America Revisited
...written on 01.05.04, @ 10:41 a.m.
I am in America! Have been for a couple of weeks. I am in Suwanee, Georgia visiting my dad and his wife. I went up to Boiling Springs, South Carolina to visit my mom and some other aunts and uncles.
It's been fun. It's been delicious. I have filled all of my "I have to eat this" squares except for one: a big, tender, juicy steak, but we'll be taking care of that before I leave on Thursday.
Tomorrow is Min's birthday. I'm sorry I have to miss it physically, but I'll send him my best wishes. He called me at my Aunt's on New Year's! I was so surprised! He sounded so small and lonely and surreal. Doing these trips in between cultures and times zones really throws me for a loop sometimes. I hope absence has made the heart grow fonder.
Wow, but America is fat! I count myself in that number and have gotten more motivated to slim down when I get back to Japan. I have seen some new items on the shelves, like breath strips and some candy has been put out in different flavors. Cokes are in 8 oz cans. In Japan, cokes come in all sizes. I am amazed at the variety in aluminum cans there.
I checked out that new (new to me) series, 24, with Kiefer Sutherland. Man, every episode leaves me breathless! I've just started the first season, so I'd better hurry and catch up before I go back to Japan. I also should see Lord of the Rings 3 before I go back. It won't be in Japan for a while, I think.
I had Christmas dinner with the neighbors. We did a reindeer exchange and my gift, SHIT ON A STICK from the dollar store in Japan, was the biggest hit. I will post a picture when I get back.
The day after Christmas I went to my uncle Don's log cabin for a little party to meet his fiance, Edna and her family. Got some pictures there too.
I went to Athens for a day or two to see my friend Chip and touch base with some of my company's English teachers (past and present). The old bookstore where I used to work is gone. Awww, I don't know if it transferred anywhere, but maybe it got the karmic bite in the ass that it needed. I learned a lot there from my own karmic bites and kicks in the ass.
There are other thoughts roiling in my mind that I don't want to give voice to just yet. Getting back to Japan and feeling the aftereffects will be telling.
So, all's well now. I hope you had happy holidays. Take care and I'll post pictures for this entry when I get back to Japan.