"Home again, Home again jigity jog;"that is what my mom would say when we got home after a road trip. A road trip this was! Yesterday was another 4 state day; AL, GA, SC, and NC. There is not too much to report on. Bigger cities, less and less nothingness, more and more cars. This post is more reflections and rambling of my mind.
As we got closer and closer to home, my time in CA seemed almost like a dream. Did that really happen? Did I really leave? Am I really moving back? I have seen, experience, and established a life in another part of the country. Now, as I drive into Charlotte, not much has changed. Life has gone one day by day without me. There is a new McDonalds down the street, but other than that the whir of life has marched on. On the one hand, I feel like I can enter back where I left off and pretend like everything is fine. On the other hand, I know that is impossible. I have changed, things below the surface have changed here too. It will be an adjustment, good but hard.
I wonder if this is kind what culture shock is. I am glad to be home... want to be back in CA...it feels like home...it doesn't feel like home...things are the same...things are different...want to be here with my family...want to be in CA with my close friends...glad to leave some of the life in CA behind...apprehensive of starting a new life...
Well, thanks for reading. I will try to keep you updated.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Getting closer to home
12/29/09
Today we drove in 4 states; TX, LA, MS, and AL. Texas is big!!! From El Paso to past Longview is 820 miles. Slowly there were more trees, and the trees were taller and taller. Throughout LA, even this far north, there were many bayous. So much water. It is amazing to me that the trees can grow with that much water around. For the most part, we were still driving in the what felt like the middle of nowhere. There were occassional farms and towns, but mostly pine tree lined highway with only a few cars except for the "cities." We stopped tonight in Tuscaloosa, AL. In addition to the scenery changing, the radio station selection changes as you drive across the southern US. Sometimes only one station is available, sometimes there are 5-6 Spanish speaking stations, sometimes 5-6 country stations, sometimes 4 Christian stations. It is interesting how the radio station selection is an indication of the culture and population in that area.
We are really in the south now. I feel like I have entered into another world. In away, I feel like I am home. In another, it makes me miss Monrovia/Pasadena area so much. Here are some of the differences:
AL:
Greeted with Ma'am and Sir at the hotel and resturant
Only ethnitcities in the resturant were white and black. Although everyone is sitting in one dining room, there is a sense that everyone is trying very hard to get along.
There was Cajun shrimp and grits on the menu:)
CA
You are lucky if you get eye contact from the host
Every ethinicity you want. It is as if no one notices the different skin colors, etc
More carefree, accepting atmosphere
Well, the plan for tomorrow is to drive all the way home.
Today we drove in 4 states; TX, LA, MS, and AL. Texas is big!!! From El Paso to past Longview is 820 miles. Slowly there were more trees, and the trees were taller and taller. Throughout LA, even this far north, there were many bayous. So much water. It is amazing to me that the trees can grow with that much water around. For the most part, we were still driving in the what felt like the middle of nowhere. There were occassional farms and towns, but mostly pine tree lined highway with only a few cars except for the "cities." We stopped tonight in Tuscaloosa, AL. In addition to the scenery changing, the radio station selection changes as you drive across the southern US. Sometimes only one station is available, sometimes there are 5-6 Spanish speaking stations, sometimes 5-6 country stations, sometimes 4 Christian stations. It is interesting how the radio station selection is an indication of the culture and population in that area.
We are really in the south now. I feel like I have entered into another world. In away, I feel like I am home. In another, it makes me miss Monrovia/Pasadena area so much. Here are some of the differences:
AL:
Greeted with Ma'am and Sir at the hotel and resturant
Only ethnitcities in the resturant were white and black. Although everyone is sitting in one dining room, there is a sense that everyone is trying very hard to get along.
There was Cajun shrimp and grits on the menu:)
CA
You are lucky if you get eye contact from the host
Every ethinicity you want. It is as if no one notices the different skin colors, etc
More carefree, accepting atmosphere
Well, the plan for tomorrow is to drive all the way home.
Some of the unmet requirements
This was written 12/29/09 but not posted 2/2 no internet.
