Our Hometown
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Greetings from a NY Guamanian Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays - Perry Como? Returning "home" to western New York after 2 1/2 years on Guam was a real eye-opener...especially in winter. It was one rude awakening after another. Actually, not rude - except for the frigid cold - more sentimental and nostalgic. It all started with the flight - 7 hours from Guam to Hawaii, and then the 10-hour jaunt from Honolulu to Newark (NJ) - direct. Then the puddle jumper from Newark (NJ) to Rochester. My first enlightening moment came when they served my meal on the plane. You know you're a true bachelor when the airline food is the best meal you've had in over a month. My brother and his wife stared at me with disgust and awe as I happily wolfed down my mystery meat dinner then asked for seconds. Then there were the little things on the road trip from the airport...like telling my father to slow down on the expressway. He was doing the 65 MPH speed limit, but it felt more like 100 MPH to me. The top speed in Guam is 45 MPH in many areas. I have probably pushed it to 50 a few times in the past 2 1/2 years. Then, I caught myself staring at people in the cars next to me. I was totally fascinated. Then, it occurred to me why - I was actually able to see the people in the cars next to me - no tinted windows! Then, there was the first time I went to wash my hands in my parents' house. I turned on the water and let it run for about 30 seconds like I normally do - you know, to let it get cold. Then, I stuck my hands in the water and my fingers nearly froze together. Oh yeah, it's in the 20's. And, of course, there was driving in the snow. (Now I know what I'll be like behind the wheel when I'm 80 - going 25 in a 40 MPH zone, cars lining up behind me, nasty looks as they speed by me.) It was all a great experience. And to be together as a complete family for the first time in five years was priceless. BUT... 9 days in New York with no glimpse of the sun has me yearning to return to my second home - my vacation home, on glorious and beautiful Guam. All in all, it was a perfect vacation - spending time with family and friends. Absolutely perfect, with no glitches. And then it happened. My life has to be complicated. Nothing ever goes off without a hitch. So, why would I expect this to be any different? Three days before I had to leave, I met a girl...woe is me. This is going to totally redefine the term "long distance relationship." Am I pathetic, or what? Happy New Year and as we say in New York, Forget about it, Jim Copyright © 1999 |
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