Last night was one of those nights.
I couldn't get to sleep because my mind was still wide awake, thinking about my life and other things.
One of the things I kept thinking about was a feeling I had expected to have in law school, but that I still don't like having: I miss people.
Part of it is that I'm busy; in fact, I had to turn down an outing with Andy & Jo on Saturday night because I felt I needed to study, and I miss being around people in social settings in general. I've found a few class buddies, sure - but what am I to do when I go home to the 'burbs?
I also miss the undergrad days of being three feet away from 20 different friends. Right now, we don't have many friends in the north suburbs, besides a couple of former coworkers, and to our detriment one of our favorite people - Andy - is leaving soon to go politicking in the Quad Cities.
I remember the way I felt when I moved up here for work - and I remember feeling totally homesick and alone up here, when I didn't know the area or anyone who lived here. And now I'm familiar with the surroundings and I have some friends, but it's still not quite home.
Right now, if you asked me, I couldn't tell you whether I had a "best friend" (in the strictly friendly sense). But being married, to me, means you are with your best friend all the time - for life. And, because Dave is my best friend, he stayed up to talk with me about all these thoughts.
Because Dave is great the way he is, he understands that, even though spending time with him is one of my favorite things to do, sometimes what I really want is to go shopping with a girl friend and just hang out. I don't seem to have the luxury of that option right now, and that's one of the things I also miss about the ol' college days, and even at my last job.
So, Dave and I decided last night that we might try to move closer to the south suburbs in the next few years. There is my family, and also high school and college friends, and if we can find a way to do it, we're going to try.
The relative isolation of the north side is getting to us, and if we don't have to stay up here for work (or for Andy!), we don't see the point in paying a higher housing price to be away from the people we love.
And besides - we might be able to get a bigger condo for the same price. Hellooo, two bedrooms!
Absolutely Hystorical!
20 hours ago
4 comments:
val, if anyone understands your and dave's situation right now, it's me! im in a completely new environment away from everything that is familiar (except a couple of cousins that i dont talk to a whole lot). I miss bradley so much, and i miss home too. i dont really know anyone here very well. my best friend right now is my boyfriend... which may be why our phone bill is so damn high. ive been going down to bradley every weekend bc i miss everyone there so much. i feel your pain, and you're not alone!
Aww, thanks, Chelle!
It's funny being downtown for school, because I've never been downtown in any capacity but recreation before, so now - to be going downtown every day with the commuters - it's familiar but unfamiliar.
You'll grow to like ISU. I'm telling you, take a class with Roger Eggleton, he's the best.
Girls: Sounds like you both have a period of adjustment. BOTH of you will quickly make many friends where you are, I am sure.
Valerie, of course we are anxious for you and Dave to return close to home. All in good time. If Dad ever gets a day off, we'll come and visit. Mom
Move out to Seattle. It'll give you perspective on lonliness :-)
Post a Comment