Somewhere between Austin and Houston
After having spent four solid days with old friends in Texas, I found myself on an airplane flying away to a place that isn’t home and where I have very few friends. It feels odd and sad. Not to discount or sound ungrateful for my new friends in Chicago, they were there for me already tonight to take me home from the airport, but there’s so much to be said for old, comfortable relationships. And it felt strange that my old friends were flying home to California, a place that feels more like home to me than where I was headed. I do look forward to now trying to establish some sort of routine in Chicago, where up to now it’s just been chaotic. I hope with time it will feel more comfortable and more like home.
14 responses so far ↓
1 tien // Mar 16, 2004 at 12:25 am
here in new york, we’re pretty sure that this is still considered home.
2 rachelleb // Mar 16, 2004 at 12:37 am
yeh, new york still feels like home. it’s strange because while there the badge i had to wear at all times said “rachelle bowden, new york, ny” becuase i registered before i moved. .. and i was seeing and meeting with people that i used to see at events in new york like anil and alaina. so to now be sitting in chicago.. i dont know. im filled with malaise right now.
3 Arthur // Mar 16, 2004 at 7:40 am
Thanks for sharing. Austin is my favorite Texas Town. I’d only been there on business with the University there, but your photos of the town were a treat. (cheap beer, loose women??) I think New York will always be your “home” with all your friends there. Are you getting snow in Chicago? … I can’t wait for your St. Patty’s day photos from Chicago.
Best,
Athur
4 whatisee // Mar 16, 2004 at 8:18 am
You’re not really allowed to make a judgement on this until after three months. Take a look back at your first posts from NY and you’ll see something awfully familiar.
In any case, you’re back just in time to see the river turn green, which I’m pretty sure you won’t see anywhere else.
Finally, one major difference between Chicago and NY. People are always willing to pick you up at the airport in Chicago, even from Midway. In NY, even the people with cars would never consider it unless you’ve been dating less than two months or someone’s pregnant.
5 rachelleb // Mar 16, 2004 at 8:29 am
ha. it’s true. everyone keeps asking me how I like Chicago or how it is compared to NYC.. I keep telling them to ask me again in 6 months. And yes, it was snowing when I got back from Texas so Kristin picked me up at the el and drove me home.
6 Nan // Mar 16, 2004 at 8:53 am
yeah, give it time. i remember you going through this first in CA, then in NY. it’ll be “home” before you know it!
7 Jessica // Mar 16, 2004 at 9:41 am
That makes me kind of sad but in a wierd way kind of happy. I don’t want you to forgot new york as your home BUT at the same time I do want Chicago to start feeling like home for you.
You have been going everywhere recently and seeing friends in all locations.. new york, chicago and then texas.. that definately would make me feel “unsettled” and lost for where I want to be.
You know what to do. You made San Diego and New York your home. Chicago will be on its way.
MISS YA!
8 zip // Mar 16, 2004 at 10:24 am
Hey, I felt the same way when I moved here from NY. It’s tough getting in the groove. Just try not to blame it on Chicago. This is a pretty great place (except after I read your March 11th post). Let’s go to lunch when you get time to decompress. And if all else fails, take one more trip - up north - to see your family. After all, they are the best friends you’ll ever have.
9 Chris // Mar 16, 2004 at 11:04 am
hey - lucky seating on the plane! Twice w/ window/wing seats! Anyway, don’t worry, everything happens for a reason…
10 Amanda // Mar 16, 2004 at 2:46 pm
I am all about leaving random comments on people’s blogs. which in and of itself could be an interesting blog. And to top it off… It is amazing where you can end up when you start at one blog… and just follow links to Other Blogs!!!
11 jens // Mar 16, 2004 at 5:26 pm
I dont really know how i ended up at your blog but i just read your going home entry and i just felt like - whoa! This is just how i felt when moving to stockholm! (and still feel sometimes..). But when considering what staying would have been like it feel really good to have moved. Not that i didnt like my old town but meeting all these now people and experiencing stuff makes it more than worth it. Also i (as you) still have loads of friends in other cities…
…Its late, Im rambling… Have a nice day //jens
12 dad bowden // Mar 16, 2004 at 5:29 pm
Home is were you can hang your hat.
Or any place were you would like it to be
Dad
13 rachelle // Mar 16, 2004 at 5:30 pm
thanks for the support, guys.. i know i just have to give it time.. you know me, though. i’m so impatient about everything.
14 TDP // Mar 17, 2004 at 1:28 am
Another great airplane shot!!
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