The last two weeks, I’ve been in Lynnwood. While cars headed east for vacation, I went west.
I didn’t think I would spend two weeks in Lynnwood, but something about my old stomping ground mesmerized me.
I sat in a shopping center and observed the lights. I guess after not seeing a soul from my home the past two years, there was something mesmerizing about seeing large neon signs.
I also did things I couldn’t do in the valley.
I ate piroshkis,
and Slavic pastries,
and Thai food.
I went to an Indian buffet,
and got a massage by a Chinese woman.
I feel completely relaxed, even though during the massage, I thought she was going to break my bones.
After a long hiatus, I went back to a Vietnamese woman who used to cut my hair. She remembered my daughter with bangs.
That was four years ago.
During my time off, I realized how much I’m engrossed in reading about politics and, once in a while, science.
As of this writing, I have 21 windows at the bottom of my screen and who knows how many tabs in each window.
I should change my homepage if I have any hope of increasing productivity, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I justify my bad habit by telling myself that being in the dark wouldn’t make me the best editor.
As I lie in my old room with the window open, I can hear the hum of traffic in the distance.
It’s almost 2 am.
I know I can’t live here again. The graffiti, the untimed traffic lights,
the incessant buildings.
My eyes and my soul need a break.
I know if I stayed here, the dream would wear off and anxiety would creep back in. It took me two years to find solace and I’m not about to lose it.
I don’t seem to want to fall asleep here.
My body wants to live, not die.
I know that the day after Labor Day, I’ll be back in my routine,
but this year I will do less,
so I can actually do more.
I’ll prioritize my priorities and put the rest aside.
Goodbye, Lynnwood. Thank you for the rest and the comfort.
You’ve been the Las Vegas to my life the last two weeks.
I’ll miss the food and the late-night murmur.
Until we meet again.
I’m glad you had this time for yourself. Can you freeze some of those foods and bring them back with you?
I did bring my favorite Ukrainian cake back and put it in the freezer. I wish I could bring the coffee, but I’m sure it’s a trade secret.