jackofallgeeks | Breathing Easier

So, after driving for about a week, I find myself in Cincinnatti Ohio, at the home of my dear cousins the Mocks. There's something indescribable about this place. Including whaty "this place" refers to, in a sense. I'm back home. Sure, Ohio isn't Maryland, but this place has special significance to me. I spent a number of summers in high school up here visiting Rachel, Kate, and Meredith. It feels familiar and nostalgic and idyllic. They say that when you long for your boyhood town it's not the town you long for but your boyhood, and I'll concede that's truth, but my mind and spirit are eased here all the same.

The place is different, of course. Kate, who's been engaged now for a bit, is a Senior in College and studying in Ireland. Meredith, the youngest, is now in College an hour away. Rachel graduated last May and is effectively 'out of the house,' though she's around for a bit working on a show in the area. She leaves in November to go touring with another show. She's busy as ever, but I'd expect nothing less from Rachel. (She'd work herself into the ground if others didn't keep an eye on her, I'm pretty sure.)

Right now I'm 'alone' in the house -- Greg is downstairs dozing, but Joe, Norah, and Rachel are all out at work. Last night we ate pizza and watched the beginning of the new season of Heroes (thanks to TiVo). Tonight I'm driving up to Mere's school to take her out to dinner (I love Meredith). Tomorrow Greg and I will take a relaxed morning (possibly with Rachel, who may or may not sleep all day, her first 'day off' in quite a while) and then head down to Steubenville to see Josh and his crew.

For now, I'm going to relax and remember what life was like Back Then.