No one! So that is what I did. I moved home to Erie about six months ago . . . wow, has it really been that long?! Time sure flies when you're happy and having fun. Don't get me wrong - NYC was a blast and I have left behind some terrific friends; but nothing beats waking up to the sound of birds or lawnmowers as opposed to car horns or drunk bums. Everyone that I meet and run into back home always wants to know, "Why on earth would you leave a place like New York?" The answer is simple - I love Erie. My appreciation for this town developed during the time I was away. To leave and come back gives you a completely different perspective. I missed my family. I missed being a part of a community. I guarantee any person who lives in the city or who has moved back home will say - "I miss driving my car to the grocery store." It is the simple things in life that I missed. New York has glitz and glamour painted all over it. I always dreamed of being a part of that. I thought that was my calling. Yet, no matter how much I tried to resist - I found I will always be a small town girl at heart. Don't get me wrong - I will not change my style or my preferences. DVF over Express. A nice Pinot over a quarter draft. Tennis over bowling. I know Erie is a beer and bowling town - but I never was and probably never will be a beer or bowling girl. However, I will roll around in the grass, swim in the lake, and buy produce off the street (well, I guess people do that in NYC all the time - but you get the point).
Since being home I have done things that I never got to do in New York. I was able to go back to my roots and get involved with the theater again. I had the honor of being in the Erie Playhouse production of CATS. I met so many wonderful people and formed great friendships. I had forgotten what it felt like to be on stage - the excitement, the adrenaline - I never thought I would ever be able to feel that again. Thankfully, I was wrong.
I've dated a bit since I moved back as well. One would think that it is easy to find men in New York because there are so many people, WRONG. A common misconception. In Erie, I've dated good, genuine, nice guys - at least they were for a few weeks... Ha.
Oh! One new thing I've done . . Karaoke!!! Last Monday was my first time, I sang Take a Bow by Madonna. I struggle to find songs in my range...but that one worked. Last Wednesday I belted out These Boots Are Made for Walkin' (Nancy Sinatra), Dreams (Fleetwood Mac), and Love Will Keep Us Alive (Eagles). It is soooo much fun!
Fleetwood Mac - that reminds me. For Christmas, Danny was "too lazy" to go to the store and pick something out for me. Instead - I got to accompany him to Fleetwood Mac at the Mellon Arena on March 1. 10th Row Floor Seats. Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have no other words.
I'll do my best to keep this updated. Not sure if anyone is reading it. But for those who are, hope you enjoy it!
Love, Lili
