Feeling At Home?
I am writing this post from the water taxi and in about 10 minutes I think I am going to hurl. While the car ferry barrels through the sound with nary a bump during the transit, the water taxi is like a bucking bronco with a mean streak that is determined to throw you off. Every time we hit a ripple in the current it gets me one step closer to me losing my breakfast. God forbid we get caught in the wake of a barge.
So after missing the 7:20 ferry for the umpteenth time (today is another one of those days), it has officially dawned on me that I have moved to an island. An ISLAND I tell you. Not some tropical destination that elicits thoughts of pina coladas. Not some getaway with a name like Turks and Caicos or St. Croix. I have moved to an island of the U.K. variety. Drizzly. Foggy. Pastoral. Except we dont have anything like London. We have a grocery store and movie theater that plays one movie at a time. (I think the movie that’s playing right now is on Pay Per View … or maybe even DVD!)
In order to adjust to this new culture, I have been trying to learn the venacular around here so I don’t stick out like a sore thumb. Like I alluded to yesterday, “Becks” is really Vashon Market and going “over town” does not mean going to Vashon town central, it means going to Seattle. You know, OVER TOWN.
The other day I went to the grocery store at 9:45 and it was closed. I haven’t been to a grocery store that “closes” in over 12 years. There’s really no where I can get a late night pint of Haagen Daz on the island. At least not after 9:30. But I don’t really need to do that anyway … so it’s a good thing.
Another difference that I noticed about island living are the things that they consider of raffle prizes. Wait. I’ve lost you, haven’t I? It’s just that over the past couple of days I have had the opportunity to enter a couple of raffles for – not a LCD television, not an ipod, not a laptop. The first raffle was for a cider press. You know, so I can crush my own apples (preferably ones that I have grown myself) and make apple cider. I love it so much. Raffle # 2 was for a GENERATOR. A generator! I am laughing as I write this. It bowls me over each time I say it.
OH MY GOD. I LIVE IN A PLACE WHERE A GENERATOR SEEMS NECESSARY. Worthy as a prize even!
Because of the move, I have barely checked email but I have to tell you, I took a peek the other day and saw an old email with the subject: BARN DANCE THIS SATURDAY. I cannot even tell you how equally mortified and thrilled that there are still barn dances. On MY island even.
I was actually sorry that I didnt see the email sooner – the dance was last Saturday. I would have loved nothing more than to show you what a barn dance on Vashon was all about. Apparently there was a real live professional square dance caller. Square dance! Forget the tango. Bring on the do si do!
And the live band? Poultry in Motion. I kid you not. I have not stopped telling people that I live on an island where they rock to a band called Poultry in Motion. This reeks of AWESOMENESS, does it not? At first I couldn’t believe these things were true. Isn’t this stuff reserved for episodes of Hee-Haw or better yet – The Barbara Mandrell Show? I secretly live in fear that any minute folks will break out into a song and dance or comedy skit that involves bales of hay and puppets playing banjoes. I have realized that I am so screwed because nothing is worse than an Asian singing country songs.
At this point I can’t tell if these novelities of island living will turn into annoyances. Right now I am bowled over by these little glimpses of small town living. Perhaps it’s because I feel like I am on vacation. That this isn’t for real. And much like someone who is one vacation, my fear is that at some point I’ll tire of the novelty and will be itching to get home.
But I am home.
And I think I am kinda getting used to it because part of me really wants that generator.
This entry was posted on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 10:28 am and is filed under Daily. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
17 Responses to “Feeling At Home?”
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I used to live on an island a 20-30 minute ride from Hong Kong called Lamma Island. My first ferry ride there (after a 14-hour flight) was the worst. Just the bouncing and bumps… blech. I had to commute to Hong Kong every day for work and it took a while to get used to, but at some point, I was even able to read a book (How Harry Potter kept me sane). I survived and learned to sit in the back of the ferry and towards the middle for the least motion.
