Back in the USSA
Gas is over $3.00 a Gallon
It's sunny and warmer than 70 degrees FAHRENHEIT
We have dishwashers.
As much as I've noticed in the last 36 hours, there's a lot that seems slightly off. Like the wallpaper at my Dad's house. Are they suuure it isn't new? And how long has our kitchen table been this long? 9 months away, and the visions are vivid but slightly skewed.
Return has been decidedly undramatic. Save for my time-stopping nosebleed just after customs, our families eagerly waiting just outside frosted glass automatic doors, and a quick huddle to pump ourselves up NBA style (I call Lebron), the trip back was pretty blase. We knew what to expect (except for the Heathrow fire alarm and 240 dollars in extra baggage and overweight fees).
Driving down I80 home was surreal. It looked familiar, but cast in the light from the setting sun that seemed to put a bit of a sepia, old-school tone to it. Like a cheesy imovie documentary, complete with Ken Burns-style fades and voice over. Passing highway signs that were straightforward instead of judgemental ("Tiredness Kills" or "Watch your speed"), stopping in Wendy's at a gas station outside of Albert Lea and wading through white trash highschoolers and commemorative Dale Earhardt cups and packets of peanuts 2 for a dollar (That's only 50p!). It's as if you never understand the concept of 'pure Americana'- cooking out, being rugged, being boisterous- until you leave. God Bless this 16-wheeling, hot dog-eating, Nascar cheering country of mine.Seeing Dad, seeing Katie, seeing Mom and Matt and Alex, Erin, Parker, Lisa, James- it all seems the same, nothing's changed. And maybe it's better that way. As much as I would have loved to return to a town decimated by the thought of me being gone for so long, it's nice to know that the world revolves without me, and that I have a nice solid rock to return to.
As far as reintegration goes, I haven't really done crap today. I realized that my body thought it was 9am by the time i went to bed, making my 9 hour nap (I just woke up) responsible for my missing my first day of work. To be fair, most of the kids under my watch probably would have drowned, as I'm planning to pass out again soon. After unpacking, going to the bank (Have you seen this money? It's all the same color... and shape.... and it's lame.... and the coins? pussy coins. weak and thin.) I'll probably go for the first haircut I've paid for in 3 years, and try and buy a new cellphone. Consumerism--helping the economy with the best of them.
The next few days are a whirlwind. Meeting up with old friends, family weddings, reunions, trying to look for a second job while retaining the one I have. Damn. Why am I wasting valuable time reflecting and recapping my intense emotions.side note: goddamn I've missed ReesesPuffs. And ESPN.
2 Comments:
glad to hear you are home safe kev!
-megseggsbags
Kevin!!! When will we meet again? Waffle's wedding? I hope so...that's coming up soon! Anyway, glad you're back safe...miss you dude!
Pants
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