Where are you from?

A question that has always come easily and effortlessly. Lately however, it doesn't seem quite as easy of a question to answer....

John suffered through American Idol Season 1,682 with book in hand. During the home town visit episode John, who I had no idea he even knew the TV was on piped up with, "Ok, so if you were on idol where would your home town visit be?" He smiled. A tiny part of me felt like it was a set-up, but the other part just a question and without thinking I said "Birmingham I guess!?" his response was "Ouch, really?!".....my response wasn't intended to offend. As if some how denying the life he has provided for us? Then I was just confused. Well, I don't know. I am from Birmingham? In the past tricky part was if I felt like getting technical and saying "Homewood", now I don't even know the answer.

Sunday it occurred again. I was introducing myself to a friend of a friend at lunch. I knew she came in town for the day, so I asked "Where are you from"...her response "Oh, I am from a little town outside of Birmingham, Leeds"(it's not that little most people in the state are familiar right!?)....my reflex reply "Oh great, I am from Birmingham, I know exactly where Leeds is" Then the confusion began...Did you drive up this morning!?

Hmm....so my post marital response when this question has been asked has always been. "I am from Birmingham, but I live in Montgomery."

AND MY SOAP BOX BEGINS

I am starting to think there might be some kind of expiration date on this answer?!?

But when asked, "I am from Montgomery" feels like a lie. I love Montgomery. I do. I am very happy living here, something I could not always say, but I am not from Montgomery. Those of you who know me well know that I am beyond loyal to what is mine. My boiling point is typically a result of challenging what I consider to be "mine". Arrogant yes, but what I consider to be mine typically, I am so loyal and partial to that I also consider it the best....for example try telling me that Homewood High School is not the best, the same applies to Alabama, and do not even touch Alpha Chi or my friends and family. I think it is just the way that I am. Needless to say, I also have this feeling towards Birmingham. Birmingham to me is the best because it is home home(different from one home). It is where my family is. It is where lots of our friends are. It is comfortable. Beautiful. Easy. Generation after generation. History. Memories. Roots.

Ok, so now I have to be really honest here. I have major issues with people (stereotype not individuals)who say, graduate college, get a job and buy a house and say, "I am from Birmingham".....umm...no, pretty sure you are not. Yes, you can find your way to Surin and At home, you know the backside of Crestline, the difference between English Village and Mountain Brook Village, and you may even live in Edgewood...but really!? Are you now from Birmingham?? Does a zip code automatically answer where you are from!? If some one moves to NY or LA to pursue a career in music or acting are they now from New York or California!? Confused.

So now, I am in a really tough spot. True "Montgomerians" should say "I am from Montgomery" with pride. Unfortunately, that is not what I have encountered from the majority here. People do not seem to take pride in what is "theirs" as I think they should. Sure, Montgomery has its flaws. It is very different from lots of places, but if it's home...it is home! Now, for the few like me who's ownership is tangled up in history and pride are sure to be offended by people like me. Montgomery is becoming more and more like home to me and my zip code is 36117...BUT who am I to priss down I-65 and now claim that I am from Montgomery!?!

So please oh please help me find the balance. I do have pride in Montgomery. I used to think my quick boiling point was just jealousy that I no longer live in Birmingham, now, not the case, but I just feel stumped. So how in the world do I answer this question without denying the place I now call home?

I need your help.... Maybe I read too much in to the question.