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When we rang in 2017, I realized it would be my NINTH calendar year since I left Ohio for D.C. Growing up, I never thought I’d leave my hometown, never mind Ohio. While I will always consider myself an Ohio girl, I’m glad I ventured out, at least for some time. I think I’d eventually like to get back there, but for now, I’m still living life here in the District.
I’m heading home this week for the last of my grandparents’ funeral.
- Doing little sneak-away weekends and day trips are possible, and SO much fun. Cleveland people are extremely wimpy when it comes to long drives, but here on the East Coast, it is totally normal to be in the car for hours and hours driving to one of the many accessible places. I’ve driven to New York City, Rehoboth Beach, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Raleigh, Boone, NC; Roanoke, Richmond, Gettysburg, Ocean City, St. Mary’s City, just to name a few. Some others that I haven’t gone to and would like to are: Lancaster, PA; Asateague Island, Virginia Beach, St. Michael’s, Bethany Beach, The Outerbanks, and Jamestown.
- Lent here sucks. While, yes, it’s meant to be a penitential time, Cleveland Lent makes the most of it with fish fries and perogies, making the season well, less sad..
- Exercise is a possible and important part of a daily routine. OK, I’m going to sound really superior to Ohio people, and I don’t mean to. But, exercise culture there just isn’t where it is here. It’s not unusual here in D.C. to ask a friend to meet up to go for a walk, do a fitness class, or get a group together to go hiking and hit up a brewery. Ohio’s social life consists mostly around wing eating and beer drinking.. Which, don’t get me wrong, I still love.
- Museums are fun. No, really. They are! I had been to the Cleveland Museum of Art precisely one time in my 22 years of living there… Awful, right? Since moving away, I learned that Cleveland has multiple Carravaggios (WHAT?!?!), and I pop down for a visit any chance I get. Here in D.C., the Smithsonians are nothing short of amazing. I love each and every one of them, but the First Ladies’ Dresses in the American History Museum, and Degas’ ballerinas at the National Gallery never gets old to me.
- I Love Farmers Markets. Perhaps one of my favorite memories of living here was when my friend came to visit, we went to a farmer’s market and bought everything to make dinner. It tasted to fresh and amazing, and now I try to go as often as possible. In Ohio, farmer’s markets are becoming much more of a thing than when I left, so I’m excited to know that they’ll be there if I move back.
- I can get sick and survive without my mom here. Now, this is actually a tiny bit debatable.. When I’m really sick, I’ll be the first to admit that I still want my mom. But, since amazing people are in my life, I know I can text or call friends to take care of me or bring me meds :). It’s not the same as having my mom, but it certainly helps.
- Grit. To no fault of my parents’, living in Ohio definitely made them a bit of a crutch for me. Landing my first job without any of their assistance was extremely empowering. Likewise, the hardships I faced (financially, personally, professionally, etc.) really made me seek out friends and mentors who could help me rise above them.. It’s been a good run.
I still can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve lived in Ohio, and I still miss it desperately. I look forward to one day writing a “full circle” post about life back there.. For the next few years, at least, I’ll continue to grow and learn here in D.C… And there are definitely worse places to do that 🙂