Odessa Prelude Pt. 2Tuesday, January 18, 2005 | 10:53PM |
Okay, it might seem like I’m obsessing a bit, but this upcoming trip to Odessa is really a big deal to me. The frame of reference here is important. You have to remember that I’ve probably not been back to Odessa in 13 years (my best estimate) and I haven’t lived there in 16 years, so this is really like stepping back in time for me. And considering that I was 8 when we moved away, my ideas of Odessa are probably not only exaggerated, but embellished quite a bit.
But that’s part of the reason I’m going. I’m trying to confront the memories I have of this place. I used to tell my parents when I was younger that I would move back to Odessa eventually. I certainly don’t think that’s the case, but I clearly had an excellent impression of it. I know it will probably be a huge let down in a way, but I think that’s also something I need to an extent. I say that now, of course, but hopefully the experience won’t be a destroyer of memories.
The good news is that I’ve gotten off work this Friday. Wednesday was an optional day off, but I was allowed to switch it out for Friday since the House isn’t meeting this week due to the inauguration in DC. So I’ll most likely be leaving around 6am on Friday morning, giving me a whole extra day there. With any luck I can make it to my old elementary school while they’re still in classes and surprise my old kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thornton.
Man, just writing about it pumps me up!
I’m planning to go to my old church on Sunday, which will probably be similar in a lot of ways to returning to my church in Orange. A lot of people might remember me, but I doubt I’ll know who they are at all. I do remember a few names, though, so that should help. That’s always been a problem in Orange, since my family has lived there for many decades.
I’ll have an update either from Odessa, after I return or both.
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