One thing that concerned me as the end of the Peruvian chapter of my life drew near was that I would lose what I’d gained by living abroad. I’d slowly morph back into my old cutthroat Jersey Girl self. I’d readjust to the comforts of the first world: toilets with seats, restaurants that actually serve the dishes listed on their menus, etc. I remember being on my friend’s roof, bringing our used wine glasses over to the industrial sink he uses to wash his dishes in, ans exclaiming, “oh my god! In six weeks I’ll be back at my parents’ house… and they have a DISHWASHER!!!! Life is going to be so crazy.”
Honestly, I feel like dishwashers are completely unnecessary (though quite nice to have around!) But some other luxuries I had been deprived of, such as a long hot shower or a damn good cup of coffee, continue to be more exciting to me than Christmas. Every time I step into the shower, I experience heaven. There’s nothing even slightly exaggerated about that statement. I hope it continues.
This was on my mind because I did something kinda out of the ordinary for a Roxburian this afternoon. I decided to walk from my house to the nearest Bank of America to deposit some Christmas checks.
I’ve been stuck inside my parents’ house most days because I don’t have a car; i sold it for travel money. Totally worth the hassle, by the way. Because of this, anytime I want to go out or need to run an errand, I have to either get a ride from someone or borrow my mom’s car if she’s around. Roxbury is pretty much straight up anti-pedestrian suburbia. Not a damn thing around, and spotty sidewalk coverage.
Originally, I had wanted to go for a run this afternoon. I was about to get changed, when I thought better of it. I’ve been fighting off a gross combo of sinusitis/bronchitis since the week after Christmas. The last time I thought I was almost 100% better, I effed it up by going out for a run underdressed on a cold day. My cold relapsed with a vengeance, and I was kicking myself for it with each phlegmy cough.
The point is, I needed to take it easy, and at this point in my fitness, I’d really be kidding myself to say that running 3.5 miles is “taking it easy.” Oh how I miss the days when it was…
So I walked to the bank. I spent two hours running a single errand that would have taken less than 30 minutes if I’d had a car. When I was living in Perú or Costa Rica, I would be lucky if a single errand took only two hours. Not because the nearest mini mall is 3 miles away (hehehehe, like they even have mini malls!) but because nothing is ever convenient in South America. Set aside an afternoon for picking up a package at the post office, and an entire day to take a bus trip.
I really enjoyed my walk to the bank today, and the fact that it gave me a productive excuse to spend a sunny, cold afternoon in the fresh air. I love the fact that I did something so mundane, but it stirred up feelings that made it special to me.
I love that I walked past my old high school just as the students were leaving, and witnessed what could have been an audition for the Jersey Shore. I love that the little punks hollered at me from their warm, comfy cars. I’m guessing they thought I was homeless or something. The only people who walk around Roxbury are middle aged women who want exercise and this one special dude who always wears a sombrero. I bet they saw me and thought, “oh hey, that girl’s walking! She must be too poor or loony to drive a car! Hahhhahha, stupid walking girl!”
Whatevs.
so far I’d say I’m succeeding at maintaining my overseas attitude.. let’s see how long that lasts.
