I've been back home in Portland for 4 days now and boy, is it splendid!
The really exciting part was when Lakin picked me up from the airport. I hadn't seen her since August 25th, so I was obviously STOKED. Upon my arrival into Portland, I sprinted out of the airplane, through the terminal, past security, spotted her, screamed, and propelled myself onto her for a welcomed embrace. Koala style. After a long and aggressive hug, I looked up to find that we had successfully reestablished the common misconception that we are lesbians. Ignoring the stares, we continued to the baggage claim (hand in hand) where she told me that she had been waiting next to a woman who apparently knew me. So I'm famous, so what? Lakin explained that this woman's kid went to kindergarten with me at the French American International School, and I started to ponder the reasons as to why some random kid's mom remembered me 15 years after my academic career at FAIS had ended.
"There she is!" Lakin said, nudging me and pointing. My eyes followed her finger to a woman who was talking rapidly to her son. The woman gestured toward my direction, and the son looked up and gave a quick wave with an expression that read "Oh my god, shoot me." I smiled, and the rest of the wait to claim my baggage was kind of uncomfortable.
Christmas crept up on me quickly this year. It's easy to forget that winter exists when you live in southern California. I ran out of time to go gift shopping, so I did what any resourceful person in my position would do. I made fake coupons for my family members. They're redeemable for custom art by a fantastic local artist. Myself.
On my first day back, my mom announced that Santa would not be stopping by our house this year. She explained that Santa "had a lot of other houses to visit." Duh, mom. That's his thing. Way to kill the magic.
My mom is the most awkward gift receiver. She hates anything impractical, and if she doesn't like what you got her, she lets you know. It is for this reason I got her a pack of trouser socks, which she absolutely adored. She got me some dish towels, a mug, and a AAA card. I questioned the AAA card on the basis that I didn't have my car in San Diego, but she argued that I could use it no matter what car I'm riding in. Sigh.
After dinner, my family played Apples to Apples. We played it last night at my aunt's house. I don't know when it started, but it seems that we play this game at nearly every family gathering. I've memorized most of the cards and at this point, it's getting pretty monotonous. My brother says that the green cards you win are supposed to describe your character.
Apparently I'm hilarious, cheesy, intense, annoying and funky.
I'm not going to argue any of those descriptions.
Things I learned today:
-Oklahoma has a 2 hour time difference.
-Sex Drive is a decent movie.
-Pie tastes better with cool hwhip.
P.s. - I got a really creepy text from Sean that said
"Merry Christmas everyone!! If I were santa I'd empty my sack all over you."
...I was definitely weirded out and told him that was a creeper text.
I later discovered that text was sent by his drunk cousin.
So that was reassuring. Or something.
...BYEEEEEEE
