My name is Christopher Bell. I live in Kalamazoo MI, but not by choice. I was born here, and I grew up here, but I do not belong to this town. I feel a little bit out of place, as though I'm always just visiting. I have nothing against the city, its bars, restaurants, movie theaters or people; I just don't feel terribly close to a lot of it. There are exceptions, of course - I have spent twenty two years here - but these are connections I could have made anywhere. These are friendships that are independent of the city. I could have been born anywhere.
Mom. Dad. if you read this, don't worry. The goal is not to get away from you. I don't feel cheated. I don't feel unwelcome. I just feel like going somewhere else. Anywhere else. Not because I hate it here, but because I think a life spent in the same spot from beginning to end is a sadly wasted one. There is too much stuff out there to be ignored, passing the time from birth until death in the same place. When I reach the ripe age of almost dead, I will look back and interpret the success of my life based on the answers to two questions: "Have I been able to live in many places, while also frequently visiting those I've left behind." and "Have I owned at least one tailored suit."
So, parents and anyone else who might worry, I do not want to leave you behind. All I want is to seriously expand the borders of my own personal universe.
