Dear America: Well, I'm back. In reality, you probably haven't changed that much, but after the year I've had, you seem a little strange. Let's get reacquainted, shall we?
Dear shower: That was sweet. I really like what you did there when you paired the hot water AND the water pressure. We should do this more often. I don't want to move too fast, but maybe tomorrow?
Dear hotel housekeeping: I'm really sorry that your washcloth isn't white anymore. Washing off the third world was a bit of a challenge.
Dear scavenger mentality: We're gonna have to break up. Now that I'm back I just can't keep stuffing random things like sugar packets, toilet paper, ziplock bags and scraps of food in my purse. I don't think it's very becoming around here.
Dear tap water: In my brain I know you won't make me feel like death. But I still have to give myself a pep talk every time I brush my teeth or get a drink. Don't worry, we'll get past this. Oh, and is it really true that you flow 24/7 here?
Dear Coke: I think our love affair is over. It was a great 11 months, and you got me through some hard times in the third world. But it's time to go back to the way things used to be, and unfortunately you're not in that picture.
Dear ipod: We made it eleven months together. We went around the world, were in 15 different countries and traveled on countless planes, busses, trains, tuk tuks and other rando transportation. Then in the first 12 hours of being back in the US you up and get lost? Seriously?
Dear luggage: You're still in South Korea I think. Funny that the first time we got separated was the very last flight after 11 months of travel. Now the first time I see my friends I'm going to be wearing the sweats I've worn for the last five days. Come home soon, okay?
Dear Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: I might heave teared up a little when I saw you in LAX this morning. You will always remind me of the sweet time I spent dreaming, writing and resting in Vietnam. And that your caramel frappes pretty much sustained me while I was there.
Dear emotions: Can we settle down a little bit? I don't really enjoy tears, especially when they are spontaneous and brought on by things like coffee shop sightings and seeing someone else carrying a therma-rest pillow.
Dear re-entry: I'm only 20 hours in… but it looks like the rumors were true. Be easy on me, okay?
