It’s funny, the things you miss most when you’ve packed up your apartment for almost a year. It’s a good way to discover what you can live without and what your ego really likes to have around. I’ve missed the most random shit, for example – I’ve ached for my scrapbook supplies, my rollerblades, the favorite coat (the green furry one), the burgundy afghan from my dad, books and my sword.
Surprisingly, I thought I’d go nuts without access to my shoes, or photo albums. But I haven’t really missed them. Not clothes, or jewelry or dishes or furniture.
I’ve been aching to pull out the Rubbermaid tubs of half written manuscripts, but I’m also nervous what I’ll find, it could be great writing or really bad – who knows.
Other things I’ve missed but I’m looking forward to are, the ability to stock my kitchen with fresh foods so I can cook! God! How I’ve missed the security of being able to really gather good yummy foods and chop, sauté, fry, roast and puree. Mostly I’ve been living with other people and not wanting to mess up their kitchens, then while in Utah no one wants smelly cheeses or the stench of garlic around. Not to mention getting good fresh produce around here is not as easy as I thought it would be. Utah is mostly beef and wheat and milk country. So anyway, I think a whole shelf of Washington apples and Oregon strawberries are in order. Crap, I’m getting all drooly just thinking about it.
I knew the cooking situation would be a problem when I left. Sleeping in my jeep or traveling I already knew I’d be eating out at restaurants a lot and grabbing food I could snarf while driving. I’ve gained 15 lbs since the BlissQuest started last spring. I’m not worried about it because I’ve had a blast, eaten some fantastic foods(stellar coffees, gourmet soups, fresh Carmel pastries and fantastic wines) and it’s just a matter of getting someplace where I can set up my own routine and cook for myself, and run around in the woods.
I’ve also missed the bridges. Who’d have thought? The equilibrium I get from driving around Portland at night with the windows open, blaring music and crossing over all the bridges. I even miss the Saturdays I’d spend just riding the Max around town to people watch.
Then there’s the people. How does one quantify the people in their lives? I miss my peeps.
In short, I’m so excited to be coming home that my mind keeps me up at night with all the possibilities, all the remembered pleasures of the NW and all the adventure I’m still ready to have when I get back.
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