In college, I always hung out with the guys (and Celeste). They were so much fun! We would play fooseball, drink beer, eat wings, talk about unimportant stuff . . . it was great. There was never any drama. The guys made fun of each other, said what needed to said and had each other's backs, no matter what. It was the best time of my life.
Tonight, I went out to meet some friends at a bar and for about two hours I was the only girl there. It took me back about 20 years and it was great! There was no pressure to impress, no flirting, just guy sillliness.
Don't get me wrong - I love my girlfriends, but still after all these years, I find that I am still "just one of the guys."
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Say Goodbye to Hollywood
Six years ago, I began the biggest undertaking of my life. I left my secure, comfortable world in Hollywood, Florida and moved to Dallas, Texas. I knew exactly five people here - my great friends Joe and Sarah, their children (who were a year old at the time) and my ex-boyfriend who I only spoke to occassionally.
For those who knew me a long time, this seemed like an impossible idea. I am the child that moved from Philadelphia at age 10 and couldn't wait to get back after high school (I never went back to live but still love to visit). I am the only one of the four of us who didn't really go away for college (there's that one semester at USF, but I only lasted one because I missed Hollywood too much). I lived with my parents until I was 31 (although that was primarily for financial reasons). So it would stand to reason that I would live and die right there in good old Hollywood, Florida. Teaching school, working part time at the Y and visiting Rickey's on a regular basis.
Life had other plans for me.
From the first time I came to Dallas for Sarah's Oscar party in 2002, I felt like I belonged. That feeling only increased with every visit. So in September 2004, I asked my 3 month old Goddaughter if I should move to Dallas and she said "Yeah" (have I ever mentioned that she's brilliant?). The wheels were then put into motion. I decided that if I got a job, I'd come for a year, if I liked it I'd stay, if I hated it, I'd go back to Hollywood after a year. Guess which one won out?
I hate saying goodbye to people. The night before I left, I cried like nobody's business as I said goodbye to Alison and Jennifer (they laughed at me). I cried when I pulled out of the garage in my '97 Honda Civic with a car full of crap after saying goodbye to my sisters. But next to me was a new Boo Bear for my Godson and I knew I was making the best decision of my life.
For those who knew me a long time, this seemed like an impossible idea. I am the child that moved from Philadelphia at age 10 and couldn't wait to get back after high school (I never went back to live but still love to visit). I am the only one of the four of us who didn't really go away for college (there's that one semester at USF, but I only lasted one because I missed Hollywood too much). I lived with my parents until I was 31 (although that was primarily for financial reasons). So it would stand to reason that I would live and die right there in good old Hollywood, Florida. Teaching school, working part time at the Y and visiting Rickey's on a regular basis.
Life had other plans for me.
From the first time I came to Dallas for Sarah's Oscar party in 2002, I felt like I belonged. That feeling only increased with every visit. So in September 2004, I asked my 3 month old Goddaughter if I should move to Dallas and she said "Yeah" (have I ever mentioned that she's brilliant?). The wheels were then put into motion. I decided that if I got a job, I'd come for a year, if I liked it I'd stay, if I hated it, I'd go back to Hollywood after a year. Guess which one won out?
I hate saying goodbye to people. The night before I left, I cried like nobody's business as I said goodbye to Alison and Jennifer (they laughed at me). I cried when I pulled out of the garage in my '97 Honda Civic with a car full of crap after saying goodbye to my sisters. But next to me was a new Boo Bear for my Godson and I knew I was making the best decision of my life.
Billy Joel has a great song called "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." Every time I hear it I think about Hollywood, Florida (it's really about that other Hollywood). And the following lines are so true for me:
"Moving on is a chance you take everytime you try to stay together,
Say a word out line and you find the friends you had are gone -
Forever . . . forever
So many faces in and out of my life
Some will last, some will be just now and then
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes
I'm afraid it's time for goodbye again."
I am so lucky to still have my wonderful Hollywood friends. And I'm just as lucky to have wonderful friends here in Dallas. Thank you to those of you in Hollywood (and the vicinity) that supported me six years ago when I moved and always welcome me back with open arms when I visit. And thank you to those of you in Dallas who do the same.
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