Journal 124 - 20 Days In The US
6-10-2010 - 7:48 PM - DC Time
Funny - after three weeks without doing a journal, I'm almost unsure about how to begin again… Really, it's more that I don't know whether to jump into the events of the last few minutes, or to start from the beginning of the day, or to re-cap what I've been doing in between the last entry, of coming back to the USA, and now, as I'm sitting on the plane…!
Seeing as how I'm usually chronological to the point of ridiculousness -- see that third Fulbright Article for evidence -- and as I've got some time to kill here at 33,009 feet (6.5 hrs, approximately), I suppose I'll begin with the story of, "Just where did Moscow Kitty disappear to, and why hasn't she posted anything since the end of her Sochi trip????" (<-- Obviously, by the time you read this, you will have read everything that happened after Sochi up until the day we left Moscow, what with that whole "chronological" thing of mine.)
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010
As soon as we touched down in the States, I joined the rush to get to Customs and Baggage Claim -- both of which went very smoothly, actually. My bag came off of the conveyor rather quickly, and to my great delight, I saw neither wine stains, nor smelled any wine! Thus, I assumed Tacy and Jeff's wine made it ok. As far as Customs was concerned, they asked if I had any food with me, I responded, "Wine and chocolate!" and they just waved me on through.
I called my Papa on the way out the door -- but when he asked what level I was on, I had absolutely no idea! I said, "Hold on, let me ask these police men / guards here." As they responded, "Level two," to my query, my Papa heard it through the phone and said, "That's where I'm headed." I told him that I would be right at the edge, as he came up -- and 10 seconds later, there he was!! How's that for timing??
We loaded up quickly, and as we pulled away from the airport, my Papa surprised me with a bag of Twizzlers!!! This might sound like something very small, but it's actually a well-beloved tradition by myself. You see, when I was younger, every time my family would go to visit my Nana and Granddaddy, they would buy each of us grandchildren a bag of Twizzlers. So, receiving a bag directly upon my return home meant quite a bit to me. [Thank you, Papa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
Now, I was to have 15 hours of time in the DC area before I left for Home the next day -- and we didn't waste a second of it! Our first stop was at my Papa's apartment, so that I could drop off my luggage, which was full of Red October chocolate that I didn't want to melt in the car! Immediately after we dropped that off, and I got a Facebook status update posted that said I was back in the US, alive,** Papa and I headed out to Arlington National Cemetery so that I could say hello again, and pay my respects to my Granddaddy. It was an absolutely gorgeous, warm afternoon, and the fountain in the columbarium garden was going -- it was a very peaceful atmosphere. We visited with Granddaddy for a little bit, and then I said goodbye -- promising to be back before I returned to Russia -- and then Papa and I were off for dinner. We figured a good, old-fashioned hamburger was in order, as my first meal back in the States, so we headed over to a local Five Guys! It was pretty delicious! Immediately after we finished our dinners, we ran back over to Papa's to pick up the guns and go shooting!!!
I have to say, I didn't do the best, but I wasn't outright terrible. Most importantly, I had one Hell of a good time! I had been looking forward to going shooting, with our guns, for SO long, and it was WONDERFUL to be back on a US range, after the experience in Moscow. I think that we stayed a little bit longer than we had intended to (and we'd also had to wait a bit longer than we'd expected, to get into the range), so we hustled out of there, to go drop the guns back off, pick up my things, and get me over to my Aunt and Uncle's house in order to visit, give presents, and stay the night before leaving, EARLY, the next morning.
The present-giving and visiting was absolutely lovely, and we parted for bed around 2 in the morning. Unfortunately, as tired as I was, I had catching up to do on e-mails, and of course, while I was doing that, I got caught up in the excitement of chatting with friends online!! Thus, I didn't shut down and go to bed until around 4 AM ish. … I had to be up at 5 AM, and out the door at 5:30 AM. You will be happy to know, I was perfectly on time, and didn't wake my Aunt and Uncle on the way out!
After a lovely, huge, American breakfast at the Old-Fashioned Diner that my Papa had found (And where I had eaten before I was due to leave from the US the first time!!), we continued on to the airport, where Papa dropped me off.
(** Goodness, a remark like that feels terribly out of place in something so old-fashioned as a journal like this…)
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Friday, May 21st, 2010
I spent one day at Home: a day that was full of hanging out with one of my best friends in the world, Munky, running to doctor's appointments, and trying desperately to find something to wear to the two weddings I was due to go to while home!! (One of which, happened to be the next day.)
