My Long-Ass Drive

I didn't explain the previous title. I had to stay an extra night in Baltimore(something I don't want to get into) so I ended up leaving at 11:30am on Sunday, the 22nd. I had to drive to DC in the morning in order to ship a bunch of boxes. I was afraid that I would hit a checkpoint and have to be searched. The Post Office is right by the Capitol. I unloaded six 45-65 lbs boxes and shipped them for $120. At least the government is good for some things these days!

I drove back to Baltimore and crammed an amazing amount of stuff into my car. I had to leave some stuff behind. I took some pictures of the apartment before I left. Once I got on the highway, it was pretty easy - stay on 70 W for a gazillion miles and take 65 to 74. One problem. My car stereo isn't working so it was phone radio and phone calls that would keep me company for the ride. Now the radio on my phone doesn't have the strongest signal so the channels I would seem to get are evangelical, country, and hip-hop stations. I got to drive through the Appalachians. Now I passed a couple of civil war sites, Harper's Ferry and Antietem. They're on my list and I was so tempted to stop and do some sight seeing. I did not want to slow down. Plus, Antietem would be so depressing.

The difference in vegetation on highways always impresses me. Traveling halfway across the country lets you see quite a variety. Ohio was the turning point, more specifically Columbus. After Columbus, it was flat roads and corn fields all around me. And speaking of Ohio, due its designation as a battleground state for this upcoming election, I decided to do an unscientific poll by counting bumper stickers. It came out to a tie. It's important to note that I saw no Nader stickers.

Now I've lived in this country for 22 years. I'm always aware to some degree that I am Korean, but it's been a while since I've been in a situation where I've felt very self-conscious and insecure about it. This happened EVERY time I stopped for gas between Columbus and Illinois. Thankfully, no one said anything. It was mostly looks and the energy I was getting from those around me at these various stops. It's going to suck if I ever get a job in a place like that.

I finally get to my apartment at midnight and it's about what I expected. You must note that I took a huge leap of faith in not seeing the place before I signed the lease. I just got a good feeling about my future roommates. It's small, a little run-down, have some various smells but sturdy enough to not to worry about losing one's life or health in saving a boatload on rent. It's also nice to live in a neighborhood where you can leave stuff in your car overnight because all I wanted to do was to sleep.