Thursday, May 1, 2014

Yesterday afternoon, under a bright Texan sun, I went to work on my car with an Allen wrench to swap out my license plate. This exercise was long overdue–technically you’ve got 90 days upon arrival to make the switch–but I’ve been busy and couldn’t be bothered with such regulations. Now that I’m Texas-legit, though, it feels like I’ve reached a milestone, at least until I get my license, which likely should’ve been done months ago.

I’m still not sure what to think about this place. The mercury hit 90 a few days ago, so the overriding feeling then was dread about the summer, but I’m settling in otherwise. Don’t get lost as often. The lack of green still gets to me at times, and I frequently wonder why there’s so much wind here. The Swedish chariot got a full dose of hail one night, which left deep, lasting impressions all over it. She’ll need some work done.

I’ll be flying back to Charlotte next week, first time since I drove down here. Honestly, though, I haven’t missed it much. There are people there, to be sure, and certain foods I crave, but on the whole, it’s turned misty. Gauzy, with the rare recollection flitting through. I feel unmoored. I’m searching for that feeling of place–and maybe getting there is simply a question of time and disposition.