The Green Scene: Home is where the heart is

This weekend some 'old' friends visited. I've known these beautiful women for about 8 years now, basically what I consider my entire adult life. Since I became ME. They know everything about me that brought me here. They are the kind of friends who make you feel all filled up when they're around. The kind that "get" you, without explanation. The kind who will tell you when you look good, or when that outfit just isn't doing anything for you. They'll tell you when the boy you're dating is a keeper, and when he isn't, when you're right, and when you're just being crazy. And when you are being crazy, they understand why, and don't hold it against you. You know that they're always on your team.

Snuggle Time on the futon. Cuteness.

I also realized that after 4 years, the Capital Region feels like home. That I'm happy to be living here-- it's a good fit. I finally know where to get the best sushi, or sandwich, or brunch. I know which grocery store is cheapest, what Target is the best, what time of day to avoid certain parts of the city, who makes the best coffee.

I also really like living in Troy. I do miss Albany, being in the center of everything. But I don't miss the traffic, and the character-less malls. If it's lacking anything, Troy certainly isn't missing character. The hipsters, the farmer's market, the beautiful buildings, coffee, pizza, and fried chicken.

Julie enjoying chicken 'n waffles after a long bus ride.

The Flying Chicken, Troy, NY.

And as much as I want to gush about my old friends, I have really great new ones, too. Patrick and I threw a costume party last night, and brought together his friends and my friends, old ones and new ones. And it was FUN. That's really the best. You know you have a good crowd when they all mix and mingle and mesh like that. Magical.

The "new" friends :)

Three people at the party last night were brand new to the Albany area, and since many of us others in the room were also transplants, I think we tried extra hard to make them feel welcome. Because we remember that starting over is hard. Whether it's your first semester at college, or first month in a new city, many lonely days are going to precede the fun ones, and sometimes it can feel like nothing will ever change. And then suddenly, four years later, you will pause for a moment in a room full of costumed, laughing, hugging, dancing friends and think to yourself, "I finally know enough people to throw a party!"

So, to my friends, old and new, thank you.

Julie, Marisa (City Mouse), and I...Then: