In the small town of Marquette, everybody knows everybody. Basically, you can't go to a bar or a restaurant without knowing at least half the people in there. Everyone just expects it and in some ways, us small towners actually enjoy that comfort. In Chicago, I'm lucky if I recognize that the bar or restaurant I am going to actually exists. Everything is a new adventure and in some ways, I find a comfort in that as well.
I love my hometown. It definitely has beauty behind it. There is nothing like sitting on the quiet beach of Lake Superior and listening to the waves crash against the shore. I know what you're thinking: there's a lake in Chicago, too. But trust me, it's just not as peaceful (is anything in Chicago?).
Peaceful or not, I've always loved the buzz of the city and I fell in love with Chicago years ago as I was walking through the hustle and bustle of the streets, straining my neck to see the tops of the buildings. It was my dream to move to this city and make my mark on the world. Well, I moved here...let's see if the second part happens.
My roots and my dreams happen to be in two completely different cities, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Walking around the streets of Marquette, everyone (that is, if there is anyone even on the same sidewalk as myself) seems so calm; not in a rush at all. As I look around at the people who walk the streets of Chicago, not only are they walking a million miles a minute, but they all seem to have their shit together. That may not be the case, but Chicagoans sure know how to put on the act. Although I hope to be walking around the city with such confidence someday, I, a girl who has lived here for a mere eight months, am not there yet.
As I was thinking about all these differences, I came to the realization that I can't be the only person in the world to feel this way. And there you have it...my first small town moment. With this blog, I will share my experiences about life, changes and finding my own place in this crazy world. Hopefully my words will be of some inspiration and I can make someone feel like they aren't alone. And if not, it will just be me telling you about the moments I have in this great big city that remind me that I'm still a small town girl from the good ol' U.P.
