LA - I grew up in and live in now, but never have felt like I fit in... so in addition to the obvious LA complaints (traffic, smog, superficiality)... other than family, you could take it or leave it with me. But, my entire family is here. And I LOVE family.
Chicago - Spent 5 of the more foundational years to becoming myself there. But, alas, no family, though I left many irreplacable friends there. And I ache, missing them. I also miss the seasons, the arts culture, the architecture, Oak Park, the forest preserves....
Yet, I call both "home" - Chicago tends to adopt people. It adopted me.
The biggest problem is that no matter which one I am in, I feel a little homesick.
Tonight helped out a lot. To celebrate our 8th anniversary (Tuesday) - J took me to Silverlake - a great part of LA only 15 minutes from our home - that has more of a Chicago flavor than anywhere else... great boutiques, fabulous food (Cha Cha Cha - YUM!), and best of all.... our very own Intelligentsia Coffee store.
We were seriously geeked out when we walked in, as we've been shipping ourselves their brews for fun treats and special occasions since we left... and I was given the most lovely latte ever known to me.
We sat. We sipped. We waxed nostalgic.
We celebrated.
What a sweet and happy moment.
Sweet like... cream, no sugar necessary.
(Happy Anniversary, sweetie. You're still my hero. ...and thanks for the coffee.)