What I Wish Were Home

I've spent the vast majority of my life in good ol' Minnesota. Most of my vacations have been limited tournaments, where we went to even less interesting states, like Iowa or Missouri. I've spent a week in Montana, where I learned that while I love a short visit to the mountains, I was not designed to live in them.

More to my personal preferences have been the several trips to Chicago (where Nathan and I are going this Christmas break as our present to each other). I love that the city is always alive, even at 3 AM, and the public transportation is a dream. I love the little cafes where I can picture myself spending weekend mornings enjoying my latest reading endeavor with an espresso or five. My favorite place to go, of course, is Myopic Books, the most perfect used book store in the entire world. I could spend days in that place, so happy I don't think I'd even need to eat or sleep. That whole part of the city has so much character. And then, of course, there's Lincoln Park, where lots of rich people in designer jogging suits with ipods and expensive dogs fill the streets, and where I would like to live, if I ever had the money.

But the best vacation I've ever had is without a doubt my trip to NYC last January with Mom. Best. Birthday. Present. Ever. Manhattan natives would probably hate me for this, but just to myself, I've always called Manhattan "home". If I moved there today, I would be hopelessly lost, and look like a complete tourist. But I think I've been dreaming about living there for so many years, I know that someday it has to be home. I won't be contented until I've at least mastered the subway system. Call me silly, but I have a crush on that beautiful city. I felt so comfortable in those few days I spent there. There was never a moment of "where am I?" (astonishing, I know, but NYC is surprisingly easy to navigate). I loved watching those around me and realizing the differences between the natives and the tourists. (The natives don't walk with their necks craned up at the tall buildings, or make friendly conversation with strangers, or acknowledge the homeless, or wait for the light to turn green before they cross the street).

Why am I writing all this? I'm not quite sure why Manhattan has been on my mind so much lately. Maybe it's because it was almost a year ago that I first glimpsed the glorious skyline. Or maybe it's because I wish I could spend Christmas there, skating at Rockefeller Center under the lights of the enormous Christmas tree. Maybe it's because I am so excited for the day Nathan and I actually say "Ok, we're ready to go" (sooooo far into the future). Anyway,when that day comes, I'll be ready to finally call Manhattan home. Until then, I'll just keep googling pictures of NYC and imagining myself in the center of it all.

Until Next Time,
Lissa Hoarn