I am writing to you from the comfort of my dad's couch. What you say? That's right... Surprise! I am back in the US! I arrived last week into New York to stop at the AIM HQ, then proceeded on to Atlanta so I could do things like get a cell phone and get my driver's license renewed. Then, I flew into Albuquerque to surprise both my sister and my dad for my sister's birthday! My uncle has been in cohorts with me and helped me set up a birthday party for my sister at his house. Then he picked me up at the airport and we made the plan for the reveal. My dad was early and my sister was late, but it was still a surprise to both of them! :-) They both told me that they were never going to trust me again and that they were both going to kick my bum... but I think that they have forgiven me! My sister's eyes teared up a little when I was hugging her. It was really special and I am glad that it worked out, even with all the stuff I had to go through to get here.
Flying in
I flew from Namibia on February 16th. My box gave us all a headache since it was 2.4kg (5.2 lbs) over the overweight limit. It was also huge, which gave the airline guy more than a little concern. Finally though he said he would take the blame if there was any trouble for it being over the weight limit and he sent it through. My layover in London was fine and I arrived in NY without any problems. I was concerned though that my luggage didn't show up. Finally I heard an announcement that oversized luggage had to be picked up in a special place so when I went to the other end of where I was I found it. I was so relieved! I am sure that I looked a little more than comical as I approached customs. I had a luggage cart with the box and basket on it and I had balanced my carry-on on top. Then I was pulling my big suitcase behind me. It was difficult, but I was determined! When I got up to the front of the line at customs the guy looked at me and actually snorted! I said 'Ya, I know." He asked me what everything was and what was in it and I told him. I was fully expecting to have to open everything up. I was very surprised when he just waved me through! So, the box and basket are now safely at the AIM HQ in Pearl River! YIPPEE!!!! It was going to cost way too much to try to get it onto the flight to Atlanta with me, so AIM is shipping them to Teresa's in Atlanta. I told him it could take a slow boat past China if it would make it cheaper! :-)
Culture shock
WOW! Being in the States has been good but difficult! Sometimes it's the little things. In Namibia it's illegal to put light switches inside the bathroom, so I keep feeling the wall outside the bathroom whenever I try to go in. It always takes me a moment to figure out what I am doing. The handle for flushing is on the right in Namibia so I keep reaching for the right side instead of the left to flush. When I opened the fridge to make myself an omelet for breakfast Tuesday morning I was in shock that the eggs were white! :-) And sometimes it's the big things.... Driving on the right side of the road has been difficult. I have actually driven three times now, all without incident! YAY! But it's very odd. Being in the driver's seat actually helps a lot. Sitting in the passenger side is the driver's side in Namibia so it just perpetuates the feeling of being wrong. Being on the driver's side is a lot better. Teresa (my future roommate in GA) and I walked into a CVS (like a Walgreens) and I almost had a breakdown! I actually felt tears well up in my eyes. Thankfully she saw my face and knew what was happening and pushed me through the store. She was amazing during those first few days! I am sure that there will continue to be many things that I will struggle with, but those are just a few of the highlights!
New contact info
I have a cell phone with Verizon Wireless. I have unlimited texting and I love to text... so I would love to hear from you! My number is 770-712-0523. My email will continue to be ktibbetts@aimint.net for a few more months, but if you want to switch to using my hotmail account (fooferdawn@hotmail.com) now, then it's ok. For mail, I will be here in NM until March 20th, so you can send anything to 970 Lomax Avenue, Bosque Farms, NM 87068. After March 20th my mailing address will be 4202 Towne Lake Hts, Woodstock, GA 30189. It would be great if you could send me your phone numbers so I can get them into my address book and phone. Thanks!
I hope this finds you all well and not too mad at me for my many lies over the last few weeks! :-)
love and hugs!
kapande
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