I did not find anything to wear!!
I did, however, have an AMAZING time with Munky -- We finally got our Mac n' Cheese, hurrah!!! -- and his wonderful friend cut my hair for me, so that I'd: a. have healthier hair, because Moscow and its hair dryers did a number on my mane, and b. have a nice, new look. (It's really not all that different, though!)
Also, I had the chance to stop by my Home-Away-From-Home, and see Mum and Da (my "Spare Parents") again!!! I was soooooo excited to see them again!! They were excited to see me, too. Excitement all around!! (And they liked their presents, too! Huzzah!)
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
Thanks to my being unable to find anything to wear for the weddings yesterday, I was up early, running out to Wal-Mart, dragging my poor Mutti with me, looking for something. Along the way, I hit up the $5 movie bin, which I so adore -- justifying the 8 movies I grabbed to my Mutti as, "Well, I've been gone for 4 months, so just imagine that I have bought 2 per month!!" I don't think she bought it. Ha ha ha!
Luckily for me, I did find something to wear -- and a hat!! -- and we found shoes to match across the street. We scurried home so that I could pack, and a few hours later, we were caravanning down with some of the family of my friend who was getting married. (Of course, they are all friends, too!!!!)
*****
The wedding was a blast! Just a gorgeous, fun time!
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Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
I was invited to spend a few days at my newly-wed friend's house, but, as everything was so busy, I could only manage to stay for this day.
*****
I received a rather large shock in the morning, when my Papa called to tell me that my only cousin (on his side), who was living with my Nana in Florida, had been involved in an auto accident, and had fractured his back, pelvis, hip, and one leg, and was currently in the hospital.
I realized that my upcoming visit to Florida would be nearly so relaxing as I had been hoping for, and looking forward to. Most importantly, however, he was *alive.*
*****
Beyond that news, I had a good morning, playing some frisbee (with my friend, and with two other friends who had stayed), and chit chatting. I even got to try Durian! (If you haven't heard of it, it's a rather infamous, Asian fruit. Well, maybe notorious is a better word… It's got a reputation for having an awful smell.] It was frozen, and had been thawed (but not eaten immediately), which I don't think helped its texture any. It has a, "love it or hate it" relationship with about everyone who tries it -- and unfortunately, I was not in the "love it" group… Ha ha ha ha…
Later in the day, my friend and I had also planned to go shooting together, but I was so tuckered out that I just couldn't manage. In fact, I spent most of the afternoon and evening passed out on the couch. My friend knew it was coming, too. *laughs* He came to wake me up, figuring that he should at least offer me the chance, although he knew I wouldn't be able to get up -- and true to his intuition, I couldn't even move my head over to look at him, to say that I couldn't!!
I did manage to get up for the late dinner -- venison! -- and enjoyed visiting with everyone.
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Monday, May 24th, 2010
My friend was kind enough to give me a ride back home -- and he was also going to go visit his family (my friends) who live very close to us -- and goodness knows, he's got a beautiful car, so it was a great ride! … Only spoiled by the fact that we saw no less than 22 cop cars on the way back home…. I knew Memorial Day was the next weekend, but SERIOUSLY!! I have never SEEN so many cop cars on the road!! It definitely ruined any chances of my friend opening up the car and us having some fun…. I'm not sure what it is, but every time we are in that car together, there are ALWAYS cops around!!
… But he did manage to get us to 137 mph for a short little burst when I was almost home… We got cut short, however, as we saw what looked like, "… the back end of one of those old, Ford cop cars…" When we slowed the Hell down, and pulled up behind it further on at a stop light, it was indeed marked as a, "police interceptor." The truly awful part? It looked like it was one of those old police cars that has been decommissioned and auctioned off -- SO WE SLOWED DOWN FOR NOTHING!!!!!!
As it's been said… "Next time Gadget… Next time!" *shakes a fist*
*****
Once dropped off, I had a little bit of time to spend with my Mutti, before she went to work.
Most of the morning was also devoted to working out a surprising kink with my University -- namely that I wasn't listed as being registered for the summer. This also made my study abroad office a little bit unhappy…
Thankfully, it all got worked out.
