Hello Again
You
may or may not have noticed the week gap in posts from 1800MPG. We
apologize, but we held the staff holiday party (I hung out with some coaches at
Griz house [we are older and wiser now]) and spent time with the family before
departing on the 1/2.
I’m
back here for the encore to my first set, so hopefully this goes better than my
first go-round (aka I don’t lose my wallet, have gringo stomach, get homesick,
you know all the nice things that have nothing to do with others/VZ but me
personally).
I’d
like to thank you for joining me on this journey the past few months and
reading the words that I meticulously (by someone’s standards) and honestly
write down depicting all sides of this journey. That’s really what has
been, a journey- not an epic (maybe a short epic [inside joke for my English
friends]), but a journey mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s
tested me in ways I never have been and put me in position to really see who
and what I am (still up for debate). It’s forced me to fall on my faith,
my faith in people, and that everything works out well in the end.
Those
of you that know me well understand I’m not linear or Pollack-esq, but some
sort of Hemingway meets Tim Ferris at a Pearl Jam concert (if you don’t
understand that it’s ok, I didn’t at first either). This whole experience
has been like riding a way (I’ve never surfed by have been in boats and dinghy’s)
that has given me perspective I could have never dreamed. It hasn’t all
been smooth sailing and I whole-heartedly appreciate the kind comments,
responses, and emails. It’s really helped me when times get tough (I’m a
little emotional just saying that, and I used to be such a tough guy).
Lastly,
I appreciate your patience with my mad hatter approach to this blog. It’
the most raw thing I’ve ever done/written, totally honest and full of mistakes
(grammar/syntax/references), but it’s what I feel when I feel it. I hope
you enjoy the authenticity and thank you for looking past the cracks in the
pavement.
Enough
of the mushy stuff, onto the goods.
Saying Goodbye Pt. II
I
really thought I was going to be able to hold it in and not break. Nope I
tea red up like a kid getting his sucker taken from him after running around
the house after being told three times to stop. We left fairly early as
to not be late due to weather (we got lucky getting this flight in as 3700
flights nationwide were cancelled).
We
rolled down packed into my brother’s van, making small talk as the Illinois
highway slithered parallel to the Mississippi River. The ride was uneventful
and the tone somber. We pulled into the airport parking lot, I got out my
stuff, and in we went.
I
reached the Delta kiosk and spoke with a rep. I had no idea, but
apparently you can just slide your passport through the computer, shamans
perform voodoo magic, wah-la the boarding pass. While all this black
magic was going on the woman told me she used to teach English at a school in
Korea before she met her husband and got married. She asked where I was
heading, I told her and her demeanor changed. As I tossed my bag into the
security scanner, I told her not to worry about me, it’s not as dangerous as
CNN/Fox/MSNBC make it out to be.
We
hung out in the waiting area near the baggage claimed and slowly the clock
ticked up. Five weeks so fast and I really didn’t’ do anything besides
hang out with family and friends (whole goal of going back) and eat. I
did great not eating crap until Dec. 23 (Lueders Family Christmas) and then it
was mash city. I ate everything, especially crap. I’m carrying a
few extra back with me, but the VZ sun will help with that.
Waiting
there was like being in a doctor’s office or waiting your turn at giving a
speech in high school. We all knew that eventually I had to get on the
plane, but instead of being happy about my last few minutes in the states prior
to my return, we were rather quiet (except Miles who was wound for
sound). I get really anxious before flying and had bad dreams the
previous few nights so I was pretty quiet. My parents talked to me about
how fast this semester will go and how nice the flight will be. I shook
my head, thoughts drifting into the horizon. I popped a view Xanax and
then it was time. I hugged my sis in law, sister, mom (both started to
tear up), then my brother, then my nephew, then my dad, then my mom again and
then my dad. I was filling up with tears trying not to have my voice
break while I spoke with them. With each step towards TSA security, I
fought back and won. But after going through the scanner and putting my
shoes on I looked back and waved. Started crying again, turned and
started for the gate.
I
used to be such a tough guy.
So
it goes.
The Flight Back
Any
who, the lady next to me apparently heard my inner monologue and started
chatting me up. She was about 80 and had
worked for a Christian organization that did missions all over the world. She was super nice and had some great
stories. She had been everywhere from
Russia to Africa to Central American and certain parts of the US. I enjoyed everything she had to say except
about how many times she’s had problems with small planes like the one we were
on and specifically at QC Airport.
That’s
what we in the business call foreshadowing.
Looks cool, but feels oh so cold. |
We
have been waiting for about 15mins due to a mechanical issue and then finally
the pilot tells us they are letting us get off the plane because the right
engine won’t start. Cool.
We
all get off the plane and make our way to the seating area. I just lean up against the wall away from
people trying to relax and listen to music, but I figure I might as well go the
bathroom while we are here (I’m afraid to go on the plane). I am washing my hands and realize something
is wrong. My wallet is there…apt keys…
no passport. OH F&#@. I hustle out of there and see it in its case
right where I had left. That would have
been a deal breaker. Well done by me I
know.
About
this time we are allowed to go back into the plane and I sit back down. The missionary next to me laughed, and said,
“See.” I couldn’t help but chuckle until
the pilot got back on the PA.
“Yeah
folks sorry about the delay. We didn’t
have air in the cabin early and you may have noticed it was a little warm. Well we tricked the computer and got both the
air and the right engine to start so we are good to go.”
Duuuuuudddeeee….
Meanwhile somewhere over the Southeast... |
Flight
went great until I got to Atlanta and my mom called and told me that I forgot
the iPod I bought to bring down.
I
dropped an F bomb right then and there.
Parents weren’t happy with me, but what can you do.
The
next flight was easy, but even with 1.5 Xanax I couldn’t sleep. I felt like Will Ferrell in Old School
though.
My buddy Marshall was waiting
for me at the Caracas airport (he was just getting in from Argentina) and we
were splitting a cab. He said I looked
so out of it and slow. I slept on the
cab ride to my apartment and got in at like 1:15am. Not bad for leaving at 9am.
The next two days I basically just slept and played Call of Duty (video game for you guys that don't game).
Observations Since Being Back
- It was still the holiday when I got here on Thursday and this place was dead. Nobody on the road and very few people out in the neighborhood. It was actually kind of quiet and felt like a small town.
- The New Year is a bigger deal here. Venezuelans great each other with a sincere “Happy New Year” followed with a handshake, hug, and conversation about your break. I admire the sincerity.
- The huge cross lit up on a power tower. It’s really cool at night along with the decorations that remain ip January 3rd is a holiday here as well.
- It doesn’t feel the 90 it says it is. It actually reminds me of the middle of football when the temp has broken a little and the humidity has died down.
- Lots of students haven’t returned from break yet. Apparently five weeks isn’t enough!
Coolest Places My Students Went on Break
- Dubai
- Milan, Italy (Study Italian)
- Paris, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Miami (seemed most traveled here at some point)
I’ve been a bit of a mess lately and not able to sleep so I’m
going to wrap this up and bid you adieu.
Hopefully, I can get over this and get some good zzz’s to be ready for work
tomorrow.
Happy New Year! I
wish you blessings and good tidings in the year of opportunities that lie
ahead.
Until Next Time,
KRS
Happy New Year Kellen!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, very entertaining read and yes new year is a huge celebration for us here in VZ.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Kellen! I so enjoy reading your blogs!!!!
ReplyDelete