We Meet Again Jetlagg

The last 48 hours have been....well, I'm not sure how to describe them especially right now when all my jet lagged body wants to do is sleep, but for some reason I can't manage to stay asleep for more than 5 minutes. And 5 minutes isn't even a cat nap. So you know, if this post doesn't make any sense it's because I'm walking around in a dream cloud.

Yesterday was spent re-adjusting to a lot of things as we drove up to San Jose to pick up my sister and my soon to be brother in law. Everything just seemed so different and not just due to all the road construction and business changes along the 101 corridor. Cars went the speed limit. Those that didn't go the limit were pulled over by the CHP and ticketed. Cars stayed in their lanes, even when we were at a standstill. Cars were freaking HUGE.

Target seemed to have more options than I remember and then I went into shock when I realized that just because I didn't see what I wanted on their shelves, there were other stores I could find it in.

Sitting in a French/Vietnamese restaurant for lunch with my family I squealed with joy when cilantro was served on my shrimp crispy crepe. CILANTRO! My taste buds joined in the celebration as they tasted something other than tomatoes, basil, or olive oil.

My brother being the awesome brother he is, even took the exit allowing me to have my first milkshake in I can't even tell you how long from In-N-Out. Actually, it was probably on 31DEC11 now that think about it...all I know is the vanilla shake was amazing and guilt free since as I consumed it my bridesmaid dress was at the tailors being taken in.

Running along the hills this morning, on a trail, felt like I was back in nature. The cold morning air felt fabulous and caused me to run too fast the first mile- oops. On the way back, other runners and dog walkers all passed, each responding to my "good morning" without a "what in the world is she doing" look on their face. I didn't have to worry about cars. I didn't have to avoid trash piles. I just was on the look out for wildlife- bunnies, hawks, birds.

Am I happy to be home? Yes! Is it clear that life in Italy isn't the same as it is here? Um, yes. Do I prefer one to the other? I don't think so. And if you Italian folks are concerned that I'm not going to return...my cat is in Italy so you better believe I'll be back.