But Seriously

D: "what in the world are you doing in that horrible place"

Me: "this is where I'm from"

D: "oh..."

This is the phone conversation that started my day yesterday. Yes, it is true that Michigan isn't the most desirable place to live. I wouldn't exactly call Detroit a vacation spot or Shelby Township a place to party. But, I did spend the first 22 years of my life in this general area, and it's got to be a part of me somewhere.

As I sat in a coffee shop in Royal Oak, waiting for my friend, Lauren. I thought about how empty the whole town seemed. When I was in high school this area was the cool area to hang out, and looking around it seemed a little drab to me. This could have been the fact that I was comparing it to the "great" New York City, or the fact that Michigan as a whole has been experiencing economic downturn.

All of this was a little depressing for me until Lauren bounced into the shop. After a long embarrass she talked nonstop about plans she has and auditions she's going on. I was so proud of her. By all accounts she is a working actor (with a day job on the side), and she seems fairly happy. I asked her if she thought I had changed she said I seemed more sophisticated (which is hilarious), but that she was bring the old Jessica out. I believe my mom used the word cynical. Well, what ever I've become, while living in New York, this time at home is causing to soften and calm. It may be even as simple as not taking myself so seriously.