What I’m up to
We are currently on I-71, crossing through Ohio on our way to Chicago. We are heading west for a former student’s wedding — I taught C when she was in 8th grade and again for two years when she was an upperclassman. I feel so lucky we are in the country and get to be there for her big day!
This last week has flown by. We spent the weekend in State College, our old home town (which, a few new stores notwithstanding, feels exactly the same), and then just hanging out at Paul’s parents’ place. During the summers, we stay in Maple Leaf Lodge, an old hunting camp Paul’s parents’ fixed up. It’s very cozy, and it’s starting to feel like another home.
On Sunday, we went to church, then visited the kids’ adopted grandmother. That evening, my oldest friend in the world happened to be driving through Pa. and stopped by for supper. We found out his and Paul’s family are distantly related!
Monday, Paul’s mom took the girls and me on a thrifting spree. We went to four different Goodwills and scored some clothes, including a whole week’s worth of Star Wars t-shirts for Anna and a Penn State sweatshirt for me.
On Tuesday, the girls and I went back to State College and met our dear friends the Hs for brunch. Every time we see these friends, it seems like we can never get to all the things we need to catch up on. It was truly lovely. Then - Paul finally returned from East Africa! He is usually gone for the last month of school, not the first month of break, and we felt his absence much more than usual this year.
On Wednesday we ran errands around town (I got my driver’s license renewed), and on Thursday, we drove to Carlisle, about 2.5 hours away, to visit Paul’s brother’s family, whom we just love.
This summer is flying by.
What I’m reading
I am about halfway through Outline by Rachel Cusk. It’s excellent.
I also listened to Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I think it’s my favorite TJR novel so far, even though I don’t have any particular interest in tennis. I love when authors can make the inside-baseball details about a particular subject accessible and engaging (see: Open by Andre Agassi/JRR Moehringer; Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Kevin; My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George).
What I’m thinking about
A friend texted our group chat and said something like, “Who has seen enough of America that you’re ready to extend your Taiwan contracts?” Haha.
Me, but also not me.
On one hand, the stories I hear about people’s health insurance woes, domestic travel nightmares, and, of course, political polarization and fears of gun violence make me want to hightail it out of here forever.
And yet — every time I come back to the US, I think, "Oh yeah, this is home, too.” I can live here; part of me even wants to live here now.
What I’m learning
Paul suggested sharing a recent reflection I wrote for my Information Organization class, about why any attempt to nail down what we understand about the world is impossible. You can read it here if you want.
What I’m doing
Road-tripping. Filling up my giant water bottle with crushed ice at the gas station. Basking in the cool nighttime temperatures; appalled by the horrific air quality.
Feeling American driving a massive SUV.
Asking for customizations (“Can I get those home fries extra crispy?”) because I can.
Trying not to look at my bank balance because DUDE AMERICA IS EXPENSIVE.
Until next week,
Kate
Ur Information Organization reflection provokes thoughts, Ms. Shaffner! thank you