Yesterday stated with a beautiful sunrise, different shades of red could be seen for at least 180 degrees of the horizon. Well, we have an idea of what some of the requirements the hotel no longer meets. One is the shower only had lukewarm water. The water shot straight out to the back wall. Try as one might, the shower head could not be angled down. Therefore the water hit the back wall and sprayed onto the floor. After getting ready for the day, we headed to the lobby for breakfast. Breakfast was slim pickin's for a full breakfast (very small boxes of Cherrios, Cornflakes, Frosted Flakes, skim milk, whole milk, 2 bagels, 3 pieces of bread, 1 apple, and orange juice). This was breakfast for the entire hotel which as evidence by a full parking lot had filled up.
West Texas is pretty boring, the rock formations are gone, no farms, not much of anything. Last night we stopped in Dallas, TX to see my great uncle and some of his family. Dad had not seen his uncle or cousins since he was in high school. It was a good time of telling stories, listening stories, and getting caught up.
Yesterday stated with a beautiful sunrise, different shades of red could be seen for at least 180 degrees of the horizon. Well, we have an idea of what some of the requirements the hotel no longer meets. One is the shower only had lukewarm water. The water shot straight out to the back wall. Try as one might, the shower head could not be angled down. Therefore the water hit the back wall and sprayed onto the floor. After getting ready for the day, we headed to the lobby for breakfast. Breakfast was slim pickin's for a full breakfast (very small boxes of Cherrios, Cornflakes, Frosted Flakes, skim milk, whole milk, 2 bagels, 3 pieces of bread, 1 apple, and orange juice). This was breakfast for the entire hotel which as evidence by a full parking lot had filled up.
West Texas is pretty boring, the rock formations are gone, no farms, not much of anything. Last night we stopped in Dallas, TX to see my great uncle and some of his family. Dad had not seen his uncle or cousins since he was in high school. It was a good time of telling stories, listening stories, and getting caught up.
Makings for a TV show
This was written 12/27/09 but could not be posted due to no internet access.
My Dad and I are spending the night in Van Hoen, Tx. Don't know there that is? I am not surprised. It is in the middle of nowhere! It is the biggest mertopolis within 120 miles in any direction. After driving for about 7-8 hours in the middle of what looks like an old western backdrop, the speed limit sign reports 80mph to be legal. One can see for miles and miles literally. In case you were wondering if America was running out of space, have no fear. If you are in the market for real estate, you are in luck! There are hundreds of acres for sale. Beware though of the possibility of dust storms. It really has been a pretty drive, wide open spaces and blue skies. A geologist would have a hayday looking at all rock formations. there were different colors of rock, different configurations. Some look like huge piles of stones someone left. Others looked like mountains that have parts that have been scooped out with a large ice cream scoop.
After driving from Pheonix, through the rest of AZ, through NM, through El Paso TX, and then 120ish miles more, we decided to stop for the night at the town called Van Horn. The next town we thought would have hotels weas 164 miles away...too far. We got excited when we saw Van Horn had two exits. They even had four hotels listed on a blue sign. Wow, we had not seen that for hours (with the exception of El Paso). We pull off and decide to stay at a Hampton Inn. They normally have free wireless internet, pool and continential breakfast. This means we can get lunch too (we make PB sandwiches and take a piece of fruit for the road).
We walk in and things are very quiet, which is expected at 5:00pm central time. The young man at the front desk who could be no older than 17 quotes the room price. We ask for a AAA discount, and he says that is the discounted price. Dad responds, "How did you know we were AAA members?" He says, "Oh I just thought the discounted price sounded better." He then says, "Wait a minute, let me go see if the room is clean." He ran down the hall to go check on the room. It took him a couple of minutes for him to come back. Dad and I look at eaach other and think,"it is 5:00 pm. Shouldn't all the rooms be clean now?" The young man returns to report that the room will be ready in 20 minutes. Dad responds, "Do you have a lot of reservations for tonight?" trying to figure out why they don't have all the rooms ready by 5:00pm. He responds, "We don't take reservations. We can't take reservations since we are not a Hampton Inn anymore and don't have a computer." We said, "Why are you not a Hampton Inn anymore?" "We don't meet all the requirements," he stated. "How long have you been working here." I asked. "Four weeks," he responds as he is writing our reservation on a simple form. It was then we noticed a well worn, barely legible piece of paper taped to the counter stating: "We are no longer a Hampton Inn." We then asked him if breakfast is included and if there is wireless internet. He says, "Yes, we have all the amenities of a Hampton Inn, but there is only wireless internet in the lobby." We decided to walk by the room. Sure enough, the beds were still being made.
