It's official--I belong to California now. This morning, I took my written driver's test, and got my license. Next time I go to the DMV, I'll register to vote.
But even as I cement my new life here in SoCal, there are pleasant reminders of the lives I left behind. I got two lovely, lovely surprises in the mail today: a belated birthday package from a friend in Indiana, and a fat letter from a friend in Florida. Both brought me an enormous measure of comfort--the package because, hey! gifts in the mail are great! And also, friends who send them are great! And the letter because I love to get letters from people, and my friend in Florida puts his heart and soul in them, as I do with the letters I send him. We've been corresponding for over two years, and he knows me through my words in a way that few people will ever have the privilege or courage to know. And his letter today brought enormous comfort--I've made some huge changes in my life in the past few months, and it's nice to know that someone who knows me from 'way back when is still there, still knows me, still approves of me, still supports me. Familiarity can be suffocating, but it can also be wonderful and sweet.
Oh, and the package of goodies was awesome--stationery (wooo! I can write my letters on pretty paper!), a bottle of honey mead from the Oliver Winery back in Indiana (nope, still not homesick), and a silver necklace. I have to say, I find it funny that I get more gifts of jewelry from my female friends than I do my lovers.
Other than this little hilight, life has been pretty busy. Here's a run-down with some major events bulleted, and then one memory in narration form.
-Pop culture references continue: In the past week, I have watched Baseketball, Napoleon Dynamite, Syriana, and Ali G.
-Somehow I have managed to lose 4 pounds. I have no idea how, or where they have gotten to.
-Last Saturday, I went driving with Recent Acquaintance down a country road with Ramstein blaring on the car speakers. Oddly enough, it was as relaxed as I had been all day.
-This coming Sunday I am going to Huntington Beach for kayaking, boogey-boarding, and a bonfire.
-My colleague Mr. E and I have decided that dating is like an episode of LOST --one never knows what's going to happen next. Does that mean that love is like an invisible beast that runs out of the forest at random times for the sole purpose of eviscerating us? Must ponder.
* * * * *
In the predawn hours, while most in the tiny little town were still sleeping, still unaware of the night life beyond their windows, a wind arose. Soft and gentle at first, it tinkled through windchimes and rustled through the few trees. And then, without warning, the wind strengthened. It became noisy, snapping tree branches, causing eaves and roofs to creak and settle, rattling window blinds.
Sleeping as lightly as I was, it was not long before the noise awakened me. I stirred and sat up, disconcerted at first by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then, my bearings sorted out, I began to listen to the wind and the havoc it was creating. Quietly, so as to not disturb my slumbering companion, I assumed the position that had become so common to me lately: knees drawn up and together, tucked under my chin, my arms wrapped tightly around my legs. A defensive, protective posture. The wind had spooked me--too many years of violent, unexpected storms and superstitious Alice Hoffman novels had left their mark on me. Logically, I knew that sudden strong winds were normal in the Pass, but this was the first time I had encountered them, and it felt strange.
It took a while for me to drift back to sleep. But the wind continued blowing. And in a way, they are blowing still.
