Steven and I are back in Arlington! We bought a condo, moved all of our stuff in, only unpacked half of it, and then went on vacation for two weeks (as everyone should). And I bet the other half of our stuff is going to stay packed for quite a bit. Yes, I am tired of looking at boxes, carrying boxes, smelling boxes, and tearing down boxes. But the sad reality is, if they stay in the boxes, that means it means we will go back to Pittsburgh, right? Right???
If you know me at all, you know I am pretty much in love with everything about Pittsburgh. It's the only place I ever want to live, call home, and raise a family (in the distant, distant future). And it's not just the sports teams (although yes, I may be slightly fanatical about all things black and gold). So you can imagine it was slightly heart-breaking for me to leave. Both Steven and I had a lot of fun there and had to leave a lot of family, friends, and memories behind. It was like a bad break up; you don't want the relationship to end, but sometimes circumstances conclude that it has to, and then tears ensue. In my case, quite a few tears- sobbing when packing, sobbing when cleaning, sobbing as I left ghetto-Homestead even though I tried to avoid it like the plague when I was close-by.
And I know some of you are thinking ("you", as in my mother), "Well what about State College? You left family and friends behind there!" Yes, okay, I did. I lived my entire life there. But Steven and I started our own lives and can now choose where we want to live. State College served me for a time and it was the best place to grow up, but if it's up to me, I would rather not live there ever again. Sorry, Ma.
So I'm really just trying to prolong my stay in the City of Bridges. I'm not particularly welcoming to the brand new experiences that lay before me. I'd rather be a hermit. I know what you're thinking: "You've lived there before, so it should be an easy transition!" HA. Don't be fooled like I was. I thought it would be better, but it's not. It's still the same routine: learning the geography, adjusting to how cruel, shallow, and impatient the general population is, driving like I just came in from Port-au-Prince (all the time), and having like, two friends. Again (here's to you, Ian and Bren!).
But this is where I have a decision to make. I could be a hermit like I'd love to do, but the kicker is that I would be missing out on God's plans for my life, and I can't sit back and let that happen. I have to catch up my emotional state with my physical one or the transition is just going to be long, rough, and full of remorse. So even if it's Day 1 and I get sworn at vehemently by two drivers and almost get into an accident 4 times in 15 minutes (I'm innocent on all accounts, I promise!), I HAVE to go back out there, fight another day and try my darnedest not to become calloused, jaded, or the epitome of everything I dislike about DC. And that's tough.
But here goes nothing! I'm sure I'll let you know how it goes. Prayers coveted.