We then decided to go find something to eat. We were in search of the Mexican resturant Mijas that the young man recommended. Remember, this is a big town with 6 or so resturants. As we drive down Main street (one if the three streets in town) on our way to Mijas, we pass a cardboard sign reading "If you are looking for Chuy it is 2blocks bk." Thinking that is kinda strange, we continue on our way only to find a very small square adobe building with no cars in the parking lot. Upon driving past it, we noted a snall black and red "closed" sign in the bottom of the widow. We then turned around and began our search for Chuy. We approached a neon green building with a packed parking lot. It is the only building on Main Street with cars in the parking lot. There is "Happy Birthday Jesus" and fake snow painted on the windows.
We go in to find an overcrowded entry way that is decorated with business cards covering the ceiling, some brightly colored Mexican cloth, old sports photos in frames, Christmas decoration scattered throughout. While we were waiting for the table I report, "I feel like I am in a TV show." Once seated, I went to wash up. After flushing the toilet, I held my breath as the water filled the bowl to the very edge, but did not overflow. Upon sitting down I noticed a gas heater on the wall and another that looked like a stationary fan 15 feet away. The only heat in the resturant, which would explain why so many patons were eating in their winter coats. We put in our order. the following are some of the things we heard throughout the evening:
We do not have ice cream; we have flan though. upon returning to the kitchen, it was stated by someone that the flan was still forzen.
We do not have anymore forks. Well, hurry up and wash some.
We have been here for 15 years. My granddad use to sell hamburgers and such. He then decided since we are Mexican to start making Mexican food, and here wer are today.
They were doing a booming business. For the most part, everyone in the resturant had been driving for hours. There was one group of regulars, who came to eat. There was no mistake they were regulars as they were greeted with hugs and were wearing cowboy hats and boots.
Don't worry, this resturant was AAA approved and Rotary had their weekly meetings there. The makeshift podium, bell and Rotary flag were in the corner.
Well, that about does it for today's adventure.
My Dad and I are spending the night in Van Hoen, Tx. Don't know there that is? I am not surprised. It is in the middle of nowhere! It is the biggest mertopolis within 120 miles in any direction. After driving for about 7-8 hours in the middle of what looks like an old western backdrop, the speed limit sign reports 80mph to be legal. One can see for miles and miles literally. In case you were wondering if America was running out of space, have no fear. If you are in the market for real estate, you are in luck! There are hundreds of acres for sale. Beware though of the possibility of dust storms. It really has been a pretty drive, wide open spaces and blue skies. A geologist would have a hayday looking at all rock formations. there were different colors of rock, different configurations. Some look like huge piles of stones someone left. Others looked like mountains that have parts that have been scooped out with a large ice cream scoop.
After driving from Pheonix, through the rest of AZ, through NM, through El Paso TX, and then 120ish miles more, we decided to stop for the night at the town called Van Horn. The next town we thought would have hotels weas 164 miles away...too far. We got excited when we saw Van Horn had two exits. They even had four hotels listed on a blue sign. Wow, we had not seen that for hours (with the exception of El Paso). We pull off and decide to stay at a Hampton Inn. They normally have free wireless internet, pool and continential breakfast. This means we can get lunch too (we make PB sandwiches and take a piece of fruit for the road).
We walk in and things are very quiet, which is expected at 5:00pm central time. The young man at the front desk who could be no older than 17 quotes the room price. We ask for a AAA discount, and he says that is the discounted price. Dad responds, "How did you know we were AAA members?" He says, "Oh I just thought the discounted price sounded better." He then says, "Wait a minute, let me go see if the room is clean." He ran down the hall to go check on the room. It took him a couple of minutes for him to come back. Dad and I look at eaach other and think,"it is 5:00 pm. Shouldn't all the rooms be clean now?" The young man returns to report that the room will be ready in 20 minutes. Dad responds, "Do you have a lot of reservations for tonight?" trying to figure out why they don't have all the rooms ready by 5:00pm. He responds, "We don't take reservations. We can't take reservations since we are not a Hampton Inn anymore and don't have a computer." We said, "Why are you not a Hampton Inn anymore?" "We don't meet all the requirements," he stated. "How long have you been working here." I asked. "Four weeks," he responds as he is writing our reservation on a simple form. It was then we noticed a well worn, barely legible piece of paper taped to the counter stating: "We are no longer a Hampton Inn." We then asked him if breakfast is included and if there is wireless internet. He says, "Yes, we have all the amenities of a Hampton Inn, but there is only wireless internet in the lobby." We decided to walk by the room. Sure enough, the beds were still being made.
