The cure

08.10.2005

Decided on an impromptu trip to Saginaw, to see my parents. If I can't write, might as well drive five hours (total, both ways) for a two hour spell w/ mom & dad, eh? It was worth it.

Not sure why, but I get a weird sense of enjoyment driving through Michigan highways, passing familiar names like Shiawase, Oshtemo, Owosso. And nothing clears the mind like a long stretch on I-94 after nightfall, gliding between the mammoth semis making their route across to Chicago & beyond.

Had enough time for a dip in the pool, a simple home-cooked meal in the kitchen, and some familial chit-chat. And on hearing of my writer's block problem, mom surprised me w/ a stack of old writings from college, even high school — no idea where these came from — and all those old award certificates I never put away, but just handed off to her. I've not done more than glance through it, but it's an amazing discovery.

We talked about finding work, as I start my job process. I often think my parents don't understand just how different finding academic jobs is than other (more "real") jobs. And for the first time I admitted that I probably won't live in Michigan a year from now. None of the positions listed are in-state.

I wasn't born here. But I'm a Michigander, through & through. And driving across state back to Kalamazoo made me realize that more than ever. I just hope I get a chance to see more of it again, before I leave it behind.

Posted by Miguel at 02:27 PM

Comments

Your point about being a Michigander resonates with me as well. While living out state (southwest), I missed Michigan more than I care to say. Even the west MI winters have a certain polar charm.

Posted by: tom at August 10, 2005 05:06 PM

I also wasn't born in Va, but I feel like a Virginian. There is something floating in the US which it makes it easy to make it your own.

That is one of the reasons I call Va my home!

Posted by: Miguel at August 11, 2005 06:04 PM

I feel you on the being a Michigander part. I am glad I ended up here instead of the Chicago area. I really do love it here...

Posted by: sam at August 12, 2005 12:07 PM

Well, I'm not too fond of Michigan winters, but I miss Michigan fall when the trees become a giant golden canopy... if there ever were "gold" in the streets of america, Fall is when you see it. I miss it so much!!! And the lakes too... *boohoo* Hope I get to live in a place with 4 seasons in the future again.

Posted by: Stephanie at August 13, 2005 12:07 AM