2001:June:25
2001
Wilmington is such an interesting town. It would be hard to imagine that there's any other place like it. There seems to be such a huge social circle here. It's sort of similar to how in country counties, the high school is 99% redneck and simple. This means that the "cool crowd" unites against a common opposition. In Wilmington, it feels like you are acquainted with everyone interesting, and you see them a lot at social occasions and have a great time. The majority of people I know in Wilmington, I've NEVER hung out with outside of a party or cookout. I feel I know some people pretty well, yet I've only seen them in one environment. We have a social gathering at LEAST once a month. This is beautiful and rare. For instance, this weekend by a bizarre series of events, we were invited to a scavenger hunt/birthday party. It was a really good vibe and EVERYONE we knew and liked in Wilmington was there (with one exception). It was one of those nights that was thick and meaty with new experiences: there were heroes and cads, romance and heartbreak, adventure and chillin, alliances forged and spirituality discussed. (I would have really enjoyed a spanking machine, but alas some people still cling to dignity). Sure, there are plenty of Wilmingtonians who will eventually try their hat at New York or LA or Austin. There are legions more who have talked of it and will partly regret not doing it, but there's sort of a joke in Wilmington that "you can try to leave, but you'll always come back". Everyone knows that Mark and I tried our hat at new york city. We so wanted to get out of -how we described it - this incestuous dump of a city, but you know what? My opinion of New York is a lot like my opinion of cocaine. Why would you go into something KNOWING that you are going to have a false sense of self and feel really really cool just because you are under the influence of white powder. It's not real. To the control group, people on cocaine seem self-centered and shallow and often sanctimonious (not that I think New Yorkers are those qualities). I don't think of cocaine as expanding your mind (which is the only reason I would take a drug). New York is a cocaine city and Wilmington is a pot city. And LA, WHAT is going on out there? Mark and I feel that EVENTUALLY, we'll move to LA. We like the food, the weather, and the concern for environment. BUT, every one (and start paying attention) that comes and visits you in Wilmington from LA at one point will wistfully wax about "what great friends you have in Wilmington. You are so lucky to have such good friends. In LA, you hardly ever see your friends....It's very hard to meet people in LA....Yeah, LA is great. I love it, but it's a lonely town." I suppose LA's drug would be fame gambling. Anyway, it's not like I think Wilmington rocks and everything else sucks. I just had a great time at two parties this weekend and every philosophy that I have on life seems to be reaching synergy (and yes that frightens me because I have hope again).
