One year ago, Peter and I were eating bagels on our stoop while a couple of sweaty movers packed up our truck. We headed north, and four hours later were outside our current apartment, waiting for a second set of sweaty movers to arrive and unload our truck. I haven't been back in NYC since.
Do you ever think about all the streets you used to walk on that you never pass now? In D.C., I walked on H Street; on the Upper West Side, I walked on Central Park West; in Brooklyn, I walked on 5th Avenue. Every day. Now, never.
Sometimes I think about the street I lived on in Italy while I was studying abroad. It was on the outskirts of Perugia. Most of my friends were situated closer to the city center. Via Porcini, I think it was called. I wonder if, when I go back there, I'll be able to remember all the twisty turns that lead to that old apartment building; recognize the particular stone wall that indicates I'm on the right path.
* * *
Moving to Boston was different than all the rest because I want to stay here. Everything was temporary right from the get-go in other cities. Now we think, "Which neighborhood will we buy in?" and "I want to be at this job for a long time."
I thought it would be feel different, sticky, boring to have these feelings. I have always loved thinking about what's next - probably a little too much. Is this growing up? Or just finding the right spot?
This post took a slightly different turn than I had intended when I set out, because all I really wanted to say was this: Thanks, Boston, for having me. Here's to many more happy years together.
I used to love to look ahead to what's next, but now I'm just so happy to stay put. I'd like to think it's either maturity or finding the right place (or some combination of the two).
ReplyDeleteNot a day goes by when I don't thank my lucky stars for our street! I love turning the corner and walking halfway down the block toward home. We feel the way about Brooklyn that you do about Boston :)
Kate, it still completely warms my heart when I think about our apartment exchange story. It could not be more loved than it is by you and Shawn!
DeleteOh, Julie, you are such an eloquent writer! Yet another beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteIt feels so good to be in the place that you know is home.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this post. And yes, sometimes I do think about the old streets that I've called home. I've lived on a lot of streets in Boston even, and sometimes, when I pass by them again years later, I get this weird nostalgic feeling inside. Something like, "This used to be mine once. This used to belong to me."
ReplyDeleteI like going back to the places I once lived, though. Because there are memories and happiness that come back and fill my heart. Sometimes sadness, too, but more than anything, the happy times.
And I feel incredibly satisfied here too. I have been since I came seven years ago (!) and I still feel that way today.