.-= Marivic´s last blog ..Opa! Music √ideos and ∑ngagement Photos – Why I Love My Neighborhood =-.
So what?! No annual scarecrow decorating contest on the main drag? PFFT. You need to give those small towners a taste of small town. But seriously, I think it’s great. I was born and raised in a small town and I’m happy to say that’s where I’m from and where I’m currently living. Sounds like there is lots of fun stuff to do. And just think… Christmas is coming. Can’t you wait for what the holidays will be like?!
Generators are indeed a prize in Louisiana. Can you say hurricane?
HA HA … so funny. Gotta love the generator. I hope you win it. Might be more handy in a tight situation than an apple press, because really — who has the time?
So … if the weather is really bad, do the water taxi and ferry still run? Or are you stuck on the island? I hope I didn’t cause a new reason to worry, but I’m really curious.
BTW, supposedly ginger is great for nausea (ginger gum, gingerale, pickled ginger like at the sushi joints, etc).
PS> I joined in on a square dance once during college. It was loads of fun! No joke!
I think that all sounds lovely! Man, I would trade my harsh urban life for a barn dance and a cider press any ole day of the week.
As a Floridian, I wish you tons of luck on the generator raffle. Those things are indeed useful!
Here’s hoping the novelties don’t wear off any time soon.
I am laughing so hard right now, and having flashbacks at the same time! For a brief two years I lived in a small town in Colorado. It was the county seat and could boast the fact that the 7-11 store closed down, and the sole street light (blinker only, mind you!) was taken out. It simply wasn’t necessary! I knew I was in some serious trouble when I called my step-mother-in-law (yes…visualize all stereotypes of “step” and “mother-in’law” and you got the picture) and asked if she wanted to join me for a trek to WalMart. This involved a road trip, as the WalMart was an hour drive away. Shortly thereafter, I “escaped” back to the city!
.-= Barb Jacobucci´s last blog ..Where have you been? =-.
Okay, I’m jealous. Ever watch Gilmore Girls? You, my friend, are living in Stars Hollow. Love it for you.
At least it is better than Gilligan’s Island. It is funny to note that there is a “cultural custom” within each community. Like when I was in Southern California in the high desert, you say “down below” which means going to the city in LA. You should post some pictures of your little Island. I would love to see them!
You crack me up and its great to have you writing again. We’ve missed your splendid observations about life and I like the sound of yours. I do love living in a busy city but would be open to living a more remote existence for a period of time. Not forever but for awhile is great too. Enjoy your weekend.
Oh, yeah, no pina coladas on the Puget Sounds islands. So funny. A cider press, you crack me up. But a generator… even we have one after about 3 years ago, the big storm, long power outage, remember? Our then 3 years old was becoming bluer and bluer… We got one the next winter.
Island living sounds fun. I always wonder though what people do for a living and how’s life. Will be interesting to here *your* perspective on this, city girl.
.-= Nurit -1 Family. Friendly. Food.´s last blog ..Wild mushroom ravioli with kale and cream =-.
I want that generator, too! We live in the suburbs of Chicago, and our power goes out often enough.
.-= Asianmommy´s last blog ..Dragon Cake =-.
It’s like that here in West Virginia… and I live in the city here.
Ha!
I am so jealous of you! I want to live on an island.
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Breaking Up – My Column For the Week =-.
Just wait til you are invited to help make apple butter. It can be an up all night event. Phone the square dance caller and crank up the generator.
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Reflections – September 2009 =-.
I was thinking Gilmore Girls too! Start talking really fast with your daughter and you´ll be living a tv show:-)
I am SO excited for your new digs! If someone deserved good things, ever, it IS you!
Congrats!
.-= Jasmine´s last blog ..Involuntary Childhood Spasms =-.
You are much braver than I, good woman. Having also grown up in a small town in Oregon, and also being Asian (well, half Asian), I have vowed to never, ever, ever live in a small town ever again. Even if that small town sounds really charming and is only a short ferry ride from a great city like Seattle. I’ll let you enjoy the scenery for me.