Quick Christopher update. To put it simply, he makes me happy. We are just shy of 2,000 miles apart for the summer so there hasn't been any dancing in Walgreens or holding hands lately, but I'm holding onto the belief that this can make us stronger. He has tried so hard to communicate with my dreamlike and removed-from-reality soul and I am counting down the days to July 7th when I will pick him up at the airport for a long (but too short) weekend!
Buuuut, I don't want to count to0 quickly, because if I keep my eyes on that road, I'll forget to look around and see what's passing by me now. I registered for my sophomore year as a college student, finished by freshman year, moved back home, road a train by myself for the first time, moved into my duplex for next year, then packed up the car and started my most recent adventure...1,000 mile road trip with dad.
The first story he told was of our floating car. My dad has a strange obsession with the mechanics close to our house. He takes our cars there at the faintest of worry. My bags were packed at the front door and I had already given Gramma goodbye hugs when I got the phone call. Dad was crossing the bridge and on his was to the shop because of a "steering problem" that was too in depth to discuss. I translated this into meaning he didn't understand what the gentleman told him on the phone so I simply frowned and waited by my bags without asking questions. I made fun of his worries later and that's when we started "floating". "Sometimes when you turn corners," he explained, "there is somewhat of a floating sensation". "Oh no!" I exclaimed. "Are we going to grow wings??" He didn't appreciate my sarcasm. My dad, my hero. Thanks to him I can rest assured that my engine will stay safely on the highway and I don't have to worry about floating. Other cars might want to watch out for that though. Newest technology folks, flying cars. At this point I offered to drive, half for our safety, half so I could turn up the music and feel the wind in hair. He surprisingly said I could when I wanted, but I decided a nap would first be necessary. This time I was the one being mocked. Apparently sleeping 10 minutes into an adventure is unacceptable behavior. For the next 2 days I begged to drive, to which I received negative responses. The only times he agreed, he saw my head on my pillow and knew I wouldn't take the responsibility of hurling our Avalon down the interstate in my sleepy state. We had at least a dozen potty breaks, to which I requested 1, explored downtown Louisville (where dad questioned a local in a curious and somewhat oblivious tone about the University of Louisville being located in Louisville), stopped for a sign that read "scenic view", and compared yahoo maps, mapquest directions, and the garmin... none of which were comparable. It was a long, but worthwhile trip as now I get the pleasure of drinking coffee and blogging in a new state. It's a hot one in North Carolina, feels like 100+ and I won't complain for a second. I've been exploring all day and tomorrow will arrive at my second day at MDCC where I am interning for the summer.
I have so many things to look forward to, but I must be careful not to hit fast forward. I have goals this summer, which I look forward to discussing with you next time. I am living with my best friend and her husband and taking every opportunity to be grateful for where I am in this very moment. Well, actually, at this very moment this chair is getting a little uncomfortable. Perhaps it's a sign I should bid you farewell. I would like to leave you with one more thought. My word this summer is "understand(ing)". It is filling my prayers, curiosity, and post-it notes. If I can grasp that word and make it a part of my character, if I can truly understand, I would be a much more pleasant person to many pleasant and not-so-pleasant people.
Goodbye friends, the pleasure has been mine.
