship, I can assure you that he’s not the one.  So anyhow, here goes:


I don’t know, I suppose there are pros and cons to any place you decide to live.  Ultimately, it seems like I can get into a little more mischief in the city… a few more wild nights, a few more good looking men, better food, and of course… shoe shopping with Henry in a shirt and tie without getting weird looks.  Hmm, I suppose the last point is a big one….

Regardless, with Winter coming to an end, I’m in no hurry to make any final decisions now.  I have plenty of Prosecco filled evenings on the balcony to ponder what possibilities my future holds.  In the meantime, I’m going to finish my glass of Jordan cab, get caught up on some tivo-ed episodes of Intervention and try to get at least 6 hours sleep.  Okay maybe 5.

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A Beautiful Stranger…

February 25, 2010 0 Comments

I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t ever fallen for a handsome face.  It normally starts with a girls night out, a few drinks, and the next thing you know you spot him at the bar.  Common sense tells you to look away but you’ve been burned recently and that develish belle on your shoulder [...]

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My Very Own Cowboy Cassanova

February 22, 2010 2 Comments

So Valentine’s Day didn’t exactly go as planned.  Was I let down, yeah… it sucked cupid’s big fat arrow.  Permanently scarred?  …Puullease.  I admit in the beginning I was a little peeved that I got so wrapped up in a false (and admittedly self-created) image of another Mr. Knockoff but a couple nights (i.e. filled with [...]

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Independent vs. Belle

February 6, 2010 0 Comments

I can recall with exceptional accuracy the way I felt when I had my first crush.  Like a addict in an episode of Intervention, I’ve been chasing that high ever since.  It’s intoxicating, you know?  I could sum it up by calling it “butterflies” but its so much more. Its anticipation, excitement, sparks, and waking [...]

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Things I’ve Learned Along The Way

January 27, 2010 2 Comments

Let me tell you about the best gift I ever received. And it’s not a piece of Yurman jewelry, or a new pair of Stewies, or even a term of endearment.
I’m talking about my memory.
When I was 25, I had a pretty severe seizure without any warning.  Soon after, I was heavily dosed on medication [...]

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Belle Of The Ball: Brooke Neufer

January 4, 2010 0 Comments

Brooke is a real life Steel Magnolia, simply put.  A sorority sister, a college roommate, and a forever friend.  And I should mention that she witnessed this Independent Belle fall in love at first sight with The Player in college, who also happened to be our waiter the night before she moved home from college. [...]

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Save The Mistletoe Belles, Let’s Plan On Lots Of Kissing In 2010!

December 22, 2009 0 Comments

Okay I admit, this self proclaimed Independent Belle spends a little time daydreaming of Prince Charming, even if right now my definition of bliss includes a large enough 401(k) to retire early and an evening at Stuart Weitzman rather than “happily ever after“.  Fact is, we’ve probably already met “Mr. Right” only he went by [...]

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Wisdom From A Single Belle In The City…

December 10, 2009 2 Comments

Once upon a time, oh say 6 years ago, I ventured out in Chicago’s dating scene for the first time after my split from the Trader.  After my engagement didn’t work out, I made a smart decision and took some time to evaluate why I seemed to choose (i.e. chase, fall for, flirt with, etc.) [...]

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A Belle’s Thoughts…(cont)

November 21, 2009 0 Comments

As a follow up to the Proust Questionnaire, I asked that fellow Belles fill out their own Proust Questionnaire and submit it to Belle@IndependentBelle.com.  Below are the answers from our another featured “Celebri-Belle”, Courtney.  Hope everyone has had a great week.  Enjoy!

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Lonliness
Where would you like [...]

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My 19th Hole With The Golfer

November 11, 2009 6 Comments

I just finished moving into my new place.  This was a much bigger project than I thought it would be.  Actually, I’m lying.  The last time I moved, it was just across the hall from the condo I was living in before, so I must have been dreading the thought of boxing up everything I own and starting [...]

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