Okay, we all did, but I wasn't celebrating my personal freedom from the British empire (maybe the one historical fact I've ever been somewhat confident in), nay, this was a declaration of being alone in a new city and not allowing it to weigh me down.
This is hard. I knew it would be. It's also a little scary - not because of my unsavory neighbors - because I've never done this before.
In August of 2011, I took whatever would fit into my 2004 Honda Civic, including two cats and my 24 year old brother, and drove from PA to Vegas... I did that. When I arrived in Vegas, I had my boyfriend at the time waiting for me, after he had done all the hard stuff.
He had gotten a job and an apartment and located the local improv scene. At the time, this scene was a two-night a week thing with a small and devoted following. I like to think I slipped right in and found a home.
Leaving Pennsylvania was the hardest thing I had done. My family was split between there and a short drive to New York. My friends were there... Sad, huh?
But my life didn't really begin, I mean my adult life, it just hadn't really started until I lived in Vegas. With a comfortable landing pad and a partner already waiting for me, this transition was destined for something.
I got a job 3 days after arriving and stayed there, for my entire life in Vegas. I met some of the most important characters of my life-movie there. I was given such opportunities. I will remain eternally grateful for the experience I acquired.
And then there was improv... Just thinking about it makes my eyes well up, with warmth and love. Not actually - just tears...of warmth and love.
The most amazing, talented, dedicated, creative, funny, caring, loyal and brilliant people are there. I love them. I never imagined I would be making BFFs in my thirties but, well, it happened.
I had my spots too... My favorite bar. The food, my god, the food. The company and the folks slinging drinks. It's just incomparable.
And then there's him. Hashtag My favorite... He's not waiting for me when I arrive in this new city. He's staying right where he needs to be. The way he lives his life has inspired me.
And I'm here.
Free from all of that. Free from the love and trust that I've never felt before. Free from being able to share - ANYTHING - without judgment. Free from a routine that was healthy and balanced and challenging. Free from working on something constantly. Free from regular meetings, rehearsals, shows, friends, beauty, sex, camaraderie...
It's hard. I knew it would be. It's also scary - just because I never expected to miss something so much.
The comfort is knowing I'm doing the right thing. Had I not done it a little by going to Vegas, I don't believe I would have been strong enough to do this.
I couldn't get anyone to watch fireworks with me. I looked up where to go and planned my route. I grabbed a blanket and put on my most patriotic top. I drove to San Fernando High School and saw fireworks. Alone.
So I'm here - independent. I guess that makes this my real declaration.
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