The question where is home, often draws the answer from me of "its complicated." I was born in rural Michigan, and long ago determined that I never want to live there again. I went to the first grade in Phoenix, my father's wild hair idea. I went with family to Florida while in school, and moved there after public school, largely because it was the easy move, and I wanted out of rural Michigan. From the Space Coast to Orlando, was a result of apartment sitting for my brother and finding a job while there. Lexington was a move for Jay's career that opened the door for me to go to graduate school, but neither of us ever wanted to live in Kentucky. I don't know if I count the efficiency apartment in Louisville during law school as a move. I liked Louisville better than Lexington. The move to DC was the only move that I have ever made that was my choice. I liked the area, and spent several years softly looking for a job here. I moved here for the job, but I found the job because I wanted to live here. Is home where fate places us, or where we choose? I like my choice.
I like my choice, too. This is the song that plays in my head on every train trip. The first time was in Darlington, England late one night after 5 weeks in England and waiting for a train to London and then a plane to Pisa (after arriving at Heathrow at 3 a.m. and sleeping on a bench). I can still picture it all perfectly.
ReplyDeleteSounds epic, except for the sleeping on a bench part.
DeleteI used to love their music. Still do I suppose. It's a good song when travelling home from holidays.
ReplyDeleteHumming when I get on a train to any place
DeleteI made choices for education and work along the way, but the one I made for love--moving 3,000 miles from home--was probably the best move.
ReplyDeleteBoth of us enjoy being here.
DeleteI'm happy with my choices of places to live even though I didn't know climate change was going to heat us up even more than when I first moved here.
ReplyDeleteYour location is also a great place to live. You have so many opportunities for things to do and see.
I wish we had a little less winter, but the things to see and do are endless, and I love the transit system, flaws and all.
DeleteI think you have an advantage that home is where you can make it. Folks like myself that grew up in a certain area: that always feels like home and wherever I live at some level feels not quite home - yet the home isn't real anymore.
ReplyDeleteIt is complicated, as many things are. At times I have felt anchorless, then I realized that being where I want to be, is what home is all about.
DeleteI think both fate and choice can play a part. We live where we are to accommodate our careers and family obligations, and we've moved many times (locally) in our 25 years together, but every space we've lived in we've made our home and sanctuary. When we retire, we hope to choose a place to live solely because we want to live there, and not to accommodate anyone or anything else. But, as corny as it sounds, as long as we live together, we can and will make any place home.
ReplyDeleteSassybear
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