afternoon rain clouds

Last night at work I saw my buddy Nicole for the first time since I've been back here in the States. Thursdays, her first night back, are never good nights for her, but she looked even more tired than usual.

On my break I went to visit with her and brought my vacation photos with me for her to see. She just flipped through my photos without asking any questions about them. To be fair to her I would have to guess that they mean more to me than anyone else, but it did take me a little by surprise. Plus I don't think that she has much of desire to travel, while for me travel is everything.

I soon found out why she was so tired and asked how she was going to be without her fiance for a week or so. He'll be going on vacation without her and their son. She said that she'll be tired, but will have to manage.

...

For being away for as long as I was on my vacation, work has remained unchanged in my absence. I guess part of me expected it to be that way, but I also find it to be a little sad. The trip did change me in some subtle ways and I have no desire to fall back into an old routine now that I'm home.

Nicole also struck me as unchanged and that made me sad as well. I sometimes wonder if her life is ever going to get better. Of course that has nothing to do with me and is entirely up to her. Although there are times when I wish that I could help.

Other people at work are getting excited about some upcoming concerts, but honestly in my mind that pales in comparison with going to Europe. Standing for hours watching people hundreds of feet away jump around singing while the people around me spill beer and smoke pot doesn't interest me anymore. Without meaning to sound arrogant I outgrew concerts years ago and want other kinds of experiences now.

...

The sun that was here when I got back home earlier in the week has been replaced by clouds and late afternoon rain these past few days. I guess that that is the other side of summer. The clashing weather fronts tend to generate rain and those showers must have made everything so lush while I was away. I still can't get over how full and green everything is here now.

 
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