A stream-of-consciousness (free writing) summary of how it feels to be back -- because it's too hard to formulate this into concrete thought

Numb at first.  

Are we really staying for good?  Isn't this just a vacation?  

Warm.  Florida sunshine.  Tropical.  Food.  Unlimited icecubes.  Tumble dryer.  Amenities that we grew up with.  Thanksgiving.  Random people saying Hello.  Taco Bell.  Pollo Tropical.

Authority.  Police presence.  Immigration.  Citizenship.

Space to breathe.  Space to drive.  Opportunity.

Barack Obama.  New America.  Optimism.  Can-do attitude.  New beginning.  Rebirth.  The road ahead.  Civic duty.

Endless television.  Endless television commercials.

Relief.  All our stuff!  Driving on the right side of the road.  No cars parked in the street.  Yellow school buses.  

Going to the gym.  Suburbia.  Neighborhoods.  Yards.  Lawns.

Commerce.  Consumer freedoms.  Malls.  Giant parking lots.  Car dealerships.  

Have a nice day!

Home.