To Nome and now going back.

The first major leg of my one month home leave is now over and I am feeling something.

I wish I could explain it better, but after almost 3 years overseas there is just too much to analyze.

Firstly, it amazes me how much I..."forgot" while living in Azerbaijan. The feeling of a quick morning shower. The ease of ordering a handed-pulled Americano. The weird weird television shows Americans watch (I spent a good 6 hours watching 16 and Pregnant).

Seriously.

I mean, it makes sense. If I had spent every moment in Azerbaijan pining away for my American life I wouldn't have gotten anything done. I would have been miserable and probably left service early, if only because I need NPR in the mornings.

Yet, instead I just conveniently forgot all the things I missed and kept trucking forward. Of course, this allowed me to start dreaming of a grandiose overseas life. If you had asked me last week, once January rolls around, returning to Alaska was the last thing on my mind; however, right now, it is the only thing on my mind. I miss being home. I miss my friends and coffee shops. I miss Nome springs and local guitar players. I miss it all.


So, where does that leave me? I don't know. I really have no idea. There is no conclusion here. I am still overwhelmed...

Unrelated, special thanks (for the last 2 weeks) goes to:
Lew T.
Meghan M. & Theronn K.
Gina & Will M.
Matt C.
Aggie B. & Tom F.
Sarah C.
Johanna & Rhu B.
Jarod C.
Returned PCVs in Fairbanks
Tony G.
Kay T.
Annie, Hunter, & Olivia R.
Krista F.
Marsha & Mike S.
Carol G.
Julie
Nome Rotary
KNOM

Top 15 for Under 15

Okay guys, I am at it again. Remember that list I made last time I was in Nome for National Literacy Day? The Top 50 Books A High School Student Should Read Prior to College [link]? Well, since I have been hanging out in Nome, I decided to read all 7 Harry Potter books in 7 days (not the smartest idea I have ever had, but...). I love reading - I think it is the best thing on the planet and I fear that the last few months I have put my pleasure reading on hold. Now that I gots some time, I hit up our local library and who did I run into but the librarian?! Twenty minutes later I had agreed to write up a list of young adult books (YA) that were appropriate for young young adults. If I can inspire some young kid to pick up a book this summer just by helping our library meet their reading needs...then...awesome.

So...what better place to figure out the best list for young people than my blog? So???

What are the top 15 books for youth under the age of 15? Leave me a comment with your list! Let's get us some summer readin' going on!

Mini-[re]Adjusting

So, they tell me that I will not start the true readjustment until I am at home (and staying in one place) for more than a few weeks, but let me tell you - the mini-adjusting I have had to do to just travel through the US is ridiculous. Case in point:

• My bowels are constantly screaming in protest. Why are our portions so big and our food so deliciously rich?
• Why does it feel so weird to sit in the front seat?
• Seriously. No town in Alaska is walk-able.
• Maybe my stomach hurts all the time because Alaska came out with a White. It is delicious by the way (code used for a reason folks...).
• Do people need to be so loud and group in such large numbers everywhere? It makes me nervous.
• WHY DOES FRED MEYERS HAVE 18 DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPLE JUICE. I just want normal, plain apple juice. Why is that so difficult?
• $15 dollars for a hamburger and fries? Even Baku is not that expensive.
• Coffee is still delicious.

Just being home for a short while has put everything into a weird circular spin downward. I am anticipating going home (to Azerbaijan) and having a mini-crisis/break-down as I now have no life direction (over dramatic, I know). Do I return to Alaska? Should I stay overseas? Can I find a job that pays cash money? Is soy really that bad for me?

So many questions...and I am answerless. So, I am taking suggestions now (only feasible, awesome suggestions please).