Then I had a little time to myself. Of course, it wasn't really to myself, as I ran off to the High School to go visit with one of my favorite teachers, Mr. H., and I had hoped to catch another one, Mama S., while there!
I managed to see both, spoil them rotten with gifts from The Motherland, and get them riled up with stories of my crazy antics in Moscow!! (And get more than 12 strikes against me from Mr. H before he gave up counting all the things I did "wrong!")
What an afternoon!
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Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
This was another crazy busy day! (It seems as though all of my days during this time were…)
I visited with my Mutti in the morning, and once she left for work, I set out to run some errands before coming back home to try and back, before my friend took me to the airport to get down to Florida.
I'm not sure what I got delayed with -- all I know is that I packed in half an hour for those 4 days. … And I forgot the two things I told myself not to forget: my bathing suit and my flip flops!!! Irony….
To my beautiful friend Nicole -- you were a Godsend for putting up with me in that crazy half hour, and for taking me to the airport in the middle of rush hour. Thank you. [Also, thanks for waiting until the day I left to get your presents. =^_~=]
*****
I definitely got asked out on a date while boarding my connection to Sarasota. That was interesting, and fun.
He actually told a stewardess to ask if I wanted anything to drink. I declined, but it was nice to be offered!
*****
Once I headed outside, my friend Maksym was right there waiting for me. I was thankful before that he'd offered to pick me up at such a late hour -- but it meant so much more, with the news of my cousin's accident. It was SOOOO good to see him.
We got home pretty quickly -- although we stopped for 5 minutes to watch a plane land, which was very cool! -- and along the way, he teased me, "How come you are not speaking Russian with me? Are you afraid??"
"Of course not!" I shot back -- and immediately flipped to Russian. The story I was telling may not have been finished as smoothly as it was begun, but when there was a pause in the conversation, Maksym said, "For only being there four months, your Russian is pretty good!!"
It was a happy moment.
Before parting at my Nana's, he offered to take me back to the airport -- which was amazingly sweet of him -- and we arranged that we'd meet a few hours early, so that we would have time to visit.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Linda (my cousin's mum) came into town -- we picked her up from the airport, and headed on to the Hospital to see my cousin.
We spent the day at the hospital, ran to the grocery store (late), had a late dinner, and stayed up chatting for a bit, before calling it quits for bed. We had to be up early to get back to the hospital.
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Thursday, May 27th, 2010
Another day at the hospital -- I began reading The Count of Monte Cristo to my cousin. Also, apparently I was a hit with the hospital staff and my cousin's roommate, given the outfit I was wearing. -- I didn't think it was all that scandalous or anything -- but it seems everyone quite enjoyed it.
It was good for a laugh, at least, and as they say, laughter is the best medicine. Thus, I didn't mind.
While at the hospital, we met the girl who had been driving when my cousin got into his accident. -- Interesting. I almost felt bad for her, her meeting my cousin's Mum and Cousin (both women, obviously) at once. That can't have been easy.
We left slightly earlier that day, in order to get home in time to pick up some fresh, bay scallops for me to make my "famous" bay scallops dish. It was Heaven, as usual. I'd missed that, SO MUCH, while in Russia.
I also ran out behind my Nana's condo, to get down to the beach for the first time in 2 days. I went shelling, although not seriously -- and I did find some beautiful things. In the midst of walking around down there, I saved a clam's life. The poor thing had gotten caught in the tide, and his foot and body were completely out of the shell, trying to dig into the sand, to get some water, to breathe. I picked him up, gently, and put him back into the water, a little deeper, so that he wouldn't get caught again. Happily, he began to perk up once I got him back in the water!
Now, I do this *all* the time - saving crustaceans that get caught in the tide, I mean. The Ocean, there around my Nana's, has always been very, very good to me -- so I'm always looking to help It out, too. I'm thinking there's some kind of mutual Love there. Always has been. And it continued that night, because after I saved that clam, and when I was getting ready to go back inside, I found a very large, gorgeous conch shell.
Those kinds of finds are once in a lifetime. That Ocean has given me FOUR. In all fairness, two of the ones it's shown me have been alive, and I never take anything alive just for their shells -- but still, that leaves me with TWO, huge conch shells.
I love that place.
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Friday, May 28th, 2010
We decided not to go to the Hospital today -- really, it was more my Nana and Linda deciding this for me. They saw how tired I was, I suppose; and they also felt bad about my trip being so interrupted by my cousin's accident. More that, they felt bad that what I'd been looking forward to as a relaxing time had turned into a time full of responsibility and busyness.
