Being that I am back in the Big City I thought I would take the time to tell the story of how I became "City Girl". When I moved out west from my little city I posted on my Facebook status "Who knew that when I decided to leave little old Moncton I would be leaving the big city and not headed to one" and I never knew how how true that statement was until late December when I first called "City Girl" at my Christmas Party/Fundraiser... by a total stranger who we will dub "Creepy McCreeperson"
I guess other than the fact that I have to drive 20 minutes to buy milk, bread or gas, my next biggest struggle has been everyone knowing who I am and where I am going before I even know who they are. Now I knew that being from the east coast and having been told numerous times that my accent is so thick (which I still have no idea what they are talking about because I sound just like everyone else) that I would stick out a little, but I never expected it to be like quite this. I guess I should blame my sticking out on my parents who taught me to brush my hair and put on clothes before I left the house, or maybe the locals' parents' who did not teach them such social graces. But I am telling you sticking out has been my biggest challenge since I arrived.
Growing up in Moncton by no means is growing up in the "big city", but at least you can be anonymous when you choose to be. You can sit in the coffee shop of your choosing and read a book, blog, write a letter or just enjoy people watching and no one will bother you. No one asks why you are sitting alone, what you are writing, why you look as if you are in your late child bearing years and are obviously not wearing a wedding ring... WHY??? And sadly because it's a small town I cannot be my metropolitan sarcastic self and be a little rude to turn them away because they may be my wait staff the next time I am out to eat, or worse a client :S
Over the last few weeks I have found myself not yearning for home because I am homesick... I am actually starting to get comfortable with the thought of Alberta being my new long term (DEFINITELY NOT FOREVER) home. But because I feel like I am loosing who I am so I can fit in. My days in Edmonton make me ache to live in a place where no one knows my name or cares to find out. There is nothing more relaxing to me than sitting in the Starbucks, alone with my laptop, a stack of cards to fill out for loved ones, a Caramel Macchiato and the sound of people buzzing. I have found myself driving to the nearest City (which is actually more like a village because it's about half the size of Riverview) just to enjoy a cup of coffee alone and just BE amongst the people.
I can admit how wanting to be alone amongst others may appear very strange, even for those of you who are fortunate enough to live in the city, but for any of you who know me or my father, you know how important this is. And sadly as foreign as this need may be to many of you, it adds to my quirky nature and makes me stick out even further in this tiny town. It makes people want to enter my space, because they think I am not independent but LONELY. I am actually less alone and more in touch with those I love now than when we live in each others back yards. So for all you tiny town people out there, if you see a street clothed individual, that you have never seen before just enjoying a cup of joe and reading a book, yes it's ok to exchange pleasantries, because she is new and would love to meet you, but please don't treat her as if she were something that needs to be fixed because she enjoys her independence.
Love and miss you all so much!
Cheers!
CN
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