Our move out of Ohio is complete.  We are about to spend our first night in our new condo in Virginia.  I’ve been waiting for this move for close to 4 years and I can’t even describe how happy I am to be back here.  

I talk a lot of shit about Ohio.  I mean, a LOT of shit!  Having left, I feel I must explain:

It wasn’t so bad.  It was bland but it was not bad in any sense of the word.  I made that move to Ohio with a shitty attitude and Ohio did nothing to change it.  I had left Florida with a broken heart so Ohio didn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell.  I was going to keep my head down and get the fuck out asap.  

In spite of my determination, I did make some friends it was difficult to leave behind.  That said, I am grateful to have met them even with the sad feelings that come with saying goodbye.  

Ohio, though.  As a whole, it was not good or bad.  It was ordinary.  It was middle America.  It was the middle child of any family; quiet and unassuming.  It was comfortable but predictable.  

Maybe I didn’t give Ohio the chance it deserved.  I spent my time there counting down to this next move.  Virginia has been my favorite place so, knowing it was our next move after Ohio, just made me all the more anxious to get Ohio over and done with.  It feels somewhat unfair to disparage Ohio because it never did me wrong.  

Well..

I had someone tell me that I was not an Ohioan.  I was flattered.  My immediate response to that was pride and to exclaim that Ohio tried – and failed – to dim my shine!  I did feel like I was constantly on guard.  I knew that my personality was too loud, too vulgar, just too much.  I tried to contain it but that was exhausting.  For better or worse, I gave up the subterfuge.  For the most part, it went over fine, if not with a raised eyebrow or two.  Whatever.  I was happier for it.  

Overall, Ohio was a steady presence.  It didn’t surprise or challenge me.  I’m grateful for the calming years there.  I appreciate that my kids finished high school in middle USA.   Thankful that they learned how to drive there instead of Florida.  Ecstatic to jump back into the working world at a place that was as nurturing and protective as a feathered nest.  

Ohio was like finding the still pool amongst the swirling flows.  We got to live there and catch our breath.  

It’s time to dive back in.