I wondered when it would really hit me. Life had been such a constant flurry of activity after I got fired from my job in Washington, DC that I guess I didn't have time to really feel it.
Friday night it finally hit me...I am homesick.
Oddly, I'm not missing Philadelphia or New Jersey, where I grew up and lived most of my life. I miss Washington, DC. I miss Maryland and Virginia too. The places I lived for the last six years of my life. The only place -- in 20 years of radio -- I actually settled down, bought a house and laid roots.
I miss my neighbors in the Woodside section of Silver Spring. We would have just closed our street and held the annual block party last month. My 3 year old next door neighbor, Melia, would be running between my lawn and hers buck naked, but for a pair of her mom's black leather boots. I'd grab a pizza at Mama Lucia's, bring it over to Liz and Perry's and sit on their porch eating and drinking beer.
I would walk a couple of blocks to the downtown S.S. Starbucks for my triple venti sugar-free vanilla non-fat latte and then DSW for some shoe therapy. And then make the same walk back for a Chicken Bol from Chipotle...looking up in wonder at the Discovery Building and whatever odd Shark-like creature they have hanging from the ediface.
Friday night would come and Becky and I would go to Bethesda Jewish Congregation for Shabbat service. I would sit watching the Hazzan in complete awe of his intelligence, talent and piety. I'd sit and imagine a life where I could leave radio, study and become a rabbi. After the oneg, Becky and I would grab a bite to eat and then drive around singing at the top of our lungs. And I would feel so happy. I always do after synagogue.
I want to shop at H&M and Nordstrom. I want some ethnic diversity!!!
I don't dislike Jacksonville at all. It's very nice here. The people are so kind here and I love living by the beach. But I'm already sad that I won't see snow this year.