Headin' up North!

So it's official. I have signed the paperwork. I am moving to Lakewood as of May 1. It's going to be difficult to say goodbye to my home city. This wont be the first time that I move away from Akron-- I had a 2-year long stint in the great city of Pittsburgh, which was an incredible time in my life. I'm hoping the same for the next few years of my life up in the Greater Cleveland area.

Why, you ask, would I leave Akron? Many people who leave Akron do so screaming, hollering about what an awful city it is, how it sucks the life out of them. On the contrary, I absolutely love Akron. I think our city has an incredible amount of culture, and is moving in a very progressive direction. The energy that runs through the coffee shops, the classrooms, and the art galleries- from my own generation and others- is absolutely amazing. The fact remains that you either love Akron, or you hate it. Or sometimes you do both simultaneously.

Thankfully I am one of those that loves my city, but I am looking forward to the change. I've had a lot going on in my life over the last month, and I have even more to come: I graduate (finally) with my B.A. in Sociology from U of A next month, I start my Master's Program at Cleveland State in the fall, and I'm recently a single gal-- undergoing a painful but necessary separation from my boyfriend (who I still think the world of, and wish the best to!). I think it's safe to say that the summer is going to bring me a whirlwind of new experiences, opportunities, and chances to start a fresh chapter in my life.

So what now?

I suppose packing would be a good place to start! And finishing up all those papers and things that are necessary to pass my classes and get that piece of paper I've been waiting for all these years. If you live in the Lakewood area, please feel free to offer some suggestions-- be it tips on riding the Rapid, great restaurants in the area, or great little spots to relax and read ('cause I'm into that kinda thing). If you're one of the many, many folk that I so love in the Akron area-- I will certainly miss you! But I'm sure I'll be back to visit very, very often and I hope you come up to visit! It's been a great many years of my life. Now it's time for a new adventure! Cheers, everyone :)

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Photo by Steve Snodgrass.