I kept trying to tell them that it was all ok -- and it was. My cousin was alive, which was the important thing; and that I was in Florida at all was the other important thing. Everything else could be put aside for more important things, like taking care of my cousin.
Unfortunately, this day did not get off to a smooth start…
The hospital decided to send my cousin home that day, out of the blue.
That led to a very stressful morning. Very.
*****
Eventually, Linda made some arrangements, and told Nana and I to go to the beach and go shopping, as I'd wanted to do in my original plans. While I would have done anything I needed to do, for my cousin, or for Linda and Nana, I was thankful for the rest from the long drives to and from the hospital, and I was exhilarated to go to my beautiful beaches again!!
[I firmly believe that my Nana lives in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's my little piece of Heaven, and I'm so blessed to be able to go there. Although, her being there is really a huge part of what makes it Heaven in the first place. =^__^= Love you, Nana.]
We had a lovely walk, and headed out to shop a little. That was nigh disastrous, but at least I had the wonderful walk!
*****
In the middle of all of the, "coming home," stress that was still going on when we got back -- I fixed my Aunt and my Nana each a drink, and reminded them, and my cousin when he called, that I would do whatever was necessary to help.
They all responded by unanimously telling me to get out of the house and go on my date with Plane Guy that I'd rescheduled from the night before, due to my being exhausted.
Thus, being out-voted, I went on my date.
Which was a lovely time.
*****
When I got back, my cousin had literally been taken inside 2 minutes before I walked in the door.
I tried to check up on everyone, and get people settled in, nerves calmed down, and figure out what I was going to do the next day -- my last day in Florida [for at least a year] ….
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Saturday, May 29th, 2010
I got up early to go to the beach one, final time. Nana came with me, and despite my lack of true swim suit, and Nana not normally wanting to get in the water (because of her hair style) -- we both threw caution to the wind, thanks to our mutual love of swimming in the Gulf, and my short time there -- and we got ourselves in that water!!!!
It was incredible.
I had missed that so much more than I can say.
The only thing that I can say that even comes a little bit close to explaining how I felt is that that place is the ONLY place I was EVER homesick for in Moscow. I NEVER get homesick. I NEVER miss where my family lives; and although I certainly think about my family and friends and loved ones often -- I think about my Nana, and that place in Florida EVERY DAY.
Of course, we were gone from the beach all too soon [I couldn't have stayed much longer anyway -- it was still a little cold for me! Ha ha…] -- we dried off as we walked to my favorite beach shop, where I've been going for almost 17 or 18 years now. I about cleaned them out, buying presents for all my Russian friends!!!!!
Finally, before heading home, we also stopped in to pick up lunch for my cousin, Linda, and Nana.
As soon as I dropped Nana and their lunch off, I ran out to the local fish monger's shop, the Star Fish Co., which also has a restaurant around back on their docks. I ADORE this place -- they are where we always buy our fresh seafood when I am visiting!!!
I had intended to get a quick lunch of fried bay scallops, and fried gulf shrimp -- but it was not destined to be… There was a very long line ahead of me! … Even though I was on a tight timeline, and knew I didn't really have the time, I stayed, and put my order in anyway. This was my last chance to have my fried bay scallops and gulf shrimp!!!
While I waited, I picked up a T-Shirt that had a really nicely-done photograph of the Star Fish Co. building on the back, so that I could have a piece of the place with me in Moscow, and then continued waiting for my lunch.
By the time I got it, and got back to the car, to my cell phone that I had left behind, I'd missed two calls from Maksym!!
I called and hastily explained what had happened, and we arranged what time he would come and pick me up.
This left me hardly any time at all to eat my lunch, shower, and pack…!!
In the end, we delayed our getting together by an hour, to give me enough time to do everything I needed to do. I was pretty bummed about that.
*****
Maksym arrived about on time, and we had a nice visit with my family before we left. I got to say my goodbyes, and give my last hugs to Linda, Nana, and Charlie.
Now, while I had had a late lunch, and couldn't eat another bite, Maksym hadn't had anything for quite some time, so we went off to Olive Garden on the way to the airport.
