peace. what's different?

When you leave and return to a place, you notice things. Aside from the higher bridge tolls and higher sales tax. Almost 10%, really? New fangled ways of living.
  • Everybody owns an iPhone. 
  • (yet) It's illegal to talk on said iPhone while driving. 
  • The highways don radio signs (which slow traffic), advertising child abductions and the approximate times to various locations. 
  • Sometimes the radio signs mention that texting tickets can be $159+ so they aren't worth it.
  • There are texting tickets.
  • Pedestrians have to stop, push a button and wait for the green walky guy at random sections of sidewalk/driveway. 
  • Finding apartments is treacherous and include none of the utilities (not even sewage, people!)
  • Cell phone plans count the minutes of incoming calls in addition to outgoing calls.
  • You can have internet at home without owning a home phone.
  • Light bulbs. What can I say, you are completely different!

    • Meanwhile 880 is still a potholed ghetto highway, to be avoided (even though I live right off of it now).
    • Those precarious radio stations, like 92.3, still change every other week, while KFOG still thrums acoustic sunrise and sunset on Sundays and KZSM goes crazy about the blues every Friday night.
    • Happy revelers fly kites, play music and dance in the parks of San Francisco to celebrate spring.
    • My old good friends are still my good friends, even though it's been years since we've kept in touch regularly.
    • Peaceful moments are still peaceful moments. 

    {via}
    Right now the sun's setting in our living room, streaking it shades of yellow and deepening orange. Rowan's asleep in his swing, which swishes rhythmically. Kids squeal in play and kick around a soccer ball down at the park across the way. Blackbirds and wrens chirp. I'm rocking in the glider and typing, about to get myself some tea. 


    22 comments:

    LyddieGal said...

    It's funny how you only notice these things if you are away from them; as they happen around you, you are oddly oblivious - with the exception of paper billboard turning into electronic ones. Which happened very recently in my neck of the woods and I can't say I care for them.

    And its funny how old friends still click with you so well, even if you haven't spoken in a few years, conversations come just as naturally as if you'd spoken yesterday.

    Chic on the Cheap

    E. Charlotte said...

    I liked your list of things you've noticed. :) Your current situation of sunset in your glider sounds lovely.

    a little black cloud in a dress said...

    my, how my have I missed your blog, lady. Hope you guys are doing well. :]

    Claire Kiefer said...

    I'm eager to see your new place. BTW what's up with utilities?? The only thing I pay is PG&E. Landlord pays garbage, water, etc. Sorry I was in a bad mood when we talked today--I'm so tired and was feeling sad and overwhelmed and wanting a break! But now that I'm home with my veggie chili, I'm much better. :) love you lots & can't wait to see you and the boys soon.

    Dawn said...

    Time changes some things...but thankfully most of the important ones stay the same.
    You painted a lovely scene:)

    SeƱorita said...

    It does feel like everyone owns an iphone. At least, in the more urban areas, it feels that way :)

    http://ladyonaroof.blogspot.com/

    Barbara von Enger said...

    an interesting lists of things. I so agree with you. I usually spend an hour or so dialy in the unspoiled nature without mobile phones and so forth. It's very liberating. It's easy to get caught up in the speed of life.
    Warmly hope you are all well;-)

    LatteLisa said...

    Heather, it's so good to have you back! Just realized how much I've missed your writing.

    little luxury list said...

    I notice the small differences when I go back to NYC too.
    Thank goodness the peaceful moments are still the same!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    Nicki said...

    This list made me laugh. I totally agree. I mean, I used to drive up and down 880 everyday for 12 years and became so familiar with it that I knew exactly how long it took from one pothole to the next!

    Summer Athena said...

    so good to see you on here again! mucho love.

    OneCraftyFox said...

    Hi sweetie!! So glad to see you are back! And funny how some things change and others never budge.

    Hope you are having a fantastic week!

    Dani G said...

    I miss KFOG!

    Lila said...

    So glad to read you again. I was wondering how the transition was going and see that your still in shock (a bit anyways)
    I can't believe it has been four months since you moved back, time flies. I remember coming back from Rarotonga and wondering if I would ever catch up to the rhythm of the US. Of course you have to otherwise your left behind.

    Jenny said...

    Your post makes me miss home. Pot holes and all.
    I'm glad you're settling in and am so glad you're back online and in touch.
    Miss you!
    Love love
    xoxo

    Lady Grey said...

    this post is really sweet. Time apart always makes you feel like so much has changed and nothing has changed at the same time.
    xo

    Anonymous said...

    Your glider & tea time sound fabulous!

    The lightbulb comment made me laugh - they are different now!

    Kristin H said...

    So good to have you back!!! Congratulations on your baby and your sense of beauty and calmness!

    Poppies and Sunshine said...

    It was so interesting to read your list here and see some insight to things that become so normal when you are used to it....like having internet at home without having to have a home phone!
    I am glad your friends are still good friends even after a long time. Friends like that are priceless!

    Di said...

    I can imagine things are a lot different......things seem to change so quickly.

    But the photo is beautiful and yes - peace can still be found - perhaps we have to look a little harder for it!

    Oh and thank you for the nice comment on my little carrot top!

    Have a great weekend.

    Kitty said...

    Dearie,
    Just checking in to see how you are. I have your sparklie earrings still. I'll send them soon. Please, don't be a stranger, it's been too long.

    hugs,
    Fritzi Marie

    Faiza said...

    so nice to have you back heather. can't wait to see and hear more about rowan and your thoughts on motherhood.

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