Saturday, November 5, 2011

Missing the Fam

When I was in high school, I couldn't wait to peace out of my hometown the minute I got my diploma. 

Then I went to college only 45 minutes away. 

After college? I knew that finding a job in public relations and marketing in a tiny town was going to be a big issue. I had just spent four years of my life busting my butt to get my degree and I wasn't about to settle for a mediocre job that had nothing to do with my studies. 

Hubs (then boyfriend) got a job in New Jersey, and I took this as my best opportunity to escape. I packed up my crap a mere two weeks after graduation and headed to the Garden State to start my adult life. 

That was the day I knew that I would never be moving back to Hometown, PA. I discovered a life of convenience. Malls just down the street. So many restaurant choices, my head was spinning. Options for places to start my career in PR/Marketing. A big city within my reach. 

Four years in NJ was good enough for us. We found out it was a little too crowded for our taste. When hubs got his job in Baltimore, we were happy to start a new life in a new city. Although we hated saying goodbye to friends we made, we were ready for something new. Not only that, but we were moving 2.5 hours closer to my family. Which, in my mind, meant more visits.  

But, I might as well live in California or the other side of the world. I only see them when I can make the trip home. Which I tend to do once every 2 months or so. But as far as anyone visiting me? It's unfortunately not a priority. Life gets in the way. Everyone is busy. Seeing us is a chore. And I miss them. Not only that, but there are a lot of days when I yearn to just stop over for dinner. Or call up my sister to go shopping. These are the days when I wish I would have stayed. When I would have opted for a more universal career that could be found in towns big and small. Same goes for hubs. Engineering jobs are usually plentiful in small towns. 

My feelings are stirred up from a canceled visit from my parents this weekend. Unfortunately, life got in the way. It's been nearly 6 months since they've been down. We've changed a lot in the house and I was excited to show it off. Take them to dinner. Spend some time chatting. But? Dad's work got in the way. Sigh. 

But I'm the one that moved away. I had dreams of a different life for myself, outside of Hometown. So you could say it's my fault for leaving. And I shouldn't complain. Just cherish the time we do spend together. Most people would love not seeing their family often. Me? I'm not that person. 

Guess I'll be planning that trip "home" soon. 

1 comment:

Cole said...

I know what you're saying. Part of me yearned to move to Virginia...but I ended up buying a house a few towns away from my parents. I just couldn't imagine not seeing them, my brother and most of my friends whenever we wanted.

With that said...my dad's family is from NM, TX & NV. Traveling to see family *should* work both ways. I spent most summers and lots of vacations playing around cactus'(cacti?! whatever!). I do really, really hope that your sisters and parents start coming to visit you.