Besides finally getting into the Gulf again, that dinner with Maksym was probably one of the most fun, relaxing times I'd had, in the entirety of my time down in Florida. I got to just laugh, and laugh, and have a good time. Maksym did wonders for my general humour and well-being!!
Though, I did feel bad about making him feel bad that I didn't eat! (Being full is apparently not a good excuse!)
We chatted about differences between the US and Moscow/Russia/Ukraine (where he is from) -- mostly centered around the restaurant experience.
He told me a funny story about his learning, the hard way, about differences in Ukranian/Russian and US serving sizes at restaurants, and about how we are able to take home our left overs in the US! (They typically don't do that in Russia or Ukraine, according to Maksym's and my experience.)
This made it that much funnier when he was trying to get me to order dessert (gelato), and said, "You can get it "to-go!" This is America!"
Oh, I about died laughing.
I think some of it was that I had needed a good laugh, something to cheer me up after all the seriousness of my trip.
On the other hand -- it really was just that funny!!!
*****
We arrived at the airport pretty quickly after that, and it was tough to say goodbye!! It was sad we didn't have more time to hang out together… Maybe we'll meet up in Moscow sometime during the next year. And there's always Christmas-time, I suppose. Now that I can travel outside of Russia. We'll see.
*****
Once in the airport, I returned a call to two of my Ballroom Team friends from school. They were asking if I wanted to go to Chicago the next day!!
I was shocked!! -- You see, at least one of them had already RSVPed positively to a dinner I had planned that very day, to see my friends from school!!!
Oh, life.
*****
After some hijinks getting home (Which mostly included, "You have a delay!" "No you don't!" "Well, we're sitting here forever, so, yes, yes we do!") -- my amazing friend Nicole was there, again, to pick me up!
Unfortunately, as we were both tired, we had to scrap the Steak n' Shake, sit and chat for a few hours, idea. … But we still hit up the drive-thru to get our shakes!!! Yay, adventure!
Thus, I made it home in the wee, wee hours of Sunday morning…
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Sunday, May 30th, 2010
I headed out to Church early that morning -- almost being late, due to exhaustion -- and loved getting to see all of our friends there! It was nice to see everyone again.
I decompressed from my time in Florida in the early afternoon, visited with my Mutti and little brother some, and then realized I should probably get to throwing some stuff together for my evening up at school with my friends. (I had also been trying to wait for my Papa to get home.)
That all took a little bit of time, however, so I got out a bit late. Funnily enough, I passed my Papa in the driveway on my way out to the car!! We seriously had the following conversation:
"Welcome home Papa! *hug* -- I love you, but I'm sorry, I have plans up at school, I have to run!!! I'm late already!!!"
"I love you too! -- Okay…"
Ha ha ha -- my poor Papa -- I quite confuzzled him.
*****
While making phone calls to people, to let them know I'd be a little late -- I found out that at least three of the "confirmed" people were in Chicago, and would not be back in time!!!!
Others could not make it to dinner, but would be around later to hang out.
In the end, it was a small, but wonderful group! I was soooo happy to see all of my ballroom friends again!!
I even got to pick cherries!!! (The friends whose house we wound up at, they had planted a cherry tree when they moved in.)
Once we came back inside, we got to try something called "Plum Powder," which is this fantastic, Asian thing that it seems lots of my friends (Asians) had grown up with. So when YY brought it out, they ALL got through the roof excited!!! And they had good reason to do so!!! It was delicious!!! It's a little sweet, and a little sour -- it basically enhances fruit's flavor (and other flavors, I imagine).
We played a few rounds of mah jong -- my first games in almost a YEAR!!! -- and then we all headed home.
I went to my friend Marky's place to visit and stay the night. I had a great time there!!!! (We watched "Serenity." GREAT movie!)
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Monday, May 31st, 2010
Being that it was a holiday (Memorial Day) -- nothing was open, so Marky and I couldn't do lunch like we'd hoped -- so we made a rain check, and I went back home.
I visited with family, and made plans to go see my friend in Southern Indiana again, with my Papa and little brother this time!!
It was a quiet evening at home -- we watched "Tommy Boy." Great movie!
**********
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Apparently, just realizing the time crunch, we spent this morning updating all of our cell phones.
I got an iPhone, so that I could have some of the more useful Russian applications.
Of course, it won't work in Russia without a little bit of "help." This should be an adventure -- but hopefully, not too much of one. Gorbushka, here I come.
