August 2012. August??! Where has the time gone! I've been pretty busy since April 1st, my last post, finishing my first school year as an English professor (lectrice) and then preparing and departing for the United States. I spent a few days in New York with my bff Melissa and then returned to home home, the great golden state of California. It's been about 6 weeks since I got back and I have about 2 weeks to go until the end of my American summer vacation. I returned home to experience for the first time ever, Reverse Culture Shock. Reverse Culture Shock is characterized by 'fish out of water' feelings that you normally experience when you go to a country with different habits than your own, but in your own country. After spending a 2nd year abroad in France, I returned to the United State totally BLOWN AWAY by the size of things. Trucks, 4 x 4s, washing machines, refrigerators, drinking glasses, burgers, houses, beds. I also apparently lost my personal bubble while abroad (although I am painfully aware of how nonexistent personal space is in France, in the supermarket in particular) as I had to remind myself to remain more than 6 inches behind the person in front of me in whatever line, instead of my habituated instinct of 2 inches. What, you need ID?? Why did not everyone acknowledge my presence at the bbq with a kiss hello?? Am I being shunned? Why are there so many tvs in one bar?? What is the Grimm series and why is cheese so expensive??? HOLY CRAP I CAN DO TWO NORMAL LOADS IN THIS THING! I love it and even while I was completely bewildered at times I was conscious of much I missed everything about my country and my home.
P-baby is also with me for the summer, having bought a ticket under the lure of probable job prospects. This turned out to be true but only for one day, the imminent day before his departure from LAX. Timing. It's everything. It's been wonderful together and allowed us to experience more of my world together, which has included some stressful family moments. So it's been good but somewhat difficult, more so due to the language barrier for him and some of my family members, but as well comforting for me to have him around during tense moments.
Update.
