Dear Diary,
For the past three years I have been in a roller coaster relationship, many highs and even more lows. One day he would greet me with warm open arms and the next he would turn a cold shoulder and not even acknowledge my existence. So, in order to keep the little sanity and prevent my heart from hardening I am breaking up with New York City and moving on to greener pastures (literally). Over the past nine years I’ve broken up with quite a few cities and none of them have treated me as poorly as New York.
First there was Seattle, the city I had the privilege of growing up near. Many may see Seattle as moody with its rainy weather but I see Seattle as clever with a good sense of humor. By hiding in the clouds it keeps wannabe Seattlites away, leaving only those who truly love the city and can see its beauty through the misty rain. When I left we remained friends and anytime I returned to visit it treated me warmly.
Next came my biggest mistake, Los Angeles. We had a short relationship, only about a year and half and both of us were never really committed to one another. To Los Angeles I was just another notch on its smoggy bedpost. By settling in Azusa I saw its flaws right away. Surrounded by fast food restaurants, cheap strip malls, and crowded freeways there was no deception between us. When I did leave, LA couldn’t care less because he never invested anything into our relationship.
Next there was San Francisco. I fell hard for San Francisco right away. He was beautiful with his sunshine and romantic fog, but also small enough to make me feel like I really mattered to him. But as the four years passed my eyes began to wander. I soon discovered there were bigger and better things out there and San Francisco understood this. He knew that I need something bigger than he could offer, so he let me go.
And now it is time to say farewell to New York and he is not taking it well. Since the moment I decided to leave a few months ago New York has been ruthless. It seems I am always just barely missing the train and it never fails to rains when I forget my umbrella. The streets seem to be more crowded than usual, as if he is saying, “Go ahead and leave. I won’t even miss you!”
Now that’s just mean… but that’s also New York. I came to him because I knew he would be ruthless and he was, and I loved him for it. But he wore me out. Now I’m returning to a more stable relationship, Seattle. I’m eager to see what kind of trouble the Emerald City and I will stir up, with all of the trees, mountains, and rain I’m sure it’s going to be good. In the immortal words of Gladys Knights and the Pips, “I’m going back to find a simpler place and time.”
Hugs and kisses till next time!
Gladys Knight and The Pips
Dear Diary 