Also, while in the store, some little girl who was in there made a gift to me of one of her rubber band bracelets. It's apparently some new fad in the US. The bracelets are shaped like animals, and glow in the dark -- but they're made of rubber bands -- so you can understand quite easily, I imagine, why they are banned in schools. Apparently that was also big news while I was gone. Huh.
Of course, the one she gave me was pink.
{Newsflash -- I basically hate the color pink.}
[But it was a gift -- so yes, it's coming to Russia with me. C'mon, I couldn't leave a gift from a 5 year old!!!! Too much "Awww!!!" factor!!]
*****
Then I had to run up to Purdue to turn in some forms.
Immediately after that, it was time for dinner with Clan Davis!! That is, with one of my best friends, and his (my adopted) Grandparents. I also got to give them their presents from Russia.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 - Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
I was at my friend's house with my Papa and little brother, having a grand ol' time!!!
Got to go shooting again!
Got hot brass down my shirt. -- That was fun.
I also have two powder "tattoos" (burns -- but they're black, from the powder) on my arms from more brass.
*Totally* worth it. =^____^=
**********
Friday, June 4th, 2010
I went up to Purdue in the morning, to carpool with some more friends to another friend's wedding, from the ballroom team! She was my partner's other partner. (We danced Latin, they danced Standard.)
What a wonderful time!!!!!
The ceremony was lovely, my friend was just *gorgeous,* (The groom wasn't half bad either!! =^_~=) and the reception was a completely fantastic shindig!
I really enjoyed getting to spend the night with a small little group of some of my closest friends from school/the ballroom team. It was incredible. Among that little group, I got to hang out with one of my best friends, Mimi, and it was also the first time I'd seen my old dance partner in 6 months. So, both of those things were very meaningful to me, and really nice. =^__^= ''
All that is to say -- I had a stupid grin a mile wide on my face ALL night, I was so happy.
I also got to slow dance to, "More Than Words," and "I've Got Friends In Low Places" -- not that that means anything to anyone, particularly, but I was thrilled!!! Great music choices!
**********
Saturday, June 5th, 2010
We returned to school by 1:30 PM, whereupon I immediately darted off for lunch with Marky, after saying my goodbyes to Rachel. An hour later, I was grabbing my first Taro Bubble Tea in 6 months (How I'd missed it!!!!!!!!!), filling my car up with gas, and getting on my way to drop off a present for my friend Cam from his family [Yay, being a courier!]. Cam and I visited for a bit before I had to drive to an open house in Indy, for a friend of mine who'd just graduated from high school.
I'm like an older sister to him, he's like another little brother for me, and both of our families are friends -- so I definitely couldn't NOT go!
Still, it was a very, very busy night, and so I could only stay there for an hour before running off to go visit my Home Away From Home again!!
What a day!!!
**********
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
I was back to Church again, to say my final good byes, and then spent the afternoon with my family.
I took that evening to go back up to Purdue for a final night with two of my best friends, Mimi and Annie, and our good friend Johnson! It was a nice, relaxing night -- Mimi cooked some authentic Chinese food for me (One of my favorite recipes!! She loves me!!!!) and then we played Mah Jong and watched t.v..
Now, Mimi and Johnson's playing mah jong with us was actually something very touching -- because Mimi downright hates that game, and I don't think Johnson likes it much either. But both of them took the time and made the effort to play it, just for me -- because they know how much I love it, and that I was leaving again.
Friends. =^____^=
Love you guys.
**********
Monday, June 7th, 2010
I have lunch with Papa, my little brother, and some of Papa's old work friends. It was really fun!
I came back to try and do some shopping -- but no luck at all!!! It was actually almost depressing!
Then, it was time for me to go make cookies!!!! (Some were for me, most are going to be for my Moscow Marines!!!)
I invited my friend Bekah to go with me on a whim -- well, not so much a whim -- we both knew we were in town, and wanted to see each other -- and as I was leaving to go get ingredients, I realized that that was as much of a chance to see her as I was going to have!
So, we got together and made cookies!!!
Many Hijinks ensued -- as evidenced by this page documenting the cookie-making process.
*****
Once we'd finished -- an hour and a half after I told my parents I would be finished -- we went off for dinner at Red Lobsters. (I had to have some of their cheesy biscuits before I left!!!!!)
Also, I continued my nearly 19 year old tradition of petting the lobsters every time I am at a Red Lobster. Apparently, it seems I can still get away with asking to do it!!!!
