Today was my official move out day of my home for the past 8+ years.
We emptied the place out, patched up all the holes from hung photos & art, and left it, probably cleaner than when I moved in.
I wasn’t emotional* – which is very unlike me. I think, for the past few weeks and in the moment, I was too focused on all of the things I needed to get done.
But what is giving me total comfort and peace is this: I can’t wait for the next (hopefully!) young woman who moves in here. I am so excited for her. I hope she falls head over heels in love with the city. I hope she marvels over how pretty Pine Street is in the fall, and how pretty Addison Street is all year long. I hope she finds the best gems at the Rittenhouse Farmer’s Market (very sour pickles & cheesy scones), and I hope she sits in the park a lot. I hope she goes on lots and lots of dates, always underestimating the time it takes to get from the apartment to Ranstead Room or Tria Taproom. I hope she finds the best pizza delivery (Santucci’s & Boccocini) and does her CVS & Walgreens runs in only her most flattering of ensembles.
I hope she meets up with old friends for street festivals & dinner dates at restaurants with cuisines she never even knew she’d like. I hope she meets new friends, through her hobbies, at the gym, or, my personal fav (!), through the internet. I hope she shows her family around the city, helping them park in the neighborhood (& telling them yeah I know, but it’s worth it). I hope she takes advantage of being a few blocks from theaters and a quick Uber ride to countless concert venues. I hope she gets to experience a sports championship, and I hope she beats her hangover and gets out to experience at least one New Year’s Day.
I hope the beauty of the city never ceases to amaze her. I hope she turns down every side street, on a quest to find something new she’s never seen before. I hope she eventually does it with someone she loves.
I hope she wished and dreamed for this life, and this baby little apartment in the heart of the city gives her the chance to live it. I hope she loves it. I am so, so happy for her.
*But now I am 😭😭😭
