Snippets of SnapDragon

SnapDragon shares her personal journey into the Great Wide Open.

I moved to Philadelphia a decade ago.

A few hours after college graduation, I packed my Chevy Corsica to the brim with clothes, CDs, and handful of novels waiting to be read. Then I hit the road for my new home.

I had decided early on that I wanted my own place. No roommates; that was a college thing. This was my time for solitude, for Official Adulthood, and I was determined to make it work.

And I did.

Nestled near Rittenhouse Square, my place was tiny but clean. As I waited for my furniture to be delivered, I wandered. I strolled. I took in those city streets and felt my heart rejoice.

It was the beginning of something good.

. . .

I firmly believe it is a Rite of Passage for a person to live alone.

When the day is done, and your door to the outside world closes, it’s just you. You and your thoughts. You and your true self. It’s a time to discover who you really are.

It’s quiet. It’s a bit unnerving.

But it’s so worth it.

The five years (and change) I spent in Philly was My Time.

. . .

I achieved my dream of teaching High School in the city; I stayed for six complete school years.

To say it was challenging would be nothing short of an insult to the experience. But that’s a story for another day.

I was a Teacher. I was a Grad Student. I was an Explorer of My Favorite City.

I think back to the fun: The drunken nights; the Phillies Games; Lorenzo’s Pizza; the park; my turtles; frozen yogurt with a ridiculous amount of rainbow jimmies; used book stores; Lush body products; Independence Hall; Indie rock shows; Old-Fashioned cocktails; Ikea; The Italian Market; Dunkin’ runs; getting lost.

And of course, there were down times: Anxiety; work stress; heartbreak.

But that’s all a part of life, Dear Reader.

. . .

My time in Philly will always be a part of me.

I had a dream and I made it happen.

It may sound like I’m bragging. You’re goddamn right I am.

Because the days slip past at a frightening rate, love.

Only we can choose how to spend them.

So I say go for it.

Go for it!

What do you have to lose?