I’ve never lived outside the Midwest. Until recently, I’ve never really had a desire to.
But that all changed a few weeks ago. I took my first trip to Texas — Plano, specifically. I was there to see my friend Jet. It was going to be a weekend of relaxing and a change in the normal routine for both of us. And it was. But it wound up being a lot more.
The trip turned into a realization of sorts. I’ve been stuck in a bit of a rut and I realized that a lot of it — at least I think — is environmental. I’m getting burned out on the Midwest.
Don’t get me wrong. I love it here and plan to end up here. But I’m 23 and haven’t lived anywhere but the Midwest. It seems like the time is right to fix that.
Now, I’m not saying I’m ready to up and move to Plano or Dallas — though I admit the option is attractive because I know there are at least a few cool people down there. But it seems like I should at least start thinking about getting out for a bit. I need a fresh start. I need new people and a new routine. I’m not enjoying things in the Midwest anymore. I want to, but I feel like getting away for a spell is the way to allow myself to enjoy the Midwest as I should.
Once I’ve been away for a while, I imagine I’ll appreciate this area a lot more. And like I said, I do want to wind up here — albeit in a bigger city than Moline — when I’m ready to settle down. But I’m only 23 and haven’t experienced nearly enough of this country. I think it’s time to fix that.
