Silence

I'm in the process of adjusting to life back at my home in Maryland. Spending time with family, biking to coffee shops just for the enjoyment of the ride, sitting on the screened-in porch and listening to the sounds of the night -- it's easy to nurture an appreciation for this life. But at the same time, it's Friday evening and I don't have any clue how I will entertain myself throughout the weekend. My house is silent, except for the intermittent hum of the air conditioner. There's such a thing as too much solitude. But reconnecting with old pals is a lot easier said than done. Despite all our little electronic devices of communication, some people are hard to get in touch with. Plus, people change. Finding words to fill the empty spaces between us is no simple task. I know that many of my friends are busy with the lives they've been contently living in my absence, just as I was busy with a life I created thousands of miles away from the folks who call this area their home. Yet, despite the challenges, I'm happy to be where I am.

My job search has been fruitless so far (if anyone can offer an tips, connections, guidance, etc. -- please get in touch), but I know I'll find employment eventually (perhaps in 2012?). In the mean time, I do enjoy the slow pace of my life. I'm reading a lot and catching up on movies and shows that are old to most people but still seem new and strange to me. But this slow pace is unsettling when I contrast it against the frenzied development of the tragedies and frustrating realities that I just spent a year studying.

For example, Honduras is a wreck. Reports are emerging that the police have been on a rape spree since the coup. Suppression of the media and other human rights violations are rampant. But this story has faded from news headlines. In an effort to draw your attention to the appalling reality of the situation in Honduras (and the Obama administration's deafening silence in response to it) I beseech you to read this article: Obama's Deafening Silence in Honduras. An excerpt:

The millions of Americans who gave their votes, contributions or energy to Barack Obama's presidential campaign in the hope that he would change U.S. foreign policy probably didn't expect to see this administration fishing around for rightwing allies to help block Latin America from trying to reverse a military coup. But that appears to be the reality.
-by Mark Weisbrot

The Last Stop

I made it back to Maryland! The last day of the trip, I drove straight home from Chicago, stopping only to fill up on gas and take two 15-minute power naps. Even with hitting a little traffic here and there, I made it home in less than 12 and a half hours. The last 200 miles were the same as the drive home from Pittsburgh, so I got a second wind when everything began looking familiar. Nonetheless, what a drive! With three cross-country road trips under my belt, I feel like a long-haul pro. Here are some more pictures.

The sun began to set behind the Rocky Mountains as I watched a ballgame in Denver. (left) The Rockies won 8-2, and I then went on to dance my pants off at the Michael Jackson tribute concert. All in all, this was the best night of the whole trip.

The previous night, however, also ranks high on the list. Reuniting with old friends, meeting new ones, and enjoying a backyard BBQ is hard to beat. Plus, Greg and I discovered this random dude, who has an eerie resemblance to another guy I know who wears a red (ketchup) hat. (right) His t-shirt says it all.

Driving across the plains is always dangerous because I get distracted by the crazy clouds. Luckily, someone else was driving while I snapped this photo of a fledgling storm. (left)

And how could I forget to include a pirated copy of the fan photo I had taken at Wrigley Field in Chicago? This was my first visit to Wrigley, so I went cheesy-tourist-mode all the way. The Cubs won 12-3. I had a fantastic time, especially since I sat next to this adorable retired couple who filled me in on all the good Wrigley traditions, helped me keep score of the game on my souvenir scorecard, and basically made me fall in love with Chicago all over again.