1st Day Back

("And We’re Home” is the first entry since leaving in case you’re seeing this on the home page. Read that one first.)

It sure feels good to be back.

For much of yesterday I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Literally. I was so happy to be home but after the first few hours all my body wanted to do was go into “Operation Lucas Recuperation”. That is, rest after handling Mr Energy for much of the 14 hour flight. (Flattering photo huh?)

Kelly on the other hand couldn’t keep her eyes open wide enough. She couldn’t maintain control of her tear ducts either. She was so happy to see her family, her old home, her bedroom, lounge room and front deck that she was beside herself for much of the first hour.

Yesterday we spent some time with Kel’s brother and his 3 year old daughter Ella. Ben and Ella have a total ball together. It was so great to see them running alongside each other again. Today we were visited by Kel’s Grandfather and a few other friends. It really completed the weekend and I was happy for Kelly that the long wait was well worth it in the end.

For me, despite being happy about our return, I have been quite reflective these last 2 days. Just 48 hours ago we were in California, a week ago we were still in Green Bay. How things change so quickly. I’m not easily inspired but both places mean a whole lot to me so leaving them, I must say, was quite difficult.

In saying that, this weekend has been remarkably ironic. For much of the last 5 months I have been thanked for bringing an “outsiders” view to Green Bay. For reminding people how wonderful their own backyards are, how great the Packers are and for shedding light on the little things you take for granted whilst you live your day to day lives.

Upon returning home I’ve gotta say I’m getting a taste of my own medicine. I forgot how nice the humidity of a muggy summer’s day in Sydney can be. To be honest, it’s not actually nice at all but when you haven’t felt the heat under your collar for such a long time the sweet kiss of familiarity is a welcome one. I forgot how beautiful the birds sound chirping in the trees, how nice it is to walk bare foot and how homely the 8pm sunsets made me feel.

In much the same vein as my descriptions in Green Bay we did little things like drive the freeway I drove almost every day of my adult life to get home from work. 6 months ago I could have driven straight through the wall and it wouldn’t have mattered even a little. Today it was great just to be on the road again.

We payed the exit toll, drove up the driveway and emptied the car to the sounds of our neighbour mowing his lawn in the mid afternoon sunshine. I had forgotten how great the smell of cut grass was until I experienced it again today. We played a spot of cricket under the carport whilst the dog was being washed and watched the kids run around with some of their new, Aussie, Christmas presents. With the familiar sound of planes buzzing overhead and the background noise of a suburb going about its Sunday routine we went inside to watch a little cricket on TV. Australia was playing India in a one-dayer after all and with my love for the Packers comes my love for most things that involve either a bat or ball.

We spent a little time unpacking our suitcases and trying to sort ourselves out but for the most part our two days so far have been more about re-acquaintance than anything else.

You know, life is a wonderful thing. You don’t know what’s out there until you get out and see it for yourself. On the contrary though, as clichéd as it might sound, leaving what is familiar to experience what isn’t, sure gives that “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” kind of feeling. 

Thanks to this experience, we now know what’s out there, we now know what we’ve got and over the next few months we can barely wait to see what unfolds.

If the last few days have been any indication, the sky is literally the limit.