First of all, the probem with blogging is that when you haven't done it in a while, you feel like you can't write a mediocre, unexciting post for the re-entry. Well, if you are expecting this to be earth-shattering, too bad. I am just writing what is on my mind.
A few years ago, Greg had a job interview in California. From the time he scheduled the interview until we came home from the trip (it was a few week period), I was obsessed with the idea of moving across the country. I didn't necessarily want to, but I didn't necessarily NOT want to either. I couldn't think about anything else. I have lived in Baltimore my entire life except for the 10 months I spent in Israel after high school. I live 2 blocks from my parents and the house I grew up in and another two blocks from my sister. I live within a 2 mile radius from all of my first cousins (on my father's side) and my grandmother. On one hand, I dreaded the thought of moving to a place where I didn't know anyone but on the other hand, I eagerly anticipated the idea of being able to "grow up" in independence.
It ended up being a moot point and we are still here, but today I was forced to think about it again. I went to seven mile market for some last minute shabbos groceries. In the first aisle, I met my second cousin once removed. I know that doesn't sound close, but in my family we consider every relative close and this cousin has the distinction of actually being the only family member who I have who really looks like me (people who don't know we are related tell us that we look and act alike). She was with her sister who is visiting. In the deli section, I saw my first cousin once removed. We talked a bit. As I was checking out, I saw my grandmother walk in. While talking to her, my first cousin snuck up on us to say hi and to tell my grandmother that he would be shaving today and not to worry. I am not even mentioning my cousin's sister-in-law because even I don't really consider that a relative.
Anyway, my point is this. I can't escape my family here. It is not a bad thing. Really it isn't and I love having so much close family nearby. Today was just a day that I realized it more than usual.