Why I Can’t Make Myself Move Away from Louisiana

As a little girl, I never saw myself living anywhere other than the little ole town of Crowley, Louisiana. My family was here and I always had the feeling of security.

However, when I entered into college life, things looked as though they may be changing. I started to focus fully on a career and my mind started showing me pictures of moving to accomplish my goals.

For a while I considered moving to Houston. My uncle is there who offered me a place to stay until I was able to get on my feet. After giving it some thought (for about 6 months), I shot the idea down. Or maybe I should say I chickened out.

My next big marvelous idea was to move to Nashville. I have an undying love for music and the industry so I figured, why not? Over the past couple of months, I have slowly talked myself out of the idea. I couldn't make myself leave the place I call home. Here is why:

1. The thought of leaving my family scares me more than clowns do (and they creep me out bad!)
2. Everything is 'just down the road'. I am less than 5 minutes away from every store in town and I usually know the names of everyone who works at each.
3. Daddy's and Grandpa's cooking is always available. I don't have to try and remember that special spice they use in each dish. We all know its love.
4. This is my home. No place else could ever be home.
5. When I just need my Mom, I know that I can always go home. I don't think I could take having to call her all the time without being able to see her.

(Yep, that's my Mama!)

Some could and would say that I am just scared to be a 'big girl.' You know what, they would be right. I am terrified. However, this is how I think about it. Do I have to move away to pursue a career? No I surely do not. Do I need to move away to make money? The answer is, again, no.

I am sure this happens to people every where. But I am just a little prejudice to South Louisiana. Where else can you play in the water for 75% of the year? You can try the biscuits and gravy somewhere else, but nothing could be Grandpa's. Oh, and have you ever seen a northerner try to make a gumbo and actually succeed? I didn't think so.

I am also Nanny to a beautiful little girl that belongs to my childhood best friend. We went from dressing in coconut bras and grass skirts in her from yard to fixing bottles. Where they do that at?

A crustacean has it's own season where I come from and there's a holiday just for drinking. I am proud of the manners my Mama taught me. I am proud of where I come from and I have no idea why I would want to live anywhere else!