Back to Philly

I've frequently asked me myself, what kind of person would I BE, if I had stayed in PhilLY?

If you don't know, I didn't always live in the majestic Pacific Northwest. I was born in Jersey, my parents had a bridal shop in Philly, and we moved to Seattle when I was 8. Since then I've only gone back to visit family a handful of times & this was one of those trips. We were visiting one of my uncles that had recently suffered from a stroke. 

When it comes to visiting family across the country, from my experience, it's never been for a good reason. My last visit was 10 years ago for my grandma's funeral. Man time flies. This time though, I knew my uncle was discharged from the hospital was ok. For some reason though, I still didn't know what to expect of this trip. I just knew that I missed Philly's endless brick town houses, it's beautiful murals,  & Dunkin Donuts.

It was pure nostalgia to see some parts of the city, but at the same time, it was a realization that I could no longer say I was from Philly. It had been 19 years since I've lived here & the pacific northwest had changed me. I was in the middle of town in full PNW gear: a North Face jacket, Toms, looking for a grain bowl with salmon to eat. 

The thing is though, it didn't bother me. I wouldn't change anything about where life took me. I'm proud of the diverse community I'm from & I'm happy for the nature I now have at my doorsteps. I don't know how my life would be if I had stayed, but as a Washingtonian, the garbage littered streets that I was used to as a child, was now shocking. Hiking didn't exist for me pre-1998 (when me moved) & the beautiful brick town homes had now become dull. Their appeal only stuck to me in Seattle, because of how little brick houses they have. It's just an interesting thought, how where you live, almost without you knowing it, influences your perspective & what's "normal" for you. Love, Jen