My journey to Morocco (not Monaco people!) is nearing. Since my last post, I’ve packed up life in San Francisco, made a brief appearance in New York, spent a hot (quite frigid, actually) minute in Chattanooga, and from the comfort of my childhood home in Kentucky, I am now sipping the most exquisite imported fine Earl Grey tea that globalization can provide. Although I’ve been scattered around the world since departing for college, the small town of my childhood – nestled humbly in the southeastern-most corner of Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains – still remains home to me. I used to view the world as a respite from home life, knowing full well that an array of culture, diversity, and intellect existed beyond the borders of this small coal-mining town. Interestingly enough, I now view my home as a respite from the world; it’s now a place of familiarity and comfort, complete with folks who’ve known and loved me and who I have known and loved since day one of my existence. Funny how perceptions of life evolve.
Staging in Philadelphia begins in about a week and half. I haven’t really started packing, although I began making mental packing lists long ago. Still a bit of shopping to do. Still hafta/wanna make a trip to visit my bruthabrutha in Ohio, still need to make an earnest attempt to chill with my high school peeps who are in town. Still want to take a run through the gently sloping mountains of my backyard. Still need to savor every lasting moment of the pound of tantalizingly fresh Ritual coffee that will tease my olfactory glands until it is fully depleted. Still need to stress out about student loans and taxes.
For now, though, I’m going to pretend that the three inches of snow in my driveway does not faze me and venture out into the disturbingly cold weather to visit my grandparents.
Adam! I finally got around to checking out "theroamingchicken." You best be updating frequently from Morocco-I want to stay "abreast" of your many adventures. Btw, you are an amazing writer! I never knew that about you. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this entry, and totally feel you about the changing role of "home" (ie, where you spent your childhood). I too feel that "home" has transitioned from being a place of prison to a place of refuge. (But if I stay too long, it sorta begins to feel like a prison again...)
Re: your student loans-you can totally get them deferred while you serve in the Peace Corps! When I looked into getting my loans deferred at the end of my senior year, they said one of the most common/accepted ways to get a deferment was doing a service year (or two years, in your case) such as AmeriCorps or Peace Corps. (This is especially the case for federal loans). You should look into it if you haven't already! Loans totally suck, I feel ya :/
Glad I got to see you last weekend! BTW, do your Moroccan digs come with an address? Let me know when you find this out!!
-Joan
ADAMMMM! I love this post, particularly the first paragraph. Hope you're enjoying your last days at home for a long time. I'm sure Mom is. :) Take a good visual image of your bedroom; it will look different when you return (i.e. I'm taking that big bed for my apartment). Wow. I can't believe I'm not going to see you for a looooong time. Not that I see you that much anyway as it is. Okay, now I'm rambling. GOOD LUCK, yo.
ReplyDeleteLoves,
K
ADAM!
ReplyDeleteI'm soooo glad I found your blog! Yay! (haha) Well, I really wish I could have been in town to hang out with you before your departure across the pond, but atleast we got to visit when we did. Take care!
-Erin aka "ernie"