I can't remember if I've written about this concept in my blog or just my journal, but I've decided that moving back to my home town after 20 years has officially made this "Bizzaro" land. Things are familiar, yet totally different, and I don't feel the pressure to leave that I did when I (briefly) moved back after college. I see people that I went to HS with at my job, but if I didn't have to look at their licenses and sign them up for points, I wouldn't recognize over half of them. I think I've recognized about 3 of them since they've come in, and I have no idea if they recognized me or not. I have been recognized once, by the grandma of one of my best friends growing up, so that's acceptable. LOL. Otherwise between 20 years, the weight loss, and the hair cut, I'm pretty much incognito around here. My friend C did recognize me, his exact words were "I haven't heard that voice in a long time" which made me laugh.
I feel like I've been meant to have a job at a liquor store my whole life. I like helping people find their booze, chat briefly, laugh at some of it (a guy the other day was HORRIFIED by the jalapeno bacon vodka we have on the shelf), and pour their sloshies. The store is a place that I can take pride in keeping clean, friendly, and helpful. The drive-thru can be fun... one guy said he felt bad making me carry a case of Coors light to the drive thru. I told him a) I'm strong and b) it's RIGHT inside the cooler. Not a problem. I fit in with the crew there, too. We have a range of personalities, ages, and backgrounds; however, we are all slightly sarcastic, fun to talk to, and friendly. I had to laugh at M when she found out that I do fasting. I got a lot of "If you pass out, I'm shoving jerky down your throat" which made me want to do my fainting act to freak her out. K pointed out that while I could probably faint like I did in HS, I probably couldn't get up like in HS. She had a point. The thing is, I've never felt so accepted by a group so quickly... in Riverton. I've always felt like an outsider, like I didn't quite belong. That is what I mean by this is weird, but in a good way. Maybe I don't feel like I have to try so hard... maybe I've matured beyond caring about stupid crap... and maybe I've finally embraced who I am and I don't want to change to try to 'fit' anymore. I had to laugh at M and C at work, cuz they are both older than me, but C pointed out the other day that I've had a LOT of life experiences in comparison. She also asks about Korea a lot - no, I never did eat dog when I was there. I did not live in a hut, I had an apartment (she apparently was thinking about Kenya when she asked that question). The culture is such that the other C calls me 'boss lady' sometimes, which just makes me laugh, but otherwise no one thinks anything is 'beneath' them. The owners scrub the toilet, too. I know it's only been 2 weeks, but I really love working there!
As for the reverse culture shock - I miss prices having the taxes included. I miss not having music playing EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME. I loved being at the library yesterday, cuz they didn't have music playing and it was very peaceful. And I miss the no gaps in the bathroom stalls, tho some places have gotten better at that. On the flip side, I'm loving the snack foods aisle at the grocery store, knowing what it is that I'm buying (no sweet crackers, for instance), talking to the people at the check-out stand, cooking and baking for people, and catching up with loved ones. I have to laugh at a couple of friends, they've stopped by the store on my days off! Otherwise, I got to see three other friends when they came in specifically to see me. When I work, it's easy to catch me cuz I'm there from open to close (minus 2 hour long lunch breaks). Being on my feet, lifting things, and keeping busy should do a pretty good job of getting me into shape again and possibly even help get me back down to Korea weight. I've really been enjoying the familiar food. I had a shredded beef chimichanga at the Depot yesterday... I could only eat half of it. So good! Tonight Mom and I are going for sushi and sake at the insistence of her hubby. I only gained about 10 lbs from where I was in Feb... it's been since Dec that I saw my lowest weight (and I wanna get there again!).
That was another thing! We were going into the Depot as three Pavillion people were coming out. We said hi, it's been forever, have fun, all of that. Then Mom and I spent the next few hours trying to remember their names! It's been 20 years, I can't remember half of the people I went to school with, let alone their parents! I did finally remember one (mom of a bully) and Mom remembered another. We're still stuck on the third. SMH. I have a feeling this won't be the last time this happens. On the one hand, I feel kind bad, on the other I'm shocked if anyone ever recognizes me. I love going out with Mom, tho. We decided to put on our LBD's (little black dresses) since I ordered one (my witch dress) and hadn't had a chance to wear it yet. We looked GOOD! I told her that if anyone asked, I was going to say it was coven meeting night. The lady at the check out said she liked mine... and it is GORGEOUS. I need to order more of that style... so fun. I need one in burgundy and one in deadly nightshade. :)
As for the other stuff, I have a test date, time, and place. I have booked a motel room for the day before (testing center is 2 hours away, but I want to be rested and not freaking out for a 2 hr drive), and now I'm getting all kinds of studious. My old boss at the hospital also reached out about some work she'd like me to do for her, so we are getting that all arranged as well. I have a theory that when things fall into place really easily, it means you're on the path that God wants you to be. Not sure if it's correct, but based on how positive I'm feeling about things, I think it has some merit. I hope all is going well for my readers, and if you are in Riverton, I look forward to running into you some day! Much love, MUAH! :*
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