| | Since Sunday, December 24, excepting Monday, December 25, I have ordered a Grande Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte™ at the Northlake Starbucks around 10:00 AM. On Tuesday, December 26, one of the baristas™ greeted me at the counter with a "Hey there, you look like you're from out of town. Visiting the family for the holidays?" Stunned, mopey from lack of caffeine, and somewhat irritated by the woman who, in line in front of me, had just pitched a fit about having to show her ID to use her credit card, I replied with a smile, "Is it that obvious?" Over the next several days, the same barista™ would smile and take my order, ask how my week has been going, or, if working the line, chat while he made the drinks. Somehow in short five minute bursts, with a flurry of activity around me, I made a friend. This morning, he said "Hey! Are you staying with us through new year's?" "No, this is my last appearance at the Northlake Starbucks. But it was nice meeting you!" Awkward, somewhat stilted, but sweetly authentic and genuine, this temporary daily exchange has defined my time at home. It's also indicative of the changes that have occurred in me over the past year. At the visitation for my great uncle, distant relatives, who remember me as a 6-year-old, no doubt, would say the same thing, indicating their acceptance of my independent life: "Wow, you look very California." Never mind that I bought a pair of dress slacks and two shirts, one for the visitation, and one for the funeral, at Old Navy yesterday. At Northlake Mall. 2,000 miles from California. 2006 has been a great year. A year of hard work, a year of opting for positivity, a year of moving forward. It's good to be "home," but I can't wait to go home. |