**********
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
No joke, I turned my family's upstairs living room into a disaster area, and packed to come back to Moscow in less than 5 hours.
I did laundry and amassed everything I wanted to bring -- that took just under 2 hours.
The actual packing itself after that only took 3.5. It was impressive.
Among the things that was packed is my clarinet! I'm thrilled that I"m bringing it back. I have missed playing SO much. I think I finally have missed it enough to force me to do something about it. It's been 4 years since I have really played… I was good then… I will need lots of work now.
[And I have to say, while I was packing, my friend Nicole was amazing for a 3rd time this trip, and brought me lunch and visited while I worked.
She finally got her presents from Russia!!!! Ha ha ha.]
*****
Continuing on the theme of not joking, I bought a camera ON THE WAY to the airport. Many, many, many thanks to my Papa for putting up with the last-minute request, and for grabbing me strawberry chapstick while I was buying my camera.
*****
I got checked in to the airport just fine, and Papa even got permission to accompany me to the gate!! That was really nice. We had the chance to sit and visit.
I asked him if I had told him about the World War II Navy Veteran that I'd been privileged to meet while waiting to go to DC to go to Russia.
We met over a book of Langston Hughes' poetry.
=^____^=
*****
Before too long, I was on the plane -- and after a whirlwind 20 days (to this point), I took advantage of the Business Class upgrade I'd used for the flight, and got myself a Screwdriver. (Vodka and OJ -- but heavy on the OJ. Very heavy.)
You should have seen the look on both the Steward's and my seatmate's faces when I asked for chocolate milk later in the flight!!
I just laughed and reminded them of what I'd said before, "I don't usually drink!!"
*****
I landed just fine, got my bags just fine, and met up with my Aunt with perfect timing!!
She got us home safely, we each had some dinner, I visited with her and my Uncle for a short time, and then we were off to bed!
**********
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
We were up early, as we had a very busy day ahead of us!!
Our first stop was to the post office, to grab the ballroom shoes I'd ordered, and then we were off to Arlington National Cemetery again, to see my Granddaddy, just as I'd promised him.
It was a slightly dreary day to start with -- a little bit of rain, and overcast skies. It was certainly more sombre than it had been when I was there with Papa, 20 days ago. Still, the gardens were in bloom, and very pretty, and I was struck, happily, when I noticed that the little rocks I had left on my Granddaddy's marker, to show that Papa and I had visited, were still there!!!! My Aunt and I each left one, and the total was now four. Four rocks to show that my Granddaddy was loved, and cared for, and missed.
As we were leaving, things were starting to brighten up, and turn into a lovely day. I even got some very nice flower pictures with my new camera on the way out.
*****
I spent most of the day in the office with my Aunt and Uncle, although my Aunt and I stepped out to go get her hair cut, and to have one last burger (At Five Guys, again!) before I was to leave.
We hurried back to the office -- although not so quickly that we couldn't stop or some French pastry treats to enjoy later!! -- and two hours later, it was time to get me to the Hotel to meet up with the new Moscow group!
*****
I got to the hotel in plenty of time to check in and relax before dinner. Shoot, I even had time to get dolled up to go out; which I did just to try and feel a little better about being so exhausted. I even broke out my new derby hat.
It appears to have worked wonders, because someone who worked at the hotel told me I looked like a movie star! =^__^= ''
Before heading out, I met some of the other kids as we dropped in on the hotel's free "happy hour." I had another screwdriver, and enjoyed getting to know some of the new people.
Dinner was a fun affair, too -- and it was right back at the same Mexican restaurant John took us to in January!!! (The three of us who wound up being there from the old Moscow group had a good laugh about this.) I was so happy to see Misha again, and the new group seems like it's made up of lots of fantastic people!!
Once back at the hotel, I did a little bit of preliminary re-packing, looked over my Moscow Journals that I still needed to write out ("Good *God!*" being the reaction there…!), and watched the Stanley Cup Final here and there with one of my roommates.
I must admit, I was excited, and quite happy, to finally have been resting, in bed, for around 8 hours. That was the first time since… … I don't rightly know when!!!
**********
Thursday, June 9th, 2010
I was up for breakfast, and the last little Orientation speech; after that, we all got checked out and on our way to the airport pretty quickly.
That was the OK part.
