snow + subsequent thoughts

It's always fun for me to watch my Facebook and Twitter come to life at about 3 pm as friends and family back home are just waking up to start their day. As I write this, all of the morning chatter is centered around the sight of the first snowfall in northern Iowa and South Dakota. I have to admit I'm smiling at the emotional range:

[Disclaimer: Any grammatical errors are not my own, they are those of the people I choose to associate myself with. I am reevaluating said relationships as we speak.]

"ITS FREAKING SNOWING!!"

"I'm going to get freezer burn out here."

"I highly dislike you at the moment Mother Nature."

"Wish i lived somewhere Warm or HOT!!! Go away Winter!"

"You know something crazy is going to happen when it drops 20 degrees and less than an hour #iowaweather #apocalypse"

The apocalypse card has even been played. Every year, I tell you.

/// home, circa 2009. photo credit: Candace Gray, aka "Mom"

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my return to the States as my South African deadline gets closer. I think mostly I'm content to be returning to familiarity and a life I've always loved. But really? I was hoping we cold hold off on the snow until after Thanksgiving. Snow is always prettiest when it first falls. At this rate, all that will be waiting for me will be that gross sand, salt, and slush mixture piling up on the side of the streets. And the thought of having to clean ice off my car windows? I'm cringing already. 

Nonetheless, there are certain things my heart has been longing for lately. So, a list has been made.

American-y things I can't wait to come home to, in no particular order:

1. The ability able to understand at least 85% of the conversations going on around me.
2. Rain that lasts for a couple hours, maybe a day, definitely not a week.
3. Bagels.
4. Mexican food. (Is it sad this is on my "American-y things" list?) LA JUAS and CHIPOTLE. Have I made myself clear?
5. Looking left then right, not vice versa.
6. Driving. 
7. Pedestrians having the legal (and observed) right-of-way.
8. Reliable internet + free, unrestricted wi-fi. 
9. Hulu + Netflix.
10. NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB. 
11. My Blackberry (soon to be traded for an iPhone!) and unlimited texting. My fingers need some exercise.
12. Liquid detergent + enough washers and dryers to go around.
13. Measurements I can understand: miles, pounds, gallons, calories, fahrenheit, pant sizes.
14. Discussion-based education.
15. 8.5 x 11" paper. double spacing. 12 point font.
16. Old friends.
17. Squirrels.

Things I will miss, also in no particular order:

1. Indian Ocean.
2. Bar One.
3. Amsterdam.
4. Constant newness. (Not the most eloquent choice, but it is a word.)
5. Accents. They're kiff, bru. 
6. Rand. (I'm torn here. My mind still works in dollars, but South African money is so much prettier + almost everything is cheaper!)
7. Random, intelligent, relevant conversations.
8. New friends!
9. Monkeys.

I'm sure I'll think of more to add along the way, but I can't say everything on here because then we won't have anything to talk about when I get back! Oh, who am I kidding?

Enjoy that snow today, midwestern folks. ;)