A Tale Of Two Cities
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.
On March 15th, 2010 at 3:14 pm ChicPammy said:
Oh Love, it is a dilemma. Since this is not an ego alter-ego situation and you really LOVE both places, you have to throw both places in a hat. Yep, write Chicago on a post it and “the south / Arkansas” on the other. Place in you Cubbie baseball hat. Pour a glass of Prosecco. Pull a post it out of the hat-this is where you will land. If you pull Chicago and really feel disappointed than ..you need to go South. : ) I vote for the City. : )
On March 15th, 2010 at 3:34 pm Independent Belle said:
OR… wouldn’t it be fantastic if I took a “lova” in the South and split my time between the two (meaning Chicago and my lover)? It’s really a shame Matthew McConaughey started a family… no one else is standing out to me. Hmm, just a thought…
On March 20th, 2010 at 1:40 pm Melisa said:
I think that you should go back south and find a nice southern gentleman like your mom did.
On March 20th, 2010 at 6:42 pm Independent Belle said:
Thanks Melisa! My mom did pretty darn good (and pretty darn fast, I must add). While I do love those southern gentlemen, these midwestern boys aren’t so bad either…. choices, choices.
On March 25th, 2010 at 8:51 pm Elaine said:
Dear Belle,
As one who has been in your situation (used to live in NYC) I chose the South. It may just be my southern roots are strong. If your are referring to Maxine’s in Fayetteville, I understand the draw back to the South. I plan to visit Maxine’s tomorrow! I am in the process of moving from the big city (LR) to Fayetteville so let me know when you are here and we’ll grab a beer!
My two cents: If you chose to move back to the South, just make sure that you are moving back because you like the area. You can’t base your reasons on memories of long ago. You truly can’t go back no matter how hard you try.
On March 26th, 2010 at 2:32 pm Independent Belle said:
Elaine, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I’m not surprised one bit to know you’ve been in my heels… and much like you, my Southern roots are very strong too. It becomes increasingly difficult to live so far away from all of my family (and to miss so many fun moments in my niece and nephew’s lives). I’m very excited to hear about your move to Fayetteville and I hope everything goes smoothly! My hometown is Hot Springs but I am in Fayetteville every time I visit home so I would love to connect the next time I’m down! I’ll be sure to keep you posted on my future plans! -Laura, Independent Belle