Looking back at my return from Europe it seems like such
a long time ago, almost two months to be exact. I landed in Washington, DC and
was glued to my phone the minute I landed. I went down my favorites list and
dialed everyone- it was so good to hear my friends voices so clearly. Of
course, I was enthralled with being synced in and connected again that I forgot
my backpack on the plane. Luckily, my bag was quickly returned.
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| Dataw Island, Marsh View |
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| Tessa and Caitlin, Folly Beach |
I spent two nights in DC, time with my brother and the few
friends I care to stay in contact with from high school. A 9 hour drive and I
had arrived in Dataw Island, South Carolina where my parents moved while I was
abroad. It was great embracing my parents and sneaking my cats into my room.
But only 2 hours away from Charleston, I could feel the vibes calling me. The
next day I was off to my college town, the most beautiful city in the US (some
say, the world). It was a sigh of relief, I finally felt at home. DC isn’t home
now because my childhood home is filled with a new family, Dataw isn’t home
because its completely my parents, but Charleston has been home since I was
that wanna-be sorority girl Freshman stuck in the all girls dorm. Charleston
has been home since I spent four years living in five different places around the peninsula.
Walking into the bars and having people shout your name from across the way,
having that “go-to” bartender, that late-night spot, that yoga studio that
remembers how to perfectly adjust you, and that group of lacrosse girls who
have missed that “hard-ass” who was always down for a competitive keg kill.
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| Family Photo, 2012 |
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| Backyard View of Morgan River |
Despite my love for this city, I was still broke. Given the
holiday season, I returned to Dataw Island for a beautiful Thanksgiving with my
family-parents, brothers, aunt, and cousin. Finally, some boys who rough me
around with no mercy. As we sat around
the table expressing what we were most thankful for, I realized I was most
appreciative of how we say it like it is, all bullshit aside. Of course it’s
nice to hear how wonderful you are all the time, but without brothers who call you
out for no makeup, too much cleavage, those not so lovely love handles, and bad
attitude. . .how else would I know what to change?
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| Sunset Cruise/ Jake and I |
Since Charleston is the closest airport to Dataw, I decided
to stay after dropping my brother off. One day turned into five days. With a
free place to stay, friends all around, why not? Then I was back to Dataw
Island to pick up my mother and continue our journey to Florida. We first stayed
at my Aunt’s place outside of Ft. Myers. A quick two day layover and we were
off to my brother’s new home- Key West. My brother made a monumental decision
while I was abroad, he quit his safe job, sold his car, and packed up to Key
West, the Caribbean of the United States. Having visited previously he knew it
was somewhere he could be happy (read all about his transition in the Keys on his blog). Our time was well spent: sunset cruise, power boat
adventure, drinking on the street, drinking in the bars, sun tanning. Another
return layover in Ft. Myers, and then back to Dataw Island. Although my mother
was starting to verbalize how my freeloading was upsetting her, I greatly
appreciated the week journey further south where we all got to see Key West for
more than a place of “bums, homosexuals, and drug addicts” (quoted a neighbor
from Dataw Island).
Another escape to Charleston and a few sublease properties
to visit in hopes of moving in January. Days later I was back in Dataw Island
sweeping up my father and driving north to our mountain house in Wintergreen,
Virginia. My oldest brother managed to bring a Christmas tree from DC, securing
it inside the car once it flew off, so we had decorations to match the season.
We built this house 14 years ago and it is complete bliss in the Blue Ridge
Mountains situated along a golf course (of course). My dreams came true and it
was a white Christmas Eve coupled with snowboarding, AJ and I shredded some
fake powder as real snow was flurrying down. Although missing Jake, we skyped
him in on Christmas gift opening and it was beautiful family time.
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| HAPPY NEW YEAR! |
Down the mountains, and a 3 hour drive to DC for the night.
Within less than 24 hours I caught up with three friends, bought my NYE dress,
and crashed at my brothers. Early the next morning I was off busing it to New
York City. Many of my college buddies who graduated with me were either working
there or visiting so it was a great reunion. Thanks to my parents I was able to
attend my first Phish concert in Madison Square Garden, which was enhanced by
the sheer excitement from my groupie guy friend. It was an experience. A day
visit to a friend’s workplace, CBS Studios, and introductions to impressive
producers made me appreciative of the connections I have maintained in this
world. Preparing for New Years Eve with lots of glitter and handmade flower
crowns, we were all set to attend Yotel Hotel’s Open Bar. Within the vicinity
of Times Square I was jumping out of my skin when I saw the debris from the
ball drop in the distance.
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| Madison Square Garden, Phish |
A long journey back to South Carolina: busing it to DC,
taking a quick dinner with my brother, and then driving another 9 hours south.
Within two days time I packed my stuff, filled my UHAUL, and was returning to
my real home- Charleston. I lucked out, with prime property in the renowned
South of Broad area. Hauling my bed inside, turning around and seeing the water
in the distance as I closed the door behind me. Yes, I have returned to
paradise. I have a full-time job nannying two infants and an internship with
the Caribbean Media Exchange and Marketplace Excellence to keep me sane. I am re-devoting myself to
the power vinyasa yoga practice, a place where I can get my mind chatter to
quit and let myself be lost in the motions. I am coaching the college club
team, and in contact to assist a youth league as well. With a job, my friends,
yoga, lacrosse, and this beautiful backdrop I am ready to give up “Nora the
Explora” and remain permanent. . . . at least for 6 months ;D
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| Where I live . . . for now. |
