I’ve always loved airports. I think they are some of the best places to learn about people. I love people watching and love travel, so airports have become a very familiar thing for me. As I sit here in the Akron-Canton Airport (one of the few airports with free wireless internet) I have a few minutes to reflect on the last two weeks.

I have been back in Ohio spending some time with my family. My youngest brother, Nate, is a US Marine and has been in Iraq until recently, so, in an effort to actually get the whole family together, my parents flew me home for a quick visit. It’s been an interesting time… some of the quick highlights (in no particular order):

* visiting friends in the Millersburg area

* seeing old friends that I haven’t seen since my high school days

* hanging out with my family - which was a bit different since all of us kids are somewhat mature adults now

* seeing my cat - which has been a mixed blessing. I was planning to bring him back to Latvia with me, but at the last minute (Wednesday, I think) I was told by the airline that there’s already another animal booked on my flight, so I couldn’t bring him. Grrr. So, last night Simon was installed into my parents’ home and will stay there until I can try again to bring him home (if my Dad doesn’t get too attached to him).

I’ve been doing some shopping which is always fun, as well. In spite of having a generally good time, I am anxious to get home and see my wonderful husband, Chris. Two weeks is about as long as we usually like to stay apart, so it’s time.   

And I do want to go home… this time back has been good, but I realized that Latvia is becoming more and more like home to me. I miss my apartment and my bed. I can’t wait to see how my little tomato seedlings are doing and I am actually starting to miss my students. I have no idea what I’m going to teach on this week (I’m back in class on Tuesday morning!!!), but I’m looking forward to it.

So, that’s it from the road. Next post… back in Latvia! (I’ll try to get some pics up soon… and I know I should write an update on the plagiarism fiasco… for now, know that it turned out well in the end.)

Picture - clockwise from front right: Nephew Mathew; Mom; Sis-in-law Bev; me; Grandma Marilyn; Grandpa Poppy; Bro Nate; Bro Adam (Bev’s husband); Dad; Bro Josh (Mathew’s Dad)