Mel and the City

Now that it’s been a year and several months since I made my decision to move to Texas, I’d like to take a moment to reflect, because that’s the sort of mood I’m in.

Not so long after I proudly accepted my diploma for four years of busting my ass at Rutgers, I decided I saw more of a future in Texas than in my beloved New York City, where I always thought I would nail a job straight after graduation.

After several months of applications, I had enough. I was wasting time. Shane was set to deploy eight months from the time I graduated. If we were going to be serious about the future, it meant me putting my big city dreams in the Big Apple on hold.

I surprised everyone, including myself, when I decided that what I really wanted was to pack as much as I could fit into my goofy yellow car and drive…1500 miles southwest toward my future. My family and friends thought I was insane and acting on a whim. “Oh she just graduated; she doesn’t know what she wants out of life," yadda yadda.

Well, shit. Here I am, on the one year anniversary of having a big girl job, and happily married. (Well, as happy as one could be when their husband is in a war zone 8,000 miles away). I made life in Texas happen, and I am damn proud.

I found a quote today which inspired this entire entry. Of course it’s a Carrie Bradshaw quote, the one TV character I ever seriously fell in love with-

“Maybe if we had never veered off course we wouldn't fall in love, have babies, or be who we are. After all, things change and so do cities. People come into your life and they go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart... and if you're very lucky, a plane ride away” – Carrie, Sex and the City

Thanks Carrie.

Fortunately, I do have a supportive family back in NJ/PA and amazing friends who have been there for me every step of the way. Sadly, I can’t just hop on a plane to Afghanistan. But I can hop on a plane to Paris in (drum roll please, here’s another countdown…) 26 days.

Shane has another year and a couple of months left in the Army. After that, who knows what’s next for us crazy kids. NYC still lies in the core of my heart and I know it will happen when the timing is right. It has to!

I think what surprised people so much was my independent and at times overly determined nature- what Melanie wants, Melanie gets- and the fact that I temporarily scrapped my goals in the name of love. I’m learning it’s all about happiness, and I am happy with where I am at.

I end on my new favorite quote- also by yours truly, Carrie Bradshaw.

“Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free til they find someone just as wild to run with them.”

I found my someone. New York City can wait.