In California

Over the past seven years I've been more or less meandering around the country. When I was in high school I decided that I wanted to go to college somewhere outside of California because it was all I ever knew. Colorado wasn't far enough away, so I went to Virginia. After college I taught in Mississippi, followed by education policy work in Washington, DC.

The whole time I've been away, I knew full well that I would eventually go back to California, and tomorrow I start driving.

Going back home feels a little different than jumping from state to state because it's really an official move to go plant some roots in California.

I've met a lot of amazing friends over the past seven years and I think that this song aptly sums up how I'm feeling.

Click here if you can't see the player.

Posted by at 6:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

In Travel

I just got back from my Russia and Ukraine trip. I have tons of stories and pictures to post, but I haven't had a chance yet.

Getting off the planes in New York and DC, I was really glad to be home after a month of hand-to-mouthing it across the former Soviet Union. Familiar food and language got me so excited. Most surprising of all, I was kind of glad to be back in DC.

Then on the Metro I was reminded of why I loathe this festering cesspool.

A trio of WASPy kids from Georgetown with matching beige wool sport coats (in mid-July!), blue and white striped dress shirts, and slacks sat near me and started talking about how they were going to go the cigar store and buy some smokes. I kicked myself for not picking up some extra Habanero cigars at the Duty Free in Kyiv, as I could totally have duped these kids into paying top dollar. While they were celebrating how well-bred they were, a bunch of fat, loud tourists got in the car, and that vile feeling that DC gives me came right back.

Luckily, I'm out of here Tuesday at 4:00 AM.

Posted by at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)