America Recap

Well I am stumped as to how I should begin this blog. I mean, there is so much to address! I just got, what I feel like, was a once in a lifetime opportunity to go home smack dab in the midst of another once in a lifetime opportunity in France. I think I’ll start with something I read in the New York Times today (actually, that would be yesterday. This day has been so long, I still feel like its Tuesday). Editorial Observer Lawrence Downes writes,
“The suburbs are dead. People always say that, and if you live in suburbia you expect to hear it, particularly from teenagers who are convinced that growing up there comes at some cost to their souls.”

This made me laugh out loud in the plane from Atlanta to Milan because I can’t tell you how many times I have thought or said that. It just sort of hit a funny little spot in my conscience and I was able to laugh at myself. Ohhh you suburbs….you guys…you…hell, I still hate you.

Now that I think about it, this blog is falling into place quite nicely and that quote might actually have some relevance. You see, my time in America highlighted so many things that I have taken for granted not only there in the ol’ U S of A, but La France as well. My little sojourn was probably the most sobering two weeks of my entire life.

My first cultural shock happened on the plane from Milan to Atlanta where everyone on that effing plane was a) talking soooo louuuddd and b) giving their opinions to crowds of uninterested people who pretended to listen just long enough so that they could spit out THEIR opinions to the crowd. I wish I could have jacked the PA system and tell everyone to “shut the hell up because no one actually cares what you’re saying! You don’t even care!” We Americans speak quite loudly, if you haven’t noticed. And we’re all guilty of it. In fact, an hour ago, I was talking to Lindsay on the phone and my roommate came in to ask me to please speak a little quieter. Half of me believes that the loudness stems from our language and it’s Germanic roots but then the other half calls bluff and I realize that maybe “roots” are just a lame excuse trying to preserve pride. Wow…it sounds like I need to get psychological help….
Next, my dad and I stopped for gas on the way hope from the A-port. We walked into the quickie-mart thing and I was greeted by a LOUD southern accent asking, “HOW Y’ALL DOIN’?” I actually was taken aback by the force of the English language. Not only was I unaccustomed to speaking English in public places, the interrogation was spoken with such oomph that I felt like someone had turned the volume up really loud on my car stereo without me knowing, causing for a very rude awakening the next time I zip out to the grocery store (yes, that has happened before). I mentioned this in my last blog, about the huge pots of coffee and other goodies filled with preserves that filled the store. That was shocking to see. The next time you go into a gas station mart or 7-11 or something, stand back and look at ALL of the crap in there. It is overwhelming.
I passed out that night and the next day, picked up my mom from the airport. What I noticed that day was size. There is so much automobile excess in the states. I mean, we say it, how many large cars (and people) there are in America and how we don’t really need those cars (bet you thought I was gonna say people, didn’t you?) but do you really REALIZE how enormous those SUVs and trucks are? I saw an old couple in a Ford Excursion and thought, “what the helllll are those people doing in that thing?” They were like 90! Being away from our supersized culture caused me to see the truth in all of it’s supersized glory. Everything is bigger in America (Ha.Ha...insert stupid sexual innuendo joke here). We really don’t need all of the extra crap we have.
Don’t think I’m America bashing here, there are plenty of things I loved having back. For example, Sweet Tea and fried shrimp from the Brown Lantern. MMM! And bagels!! Oh and Taco Bell (crunchwrap…) and homemade meals. I like to cook and all but its just soooo not the same when you make it for yourself. Cooking meals for yourself is like directing a play and then sitting in the audience on opening night. You’re critical and there is no surprise.
Driving was really fun too. I got to drive MY car! Blue hood and all. Although I was a little out of practice. I freaked my dad out a little bit on the interstate. Probably a lot bit. It was also really nice to go to movies! I saw Atonement and Juno while I was home. I LOVED Juno. I highly recommend it to everyone. I searched for The Darjeeling Limited but it wasn’t playing anywhere in Florida at all. I’ll just have to wait for that one. Oh and COFFEE, but anyone who has read my previous blogs could have guessed that one. I drank so much coffee at home…I’m probably still wired.
The wedding was nice. It was super crazy leading up to it though. I feel like I didn’t stop moving for 3 days. But I was dressed up like Marilyn Monroe for it and it was strange to have people I’ve known my whole life not even realize it was me at first. After the wedding was over and I finally got home and crashed. I was still jetlagged and just really tired in general. My mom went home the next day and my father and I headed down to South Florida not long after that. We stayed in Orlando for a night where I got a new MacBook (my other computer is sorta busted) and one of those awesome hats with the earflaps. Im actually using both as I type this blog, believe it or not.
I don’t remember the last time I was in Florida in January but I definitely see the appeal to all the “Snowbirds”. Everyday, the weather is 70-80 degrees and sunny with a slight breeze, perfect for golfing and fishing. I did both. I actually felt retired while I was in Florida. I played with my neice, Yvie, saw movies, went shopping, got my hair done, did crossword puzzles, went fishing and caught a dolphin (not flipper, the fish kind), ate the dolphin (thank you Janet, you are an amazing cook!), laid around in the sun, and played 18 holes. I’m surprised I didn’t come back to France wearing orthopedic shoes and clothing from a St. John’s Landing catalogue.

I rediscovered appreciation for a lot of things in Florida. Being home was just what the doctor ordered. I had a GREAT time and I feel so refreshed and ready to change things here in Lyon. Thank you to everyone. You all made my trip worthwhile because the thing I enjoyed the most was just being there. I love you all and miss you terribly. I’ll see you in July!