Calling Baton Rouge

Nostalgia has set in... once again.

I moved away from Baton Rouge in 2001. I was 23, a recent college graduate with NO prospects for a stable future. I was working as a shift supervisor at Starbucks and my lease was expiring. I was not dating anyone, nor did I see it in the forseable future (argh). Since I didn't have a firm reason to stay, I figured I'd go back to Houston and experience the city as an adult, something I hadn't really done. I was excited at the prospect of a fun life. I forgot the fact that I would be starting over, since I'd be leaving everything behind in Louisiana. I love a challenge, however, and starting over can sometimes be great fun.

So I left.

I try not to regret anything I do. I don't regret leaving. However, I think this is the one instance where I would change things, could a trip back into the future be possible. Despite the fact that I've accomplished so much as a resident of Houston, I really miss Baton Rouge. I wonder what my life would've been like had I stayed. Would I have been a teacher? Would I have run those marathons? What would I be like as an almost-thirty-something?

This trip was more nostalgic than those of the past. In the past, visiting my friends was somewhat bittersweet. Lately, it's getting more than just bittersweet. I miss Baton Rouge. More than missing the city, I am starting to miss what my life could've been, had I stayed. I had so much fun at the LSU game, and had so much fun reminiscing with Eddie, Ant, Nick, Monique, Charles, April, Sean and Andy. Most of my friends still live there, or in other states. I've become a solitary individual as of late. My job supports that, since I need alone time to unwind and do work at home, but it can get rather sad at times. And I miss LSU football!

*** I wrote the first draft of this entry last night, too soon after arriving home. Now, 24 hours later, I am able to write with more logos than ethos.

With a clearer state of mind... I've been unhappy with Houston for a while now. I supposed lately I've been looking at all of my trip locales, weighing the pros and cons if I would move there. Baton Rouge is no exception. for now, until I know definitively what I want and how to get it, I'm going to join the LSU Houston alumni and put my name on the waiting list for season tickets for LSU football.

Who knows where I'll end up in the future. I just need to focus on the fact that progress report grades are due tomorrow and I haven't finished inputting them into the computer.

And the fact that Houston is drowning in this torrential weather. Why can't the rain bring cooler weather?

Cheers!