A month and some change (Get it? 'Change'?)

I've been back stateside for over a month, going on two. At times it's been uber-smooth, at others... well, I've comported myself with less than significant amounts of grace, intelligence and/or sobriety.

I live alone, work and study independently, do not yet own a tandem bike or have a person to ride it with and recently learned how to bake my own bread. There are delightful people in the program here at Illinois State, coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and spending time getting to know them has been wonderful.

I cook my own meals (eleven-bean soup is on deck for tonight, simmering away in my new, from-a-thrift-store crockpot) and listen to NPR on an old, side-by-side tapedeck radio. About half my furniture (one recliner and two end tables) was procured from the area adjacent to my apartment building's dumpster.

I sleep on a beach blanket spread out on my living room floor with the quilt my aunt sewed for me while I was in Peace Corps. Absolutely love the fabric squares she used (island themed) and will often study them in the mornings while sipping good coffee and enjoying the sunrise through my large front windows.

I do my laundry in the kitchen sink or bathtub and line dry it (outside when the weather permits). Bought a suit for the first time, though it's second hand. Plaid, flannel shirts make up the majority of my wardrobe, and my beard is going over a month of growth (the transition point for me from hipster stubble to legit beard). Can wear wool socks some days, thanks to cool temps.

I bike about 95% of my commuting, walk 4% and only rock about 1% via automobiles; this makes me inordinately happy. However, a link on my chain broke today, making for a shit-ride to school. Need to repair it, right after learning HOW to do so.

I finally have made flossing a part of my life, after learning that I've carefully crafted six new cavities and three around old fillings during my two years in Miconesia. My doctor advised that "general wisdom states one drink a night, probably beneficial. More than one, probably harmful. You know, so long as we're talking about 'beer' [makes a hand gesture indicating average size]". Decided to heed his words: One day, one drink or less.

I am planning a massive bike tour of the US following completion of my masters. Bike rack, packs, lights, pump and patch kit have been purchased. Now I just need a helmet and the bike - old, single speed Schwinn road bikes to not work on long hauls. They often even come up short just for commuting.

I've stopped looking at new overseas assignments with Peace Corps Response (Peace Corps version 2.0 for RPCVs). The move into agriculture, post-master's, is becoming a central focus area. Just need to actually finish here.

I don't like being indoors. Rivers and mountains are still being missed, but trees changing colors can stop me in my tracks. The sweet, musty smell of fallen leaves decaying alongside the bike trail fills my nose and lungs during my rides, bringing back fond memories and reminding me how much longing and love of autumn exists in me. Rainy days with fleece clad Illinoisans recall me of Portland, make me smile.

I'm starting to feel at home in my apartment and even, dare I say it, in my country.