I had a mid live crisis in my teens. Now, I don't give a fuck.
WHO I'D LIKE TO MEET
A lactating preggo in a suit of chain-mail that will pee on my chest. ....okay, yeah I still like that. May have something to do with an attraction to my mother.
The concept of 'The Real OC' is a state of mind so actual location isn't relevant is it (rhetorical). As far as 'reinventing myself'... I am who/what I am, be that a curse or a blessing and I'm to f'ing old to go out of my way to accommodate those who don't approve. Instead I find amusement and sometimes pity in their frustrations. You f'ing know that.
WTF happened to you - Maybe you've been gone so long you forget that taking anything I say on the internet seriously is an exercise in futility or your pedestal has petrified... or you're on the tweek or just eggnog- Either way, welcome back! Hopefully its not 'the recognition' that you seek. Maybe chopping some of the 'stick in the mud' characters just to put a charge in the bolts that protrude from their necks will make you feel better... it always works for me.
Stay, go, weep, laugh... whatever. Its not exactly 'the path of life' so enjoy and let me know if I can do anything (with in reason) to make your situation more pleasant.