Richmond at Last

I experienced three continents, 14 countries, tons of funky street food and more relaxed, free time than I could ever have imagined. And now, I’m back in Richmond. Wow. Fucking wow. Shit fucking wow!

Ya know, I didn't think I'd miss Richmond as much as I did.
Those refineries sure are a sight for sore eyes!

12 months, 365 days, 1 year, 4 fiscal quarters. I spent this time on the road. But now, I’m unpacking vases and deciding where to hang photos. I’m calling Comcast about special deals. I’m going to Target to buy rugs. I’m spending, spending, spending. And I’m not writing. It has been truly amazing to be able to watch myself morph back into “Eric in the U.S.” My outlook on life is forever changed by our trip and I feel different. But, as I screwed the cable wire from the floor into the TV, I sensed a part of me being cut off from the life I was leading and the lessons I have learned.

Now, when I get into bed, MY bed, instead of opening the book, I look for the remote. I watched The Godfather last night as opposed to finishing a book I’ve been slowly reading over the last three weeks. I know the readjustment period will take time. I'm enjoying those things that I didn’t have for a year: Ice cubes, attentive wait service, TV, my own bathroom, a microwave, a hot tub, friends to talk to, yummy pillows, etc. I am aware of the changes that are occurring. While a part of me is happy for the new additions, another part of me longs for the simplistic nature of life on the road.

This was the market we went to in Arequipa, Peru.
Stall after stall of amazingly fresh fruit. That's what I'm talking about!

I was in Trader Joe’s, a high-end supermarket that offers tasty prepared meals at lower costs. They also have a pretty weak fruits and vegetables section. Andy and I entered and I almost lost my shit. I felt dirty and used. Their prices were over the top and I had a hard time agreeing to buy anything. I know I need food to live, but at what cost? They prepackaged a yellow and red pepper together – nice and pretty – and were asking $2.79 for them. Fuck! Really? I don’t know where the peppers came from, who grew them, how long ago. Nothing. All I knew was that they were bright red and yellow and they looked healthy. I’m used to markets in the third world where the farmer is selling the fruits of his labor. You know they are fresh and you know the price is right. I think I’m ruined. I left TJ’s bewildered and depressed. The trip is over. I’m home. Get used to it.

"One of these days, there are things that I want, gonna be mine. But if it ain't that, it's gonna be alright as long as there's sunshine and a big ole baroot!"

Later that night, needing to feel as if we were paying the right price for something, Andy and I went to see “Knocked Up” at a new movie theater that just opened up near our house. It was 2-for-1 night and we were more than happy to save the cost of a ticket. As the two of us get ready to entertain the idea of having a child (non-committal enough for ya?), I entered into this movie a bit uneasy. I was told it was funny and solid. My father even went so far as to proclaim this movie funnier than “Stripes.” Well, I’m going to have to disagree with you there, pops. It was good and poignant and made me laugh, but “Stripes” it was not. I finished the flick with tears of joy running down my face.

Despite my gruff-looking exterior, I have a soft, cushy spot in my heart for kids. I love them to death and I can’t wait to have one of my own. I know I’ll be a great dad. I just know it. I guess a lot of times I get caught up in watching my friends deal with their little ones. From what I see, life is harder with a kid. However, when I look into the eyes of my peers and see them glow as they care for their children, I know that it is all worth it.