Home

Yes, I'm still around, and Yes, the trip is technically officially over. I've spent the last week in a decompression chamber so as not to get the bends, and it seems to have worked so far. I've been filling my days with sleeping, eating, and visiting with friends and family. I kind of feel like a newly released convict in reverse - they usually have a tough time adjusting to the freedom, and I'm having a tough time adjusting to not waking up in the morning to drive my house to the next destination.

As I drove over the hill from Thousand Oaks into the San Fernando Valley last Monday , furnace like winds blasted through my open windows, signaling I was home. Having spent the final leg of my trip driving down the often frigid Pacific coast, the heat was a definite reminder that it was still summer in most of the country. As I entered Woodland Hills, I was honored to see the city had thrown a parade heralding my homecoming. Thousands of cars sat motionless on the 101 awaiting my return. It was truly touching.

I found coming home and ending the trip rather anticlimactic. There was no signature moment, such as disembarking a plane into the arms of friends and family. I simply drove the car into a parking lot and turned it off like I had thousands of times before. Sure, I was happy to see my parents, but I had kept in such close contact with them throughout the entire journey that I didn't feel like I had missed them. Plus, I lived in Northern California for 8 years, so this was hardly the longest we've gone without seeing each other. Their reaction upon seeing me, however, put everything into perspective. They were happy and proud and inquisitive and they treated me like I had just accomplished something momentous. And at that moment it kind of hit me - I had. I had just driven around the country for three months and three weeks, through 37 states, and I experienced more in that short span than a lot of people get to experience in a lifetime. True, I didn't figure out the meaning of life or discover my true calling. But at least I went looking rather than sitting on my ass. Right?

So now it's time to take this experience and figure out how to use it for good, not evil. That may take a little time. Meanwhile, I plan to continue this blog and explore Los Angeles in a way I've never had the chance; as an unemployed adult. This will include very cultural and erudite activities, such as attending yesterday's taping of "The Price is Right." Did I come on down? You'll soon find out.

And in the first of many thank you's in the weeks to come, thanks for reading. We seemed to have formed a little family here over the past few months, complete with crazy uncles types who you wish would stay locked in that little room under the stairs. Your support and generous comments have definitely made if feel like even though the passenger seat was empty, there was always someone along for the ride. Stick around - this thing ain't over yet.