Good morning, Thursday...lots to do today- work and otherwise.
I wanted to share some thoughts on Miami with you- as I was talking to someone who lives here and loves it, I found myself ranting and railing against the city and then felt bad about it. I've been very unapologetic about why Miami is no bueno for me, but part of me is thinking I must be nuts.I mean, winter is coming and I have a whole season of radiator heat, dry skin, and cold toes to look forward to, not to mention a bevy of gray days. So what's up with leaving Miami for New York with winter about to start? Here's the deal.
I liken my dislike of this town to a complete lack of chemistry- much like a bad first date. True, the guy or girl may be gorgeous, with perfect teeth, great abs, and a great job, but it doesn't mean you have to like them, right?I have grappled with Miami in the same way- why don't I like you? You are very beautiful, very sexy, and above all, not too expensive to live in. And you are hot- literally and figuratively- all the time, so why do you leave me cold?
I'm chalking it up to a complete lack of oomph- my oxytocin just doesn't get wowed by you, and that's that. Maybe it's because I've always been the kind of girl who needs something deeper, more meaningful, and more soulful. And my soul has always been in the Northeast, and New York in particular- I love concrete, old buildings, and faces full of character. I love great food, diversity, and high style. I also like to walk. A lot. So even though Miami is perfect on the outside, it offers me not much more than a beach day. I know there's more here, I just never really got through the first date to find out (a 7 year first date ps).
I remember my dad coming down here when we first moved- we took my parents to the Biltmore in Coral Gables, an insanely lovely old hotel with a pool to die for (it is one of my favorite spots here). As we sipped mojitos, my dad, in typical my dad fashion, hit me on the back and said "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Um, many things? He went on, "I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU. YOU LIVED IN THAT FILTHY DIRTY CITY FOR YEARS AND NOW LOOK WHERE YOU ARE- HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS????" He did have a point, but I still was not buying. I left my heart in New York and for many years, New York was the one that got away, and I never really got over it. I distracted my pain with other lovers (work in particular), but nothing took the pain away. Thank G-d I had the wardrobe to mourn the loss- after years of New York living I could wear black every day, but in Miami people begin to suspect you are either high goth or a witch when you do that, yet another reason I can't live here. (Pink is not my color. Nor is anything bright). And I'm relieved to know that I'm not going through early menopause- it's just hot here all the time and I am always on the verge of a sweat. I know the winter can be a bitch in the New York, but man, I can't wait to be cold. I really can't. It suits my constitution much better, and makes me appreciate a trip to the Caribbean all the more. The heat here is simply not for me, bad for my constitution- I run hot.
On a side note, today I read a great piece on the Huffington Post about one man's love for Detroit- though I don't think he is from there he gives millions of reasons why Detroit pride is more important than ever- and having just been there I totally get it. I am a big believer in living somewhere that makes you want to stand up and shout about how much you love it.
So here I am, coming back after all these years, grateful I got to leave it to only to realize how much I need to go back to NYC. I have said here and to many that New York is a great love of my life, the only city that date after date, night after night, cab ride after cab ride, I still can't get enough of. I always felt so lucky to live there, and I'm excited to get back. And like all good lovers, New York offers many challenges, many situations to keep you on your toes, many moments where you want to tear your hair up. But it's all so worth it. So very worth it. And listen- Miami does it for many people- I have loads of friends who grew up here who will never leave- because they love the weather, the light, the sunshine, the sultriness, the Latin flavor. I wish I was one of them- my love would sure be easier and cheaper, but the heart wants what the heart wants and my heart will always be in New York, and that's just that. Now I must be going- but the big takeaway is this- home is home- I grew up in Philly but my life, as I know it and like it, really began in the 212- and it will always be home. Yay. I seriously can't wait...
And with that, I'm off. Two more weeks, kiddos. Two more weeks. Don't beat yourself up when you can't make it work with a lover/job/city that, although perfect on the outside, does not instill passion on the inside- we are all wired so differently, but our need for happiness is very much the same- it just takes different stuff to get there- it's all about chemistry...cause that's what's up this breaking up with hot and sexy Miami kind of Thursday in the 305. It's really not so hard to do. XO