The not so OK part was where I got all but mauled by United Airline's less-than-transparent baggage policies. =>_<= !!!!
You see…
I *know* I was checking two bags. -- So I knew there would be a charge for that. I looked it up online, and it said $45 USD. OK.
I *know* one of my bags was overweight. -- I knew there would be a charge for that, too. OK.
I *tried* to look up United's US-Europe overweight bag fees. They were nowhere to be found. … Not so OK.
I finally found something that seemed as though it might be the proper information. It says the fee for anything over 50 lbs is $100 USD. … OK.
I show up at the counter, and the 2nd bag fee is $50 USD. … I'm starting not to like this…
We weigh my second bag, which is 80 lbs. I am told that the fee is tiered by 51-70 lbs, and 70-100 lbs. I am told my bag will cost $400 USD!!!!
NOT OK!!!!!
I object, saying I tried to look up this information, and that it was nowhere to be found. I list what I could find. I am told that was all for "domestic."
I have never been so close to becoming one of those "irate passengers." I almost did.
Instead, I was apparently so irate I became quite meek, but with a rather miffed air.
I paid the fine -- what else could I do?
Considering some of the stuff in that bag -- work out things, etc. -- I'm just trying to justify it that it is cheaper than what I would pay for a gym membership in Moscow for the next 11 months.
Still.
I'm going to be writing an email about this. There is NO excuse for that kind of information to be available online, if there are going to be charges like that,
*****
All that aside, I got to the gate just fine. Finally set up my, "I'm not going to be here for the next year" voicemail, and had what was my last green tea frappachino from Starbucks for a loooong time. (They're my one weakness at Starbucks, and a rare treat.)
*****
When getting on the plane, I had a mini heart attack however -- my carry on luggage, which fit in the overhead compartments on my last trips to and from Moscow, did NOT fit up top today!!
This is where being polite, kind, and understanding as a traveler proved its mettle once again!
As soon as I realized my carry-on was not going to fit, I moved to find a flight attendant as soon as possible. I explained my situation -- that I had flown with this luggage before, and it has fit in overhead compartments, but today it wasn't working. I asked if I should check it at the gate, or if there was a closet somewhere that it could be stored. (The latter was actually first mentioned by the first stewardess I talked to, before she sent me up to another stewardess at the front of the plane.)
The stewardess at the front of the plane was extremely helpful to me! She was so grateful that I had come to them right away to explain my situation, and that I was so understanding about the various options. (I think she was also very happy that I said, "I know that this bag is rather heavy -- so if it needs to be lifted somewhere, *please* come get me, and I will do it, so that you don't have to." The smile that appeared on her face when I said that definitely expressed the sentiment, "FInally! Someone who will lift their OWN heavy bag!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!" She told me, "I still have to wait and see how many people will be in my section," the first class section, "but after I know how many people will be here, I *might* be able to put it in one of the First Class closets. If not, we'll have to check it here at the gate. I will keep it here for now, and then let you know."
I thanked her profusely, reminding her to let me know if it needed to be moved, and I returned to my seat.
(As I found out sometime after we'd taken off, my carry-on *did* get stored in the on-board closet!! It's just that the other stewardess who'd been asked to let me know forgot. That's ok though -- I know they are busy!!!!)
I really, really like the crew on this flight. They are all so helpful!! And they like my Hard Rock Fedora!
*****
Speaking of Hats, I'm apparently getting known for them. This is because I wore the derby one last night, and this fedora today. I've been asked no less than 3 times, "How many hats did you bring?!"
This is particularly funny to me, because I don't really consider myself a hat person. I feel that I have a terrible time finding hats that look good on me!!!
*****
So, there you have it… 22, jam-packed, whirlwind days in the US!!! On my way to another 11 months back in Moscow!
Now, hopefully, you all can understand just why it is that I had absolutely no time to edit the other journals and get them up. Shoot, I've been working on THIS journal alone for nearly 4 hours! (I took one, eensy little break!) I still have one more to do, about more plane hijinks! THEN I'm going to go back and edit the journals from the last two weeks in Moscow, so that I can upload those FIRST!
Goodness gracious… I was supposed to SLEEP on this flight! I'm EXHAUSTED!!!
Ah, well… No rest for the weary, as they say!
Much love, and happy to be back!
Moscow Kitty; 11:23 PM, DC Time
=^___^= / =@_@ =
