a parallel universe?
May. 14th, 2008 12:18 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wildcard_47Well, I'm back in the States. And in case you had doubts about this, it is terrifically hard to get into this country. The security measures are crazy, and sometimes ridiculous. Even as a citizen, I stood in line for 30+ minutes just waiting for my passport visa. Then I had to get my bags, drag them through customs, RE-CHECK them and pick them up on the other side of the airport. I also had to go through security screening -- remove my shoes, scan my laptop, take off all my clothes.....
Ha, just kidding on that last part. But I wouldn't put it past customs to make people do that every so often. And, on the plus side, it could be much, much worse. Visitors to the States had to give two digital fingerprints and a photograph to Border Patrol before they could even be allowed entry. But man, do I miss the relaxed atmosphere of European airports. They are positively blissful in comparison to ours.
Anyway, my first full day back in America was very surreal. Yesterday, my parents drove me home, we got back around 10PM, and I fell into bed and slept for 11 hours. Obviously, today was set to be more exciting from the get-go; I had lunch with my parents, went and treated myself to a manicure/pedicure, and picked up a book I'd wanted to get at Waldenbooks.
THEN (this is where the parallel universe bit comes in), I pointed a good-looking stranger towards the mall Panera, we got to talking, he asked me to join him for lunch. And I did! We spent an hour talking about music, food, and eventually exchanged phone numbers.
As my good friend![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
firstfaintgleam said earlier, this must mean that everyone in town was excited to have me back. Even complete (handsome) strangers. It made me laugh, though, because I have never done impromptu lunch dates. I've never had impromptu dates, period. So I'm starting to think that my life in America is now operating under the parallel universe mode. We'll see if that hypothesis holds true. :D
Also - I'm going to see my friends tomorrow! YAY!
Ha, just kidding on that last part. But I wouldn't put it past customs to make people do that every so often. And, on the plus side, it could be much, much worse. Visitors to the States had to give two digital fingerprints and a photograph to Border Patrol before they could even be allowed entry. But man, do I miss the relaxed atmosphere of European airports. They are positively blissful in comparison to ours.
Anyway, my first full day back in America was very surreal. Yesterday, my parents drove me home, we got back around 10PM, and I fell into bed and slept for 11 hours. Obviously, today was set to be more exciting from the get-go; I had lunch with my parents, went and treated myself to a manicure/pedicure, and picked up a book I'd wanted to get at Waldenbooks.
THEN (this is where the parallel universe bit comes in), I pointed a good-looking stranger towards the mall Panera, we got to talking, he asked me to join him for lunch. And I did! We spent an hour talking about music, food, and eventually exchanged phone numbers.
As my good friend
firstfaintgleam said earlier, this must mean that everyone in town was excited to have me back. Even complete (handsome) strangers. It made me laugh, though, because I have never done impromptu lunch dates. I've never had impromptu dates, period. So I'm starting to think that my life in America is now operating under the parallel universe mode. We'll see if that hypothesis holds true. :DAlso - I'm going to see my friends tomorrow! YAY!
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no subject
Date: May 14th, 2008 01:31 am (UTC)That is so cool! I'm looking forward to finding out if you get in touch with him again. :)
Also: welcome back to the States! I'm glad it's been nice to you once customs was through with you.
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Date: May 16th, 2008 01:18 am (UTC)And as for the update -- look for it soon. There's more to tell. :D
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Date: May 14th, 2008 01:40 am (UTC)and welcome back!
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Date: May 16th, 2008 01:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: May 14th, 2008 04:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: May 16th, 2008 01:20 am (UTC)Now if I could only stop waking up at 6:45AM each morning...
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Date: May 14th, 2008 05:13 am (UTC)*sulk*
But YAY for visiting tomorrow!!! I hope you have a chance to pop by and say hello while you're here! Goodness knows you've been missed and will be in high demand, but Bella would like very much to see her Dark Lord!
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Date: May 16th, 2008 01:22 am (UTC)But very exciting!
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Date: May 14th, 2008 02:35 pm (UTC)Welcome back to the States! I've been told repeatedly by your throngs of admirers that you might be on campus today. If you get a spare minute, pop by the English Dept. Hit me at the right time and I'll make you a commiserating cuppa to help soothe the loss of London. You can even use my University of Gallifrey mug. ;)
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Date: May 16th, 2008 01:23 am (UTC)And now that you've told me Harris Teeter sells PG Tips, we definitely should have that cuppa before I leave. :)
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Date: May 16th, 2008 02:03 am (UTC)I'm around tomorrow, should you find yourself unescorted. (Exam from 9-10ish, lunch with student teacher, and unsure where I'll be between 1-3. Probably grading in the dorm ro--er, office.)If more than 2 folks are tag along, tell 'em to BYOM - bring their own mug. I think I have two. Otherwise, I'll see you when I see you -- at Terminus or before. And there will always be tea.
Hmm. Must lay in a stash of tea mugs someday ... To match the bean bags.
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Date: May 14th, 2008 04:06 pm (UTC)Glad you're back safe and sound!
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Date: May 16th, 2008 01:21 am (UTC)And I am excited to be back, thanks!
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Date: May 16th, 2008 02:26 am (UTC)Customs can be such a pain. And yes, they have been known to strip search people, so consider you got off easy.
Remind me to tell you someday about the time I accidentally bribed a customs official.
Oooo, handsome stranger at Panera! Looks like you came home just in time.
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Date: May 16th, 2008 04:37 pm (UTC)Wait, you can't just breezily mention that phrase and not follow up with the story! ;) That's just unfair. But all the same, it does sound like a memorable tale.
And thanks!
no subject
Date: May 16th, 2008 05:12 pm (UTC)But I'll post it in a bit.