We then decided to go find something to eat. We were in search of the Mexican resturant Mijas that the young man recommended. Remember, this is a big town with 6 or so resturants. As we drive down Main street (one if the three streets in town) on our way to Mijas, we pass a cardboard sign reading "If you are looking for Chuy it is 2blocks bk." Thinking that is kinda strange, we continue on our way only to find a very small square adobe building with no cars in the parking lot. Upon driving past it, we noted a snall black and red "closed" sign in the bottom of the widow. We then turned around and began our search for Chuy. We approached a neon green building with a packed parking lot. It is the only building on Main Street with cars in the parking lot. There is "Happy Birthday Jesus" and fake snow painted on the windows.
We go in to find an overcrowded entry way that is decorated with business cards covering the ceiling, some brightly colored Mexican cloth, old sports photos in frames, Christmas decoration scattered throughout. While we were waiting for the table I report, "I feel like I am in a TV show." Once seated, I went to wash up. After flushing the toilet, I held my breath as the water filled the bowl to the very edge, but did not overflow. Upon sitting down I noticed a gas heater on the wall and another that looked like a stationary fan 15 feet away. The only heat in the resturant, which would explain why so many patons were eating in their winter coats. We put in our order. the following are some of the things we heard throughout the evening:
We do not have ice cream; we have flan though. upon returning to the kitchen, it was stated by someone that the flan was still forzen.
We do not have anymore forks. Well, hurry up and wash some.
We have been here for 15 years. My granddad use to sell hamburgers and such. He then decided since we are Mexican to start making Mexican food, and here wer are today.
They were doing a booming business. For the most part, everyone in the resturant had been driving for hours. There was one group of regulars, who came to eat. There was no mistake they were regulars as they were greeted with hugs and were wearing cowboy hats and boots.
Don't worry, this resturant was AAA approved and Rotary had their weekly meetings there. The makeshift podium, bell and Rotary flag were in the corner.
Well, that about does it for today's adventure.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The not so little things in life
As I said my final goodbyes to the kiddos and their families, I was surprised. The ones that were the most difficult to say goodbye to were the ones that were the most difficult to treat at the beginning. Four in particular come to mind. I know that we are not supposed to have favorites, but I do. When I started 18 months ago, these were the children I dreaded seeing. They would cry and scream for the full 50 minutes and were inconsolable. I tried everything...music, cuddling, leaving them alone, playing with bubbles, playing with water, swinging, deep pressure, light up toys. Normally one of these will work to calm a child who is having trouble self-regulating and organizing themselves. These four would cry when they saw the building and would not stop until they left the building. Over the next several weeks and months, as they were beginning to trust me their behavior decreased. They would cry for less and less each session. Slowly I was able to touch them, play with them, teach them. Then one day it happened. I saw the first smile and heard the first laugh. The joy in the moment when you know you have entered into their world, their inner circle, will never get old. Now, the children will come smiling and laughing with me. They will attempt anything I ask them to try. Yes they have had their ups and downs, some treatments and better than others, but that is life. They have all made so much progress. All four, the doctors said would never walk or talk. Three of the four are now walking (granted their gait does not look typical), two are trying to communicate with words and signs, and two are interacting with the people and toys. It amazes me what a lot of love, encouragement, hard work by the child, family and therapist, and some time can do. One of the biggest things they teach you is to value the little things in life... the ability to maintain your head in midline, to track a toy with your eyes, to be able to hold your head up against gravity when you are lying on your stomach, to smile, to laugh, to reach, to sit independedntly, to transition for lying down to sitting up independently, to move forward anyway possible, to crawl, to pull up to standing, to climb, to stand independently, to take steps, to walk independently. I truly count a blessing to be in their lives for this short amount of time.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Goodbye Routine
Well, it is that time again...time to prepare for the upcoming week. As I take a break to sit here and write awhile, I realized that I am going through the routine as I would for any other week. Cooking for the week, laundry, working on reports, hanging out with friends, taking a minute to reflect. As is often the case in my life, the reality of what is happening is not hitting. Tomorrow will be the last Monday at the current place of work. The to do list is every growing as always. As one thing gets crossed off, another is added. There is one thing that is different this week though that I cannot ignore. The trouble is it is hard to describe. The best way I can say is my heart is heavy. The thought of leaving my life here is so hard. I think part of what is hard is I am leaving a routine. Those of you who are familiar with Myers Brigg personality test, I am an ESTJ. I like routines. Yeah there are surprises everyday, but I know how to deal with most of them. I know for the most part what to expect, how the day will go, who I will see, what I need to get done, etc. Starting Thursday morning the routine that I have become accustomed to will no longer be.
