19 of 30

The List

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Well, this isn't a fair question at all. So my answer isn't going to be fair, either. I'm making up a new city. It's called Philamemfield.

It's the combination of Philly, Memphis, and Springfield.

Here's why:

I think that there is something truly wonderful and special about growing up in a super small community. There are experiences and topics that only people from my town can understand. Often small towns get dogged on for being resistant to change and "backwater." But you know what? It's like I have a huge extended, extended family. Yeah, everyone knew my business, but... it also kept me out of trouble. The one time I remember hanging out with "unsavory" sorts from some other town in highschool I saw like 5 people from my church, and all I wanted was to get the heck away from those boys before they did something illeagal and I got in trouble. My childhood was idyllic, and I think a good portion of that is from growing up in the wholesome countryside. Also I miss having snow that stayed on the ground for longer than 12 hours before melting away. Plus it would be nice not to have to drive 5 hours to get home.

That said, I love living in Springfield, where if I realize I'm out of chocolate chips I can run to the store on the way to my friend's house at 7 at night after driving through for Chinese takeout. And I can order a pizza and have it delivered to my house. And I can leave for work 15 minutes before I have to be there. And I don't have to plan going to a movie a week in advance if I don't want to. And I can go get pancakes at 3 in the morning if I want to. And despite all that I feel safe driving and people are super nice and there is parking wherever I go.

Which leads me to Philly which has beautiful historic architecture and a rich history and fabulous museums and bookstores and restaurants and culture... and Kara. And I miss living in the same town as her. So much.