after 3400+ miles, 7 flights, 2 weeks, and countless nights living out of a suitcase, i have found myself back in the cle late saturday night. i didn't tell a lot of people i was coming into town. i wasn't looking to fill my days with friends and dinners and wine and the usual reunions. and while i can think of few better ways to spend the hours in the day, i'm here to pack.
having spent more time out of the condo than in it since i've moved here in january, i'm packing it up for good and moving down south. i didn't want a fuss made, no going away parties, no sad goodbyes. cleveland has always and will always be in my heart. i have always taken great pride in my city. and no matter where the road has taken me (i can no longer keep track) i have always found myself singing the praises of NEO when the inevitable question of "where are you from" comes slinking into conversation. actually, it's usually followed up with some random comment about my accent, but whatever.
the bottom line is that the neo will always be home. it's where my parents and family live. where my dog coop chases squirrels and gets belly rubs. where the sunsets are still some of the most magical moments i have ever witnessed. where my friends reunite and share memories, while making new. it's where i have learned numerous of splendid things and met some of the most amazing people i have ever known. and while i won't be gone forever, i will be gone for an extended period of time. i'm giving up my rad westside condo and meeting a new zip code. one with darling accents and intense humidity. i've already picked up my new keys and changed my address, my name is on the mailbox and the movers are showing up wednesday morning. and while i wish i could take in as much of my beloved cleveland before i leave, i know that my time is limited. i will have to say goodbye in my own way and quietly sneak out wednesday afternoon. only in leaving, i promise to be back soon and to make the most of the time i have when i'm able to visit.
goodbye cleveland!