While I am excited for what to come there is a small amount of anxiety. I have not been to CLT in over a year. I have not spent more than about 2-3 weeks at a time there since graduating high school. I am not the same person that left that summer in 2001 to attend Messiah College. CLT is not the same city I left. The church I grew up in is not the same. Life has happened. I have learned about different cultures, different places, myself, God, met so many different people for short and long times. One of the ancient philosphers said the only thing that does not change is change itself. In the physical world, this certainly seems true. Thankfully, God does not change! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a rock and fortress. Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fotress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Also, he goes with us. Psalm 139 says that he goes before us and hems us in behind.
Well, I hope you are able to go about your routines this weeks without too many surprises:)
While I am excited for what to come there is a small amount of anxiety. I have not been to CLT in over a year. I have not spent more than about 2-3 weeks at a time there since graduating high school. I am not the same person that left that summer in 2001 to attend Messiah College. CLT is not the same city I left. The church I grew up in is not the same. Life has happened. I have learned about different cultures, different places, myself, God, met so many different people for short and long times. One of the ancient philosphers said the only thing that does not change is change itself. In the physical world, this certainly seems true. Thankfully, God does not change! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a rock and fortress. Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fotress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Also, he goes with us. Psalm 139 says that he goes before us and hems us in behind.
Well, I hope you are able to go about your routines this weeks without too many surprises:)
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Trail
Many of you asked for me to keep in touch. I can hardly believe that I am leaving again. Although I have only been in CA for 18 month, I will be leaving part of my heart here. It is so hard to say see you later and really not know if it is true. This transition has definitely been the most difficult one so far. My heart feels like it is being torn. On the one hand, I am so excited to be going back to NC, to the east coast, to the seasons, to family. On the other hand, I am going to miss my kiddos and their families, my friends, living at the foot of the mountains, only being 45 minutes from the beach, the warm sunshine year round.
Only the Lord knows what is around the next bend. This week Proverbs 16:9 has been on mind. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." This is one thing I have been learning. You plan and then be flexible. While it is scary to not have control, to not know the next step; it is encouraging to know that we have a guide. This reminds me of a long hike or running a marathon. There trail or course is planned out; the destination is set. You are prepared with water, food, and simple first aid for the sun, rain, heat, and cold. You begin the journey with energy and a sense of adventure. One step at a time, you follow the trail or course enjoying the scenery. Pretty soon, you are glad you are carrying the water. Although you do not know every turn or mile marker, you trust that if you follow the path, you will make it to the end. When you make it to the finish line or back to the car, I guarantee the adventure did not go exactly as you had planned. Well, you are more than welcome to join me as I take the next steps on this trail of life. Only the Lord knows the next stop. I can tell you with confidence that along the way there will be wonderful views, mountain top experiences, great valleys, times of rest beside quiet streams, unexpected turns, all in all a great adventure.
Only the Lord knows what is around the next bend. This week Proverbs 16:9 has been on mind. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." This is one thing I have been learning. You plan and then be flexible. While it is scary to not have control, to not know the next step; it is encouraging to know that we have a guide. This reminds me of a long hike or running a marathon. There trail or course is planned out; the destination is set. You are prepared with water, food, and simple first aid for the sun, rain, heat, and cold. You begin the journey with energy and a sense of adventure. One step at a time, you follow the trail or course enjoying the scenery. Pretty soon, you are glad you are carrying the water. Although you do not know every turn or mile marker, you trust that if you follow the path, you will make it to the end. When you make it to the finish line or back to the car, I guarantee the adventure did not go exactly as you had planned. Well, you are more than welcome to join me as I take the next steps on this trail of life. Only the Lord knows the next stop. I can tell you with confidence that along the way there will be wonderful views, mountain top experiences, great valleys, times of rest beside quiet streams, unexpected turns, all in all a great adventure.
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