Why Michigan Is Home

A month ago, I posted my hundredth post and promised if you asked me a question, I would answer truthfully. I have two questions remaining. The first is listing 100 favorite appetizers and desserts, which I think would be too difficult to do, so my truthful answer is sorry, you'll have to google appetizers or dessert for recipes.

The other remaining question is: WHY did you stay in Michigan? Why didn't you get the hell out like the rest of us? Did you always plan to stay there?

The truth is that I had no intention of staying in Michigan, especially the Detroit area. And I left.

First, I left metro Detroit. I attended undergrad as far away from home as I could and still be in Michigan. A full nine hours away from home and I might as well have been in an entirely different world because of the difference from the metro area. I loved it.

As the end of  college neared, I debated about going to law school (or grad school for mathematics) in a big city or the mountains. I never once considered returning to the Detroit area. I loved my family and missed them, but wanted more. I didn't know what I wanted more of--city or trees--but I wanted more.

I ended up going to law school in western New York. I became an entirely different person. I figured out who I was. I grew up.  And I knew I would not return to Michigan. My life waited for me in New York or DC.

Getting my hood!

Then, I graduated. And I studied for the New York bar exam. I studied a lot for the New York bar exam. I lived that summer only to study for the New York bar exam. And I took (and passed) the New York bar exam. I celebrated by taking a trip in Michigan. I spent a couple of days camping with my mom in mid-Michigan, then up to Mackinac with her, then went up to the U.P. for several more days with friends. It was a great trip and it reconnected me with home.

When I returned to New York and re-started my job search, all I could think about was home . . . Michigan. I couldn't keep my family out of my mind. I couldn't shake the idea that if I went to the big city, I wouldn't be back in Michigan. I wouldn't have easy access to lakes, wilderness, seasons, and the wonders of a city. Where else do you have it all? And not returning made me sad. No place could have as much to offer as Michigan, so I sent out a bunch of resumes to Michigan firms in a moment of nostalgia.

Two days later, I was jumping in the car to drive to Michigan for the Labor Day weekend with a lot to think about. I had been offered a job at a small firm in the city where I went to law school and offered another job in DC, working as a lawyer and web editor. I was heading home to think about it and see family before I moved farther away. As I was finishing packing my car, I got a call for an interview in Michigan the next day. I threw a suit in the car and went home. I was offered a job during the interview and accepted later that day. I started the Tuesday after Labor Day. The rest is history. I was home.

Commemorating 100 Posts

I started writing my commemorative 100th post last night. I was going to be all touchy feely and full of love for all of you readers. I was going to do all sorts of magic here.

Then, I didn't sleep but two hours last night. My horrific illness from the last six weeks has gotten worse again (my lungs are scratching and loud, I can't breathe, and the pain is quite unpleasant). My head is pounding. I can't think straight. I forgot my phone at home. The day has been longer than long. I have no clue how I got to work. Not sure how I had the energy to make it home. And I can't remember where I left my brain.

Needless to say, I can't for the life of me remember my brilliant thoughts commemorating this 100th post. Seriously, what's so important about 100 anyway? How is it any different from 99 or 101? Yes, it's nice and round, but its nothing really. And I honestly don't feel like I've been blogging long enough to commemorate anything.

So, instead, in commemoration of my 100th blog post, I am offering up myself. Leave a question or five in the comments and in a post soon to come, I will answer all of your questions truthfully. If I get no questions than I guess I will have to find a topic of my own. That could be devastating with my missing brain. So please help a girl out!