Going Somewhere.

Everyone I know is travelling.

Literally, everyone. I can walk down the streets of Champaign (walking, I'll get to later in this post) secure in the knowledge that I will meet noone I know. They're all gone--or going, or coming back. They're just not here. Or wherever they're supposed to be.

My parents moved to Florida last month. I initially didn't seem to be affected by this, but thinking about going "home" to visit family is full of complications now that home is someone else's. And I'll miss the place. It wasn't the only place I grew up in, but it was the place I grew up in the longest. Since I've moved to Champaign, I could always come back, basically whenever, and know that I could crash there. Now, I'm rather sure that I'd be unwelcome, as the new owners have no idea who I am.

But I digress. My parents are in Florida. This is a longish way away--but I'm happy for them. It's a reward for long (but gracious!) selfless lives. But it doesn't feel like it where they should be, yet.

My sister and her family and my little brother are heading down to visit them.

My little sister is in Europe with her guy. Facebook says she was heading to Rome 9 hours ago, so I'll assume they're basically there now.

My cousin and aunt were in Germany for the 4th, and probably still are.

One of the managers here at Friday's is on his way back from visiting family in Florida. Screw Rome, it seems all roads lead there.

Then, there's me.

This morning, I tried to unlock my bike, and the plastic grip snapped, leaving the key sticking out of the lock. It seemed a little much, but the lock had been sticking recently, so I didn't think that much of it.

I got a pair of pliers, got a good grip on the key, and turned. The key bent. I straightened it out, gently, and tried simply pulling the key out. The metal ripped. Now I have half a key stuck in my bike lock.

Everyone I know is travelling, and it's a miracle I can get to work. An object at rest...

~j