Lost in Aisle 12

I'm back!!  After taking time away from blogging, storytelling, and occasionally complaining/poking, I've dusted off some old stories (now over 1 yr old) that never saw the light of day after our hectic move back to the US from Paris. I think of my time there so often that it only seems natural to share these, even now. 

Reflections on Returning To the US

“What does it feel like to be back?”, they ask. Let’s start with food. More specifically, let’s start with the overwhelming food choices, like snack magic in a wrapper with quantities so large it surely could feed everyone in the village of Milhac twice. Oh that’s a single serving you say. Of course it is – in a parallel universe. I willfully pick up my favorite items, greeting them presumptuously like old friends. It becomes a welcome party on aisle 8 – don’t be alarmed. Sure I was glad to see familiar fare in packages greater than a one day supply, at least in theory. In reality, the choices were in fact more than I could visually contemplate.

Day 4

My ability to resume navigation of the Target universe would need some time. I was in a clear state of paralysis at the end cap of aisle 12, feeling a slight urge to propel myself with or without the cart – out the front door. Though I had never experienced a panic attack, I was certain this could be its trigger. Both options, leaving or panicking, seemed more plausible than standing in a current state of zombie. 

As I envision those daily treks on foot to Monop or Carrefour in my mind, I tell myself I’ll try the Target universe again tomorrow. I’ll drive there and I’ll like it. Intentional thinking seemed to be my most useful friend. Maybe I’ll stock up on something, anything really, just because...well, because I can.