extremely delayed post-stateside reflections

So apparently I forgot once again that I have a blog. I've been meaning to post on here for awhile but have been behind in several actual responsibilities and generally have been just a bit tired, so blogging has been at the bottom of the list.

Anyway, since returning from the States I've been meaning to share some observations/reflections of being back in the U.S. after a year and a half in Auckland.

Funny: The first full day I was in the States I was sitting at a cafe before a meeting trying to do some reading. I say "trying" because I was extremely distracted. Every time I started getting into my book I'd hear someone talk and then look up thinking, "Hey, there's an American in here" only to realise everyone in there was American. This scene repeated itself several times.

Awesome: It was nice to be able to buy some reasonably priced books, CD's, clothing, etc. You really don't appreciate how cheap things in the States are until you spend a significant amount of time elsewhere. I packed my suitcase inside another one on the way there but came home with two extremely full pieces of luggage.

Absurd: Why do so many Americans still drive Hummers? Seriously?

Eye-Opening: While sitting at a different cafe on a different day I suddenly realised how loud Americans on average can tend to be, particularly in public conversations. That's not to say there's never any loud conversation at cafes in Auckland. On average though Kiwi's are much more reserved in their public volume and expressiveness. Realising this really made me think about how I'm perceived here and how much my manner of speaking may have changed already. No answers there, just curious.

Annoying: Having a pocket full of pennies and nickels. These coins are so pointless and such a waste of time. Along with this I'd include $1 bills. Having a $1 coin is so much more sensible and cost-efficient.

There were obviously other thoughts but these are some that stuck out in my memory. Overall my three weeks back in the States was good but I was quite ready to come home see Brooke and Sophia again.