Forgive the lack of updates, my die-hard readers. The past four days I’ve been in Baltimore, MD, visiting my boyfriend’s family, seeing the city, and participating in a martial arts tournament. This post is to recount all that happen.
Trip described in two words: exhausting and exhilirating.
It started on Thursday morning. Brian was supposed to drive me to work so that he could pick me up at my half day, and we’d go directly to the airport. He ended up running his morning taiji class late, didn’t take his phone, and didn’t come home until 8 minutes before I needed to be at work. Fail. So, of course, I was freaking out (like I do) because I needed the day to go smoothly. He wasn’t helping. After he dropped me off at work, I actually managed to fill the four hours with productive time, although I was very ancy. He dropped our dogs off at the pet resort (sad).
Working from 8-12, with our flight at 1:45pm, and the airport only 10 minutes away, I figured we’d have plenty of time. Once Brian arrived (on time!), we quickly zoomed to the airport, only to find that the parking lot within walking distance was full. So we had to drive out to bumfuck Long Term Parking of Doom, take forever to find a spot, and then had to stand in 100 degree heat waiting on some goddamn shuttle that was taking its sweet ass time. Finally aboard the shuttle, we were starting to run out of time fast. I try to be there before my flight about 2 hours ahead – I had barely an hour at this moment. We rushed to get checked in and have our baggage checked. Of course, Brian had a hard time entering his number into the self check-in. Sometimes he is really good with technology, while other times he is really bad. I don’t understand what causes either quality. He ended up not getting both of his boarding passes, so we had to go back and get them printed. We rushed to security, where it’s a long line of dumbfucks who apparently haven’t flown in the past decade. Yes, you have to take off your shoes. Yes, you have to take all the metal out of your pockets. C’mon, people, you’re holding up the line.
We got through and I though I could rest easy. Our gate ended up being close, so we stopped at Noshville to purchase the Most Expensive Sandwiches Eva™, get some tea, and go rest near our flight. Everything went swimmingly. Our flight was on time, we arrived with enough time to catch our connecting flight in Detroit, then arrived in Baltimore on time as well. Unfortunately the flight crew thought my sabre paacked in its box was cargo, so we had to ask Delta to go fetch it, but otherwise no problems there. We quickly chose our rental car, which was a nice Kia. We proceeded to drive towards Sykesville, where his parents live, with the sun setting in front of us. It’s a nice drive, and I really actually think I’m happy to be there with Brian, just enjoying the silence.
When we arrived at his parents place, it’s on a huge farm, with a 200+ year old barn, idyllic country home, orchard, vegetable garden, hydrangeas everywhere. The house is modest compared to what I’ve estimated Brian’s father to be worth. His dad was waiting for us on the driveway, and hugged me first as we approached him. Walking in, I met his Aunt Helen, who gave me a Christmas present this past year although I’d never met her. I hugged her and his mom, saying how good the kitchen smelled. He took me on a tour of the house (to which I must admit, his parents are clutter-keepers and have no sense of decoration…kinda a clusterfuck of materials everywhere) while his mom fried the crab cakes. Then we congregated in the kitchen, talking about everything that’s going on. I feel completely natural around his parents. It’s actually a telling sign to me that I was myself and comfortable around his family. I definitely watched my manners, but they made me feel accepted, and so I was able to talk easily with everyone. We sat down and ate dinner, which included huge crab cakes (served with saltines and Gould’s mustard), pasta salad, green beans, and some heirloom tomatoes from his parents’ garden. They told me stories of Brian’s tomfoolery as a kid.
After dinner I helped clear the table, and we sat around the kitchen eating fresh fruit and lemon lush. His mom mentions that she almost made pound cake – to which I light up. I tell her that my great-grandmother used to make pound cake, and she was such a great woman. She felt bad that she didn’t make it for me, but I told her that just gave me another reason to come visit Baltimore.
Aunt Helen left after dessert and a cigarette, then Brian, his parents, and I sat down in the den and talked about whatever came across our minds. Mainly historical books. Eventually, they went to bed, and Brian and I perused through photo albums, including when his family lived in Saudi Arabia.
We decided to go to bed, and I can’t help but feel a little uncomfortable about sleeping arrangements. We’re not married, we’re not engaged, so would his parents let us sleep in the same bed (the only other one in the house)? I decided that I wanted us to both sleep well, so we should sleep together.
The next morning, he and I work out together, I went and practice my taiji forms outside, and then shower. His mom cooks us bacon, eggs, toast, with fruit, juice, and tea. It was a nice breakfast, but it put us really late into the day. I helped her with dishes again, and then we set off for the downtown Baltimore area.
It was a thirty minute drive, but again, I loved every second of it, soaking in all of my surroundings with eyes unclouded by judgment. We drove in by the stadiums, then into the downtown, just driving all around. He showed me the old streets he used to live on, bad parts of Baltimore, and of course, scenes from The Wire. Many places that he had mentioned to me before that were a part of his past became tangible objects to me. The place where he had his first beer, where he got his soccer team’s name, where he hung out. It was a fun time. I took tons of pictures of the city and realized that I need to live somewhere with a diverse culture and lots of things going on. This place had old school architecture, Irish pubs, and modern buildings. I think that I just really like harbor towns. We got a beer at one of his old watering holes, then ventured around the historic district (complete with cobblestone pathways, view of harbor, seafood, and booze). The vibrancy of this place was exquisite.
Unfortunately we could not stay too long. He showed me lots of what he could, then we went all the way around the harbor and climbed Federal Hill. It is one of the most spectacular views of a city, because I could see the entire panoramic view just by going up a hill. This big of a city is my size of a city. I don’t think I could do NYC, but Baltimore, maybe, just maybe.
After that, we drove out of town on the scenic route (went by MICA since I’m interested in grad program there). I saw a drug deal go down in broad daylight, just off a corner. Crazy. He showed me all the catholic cathedrals, his mom’s school, other parts of his past. He showed me the townhouse he owns (that his brother lives in), and he couldn’t help but feel stings and nostalgia. I was visiting all the parts he usually doesn’t, and memories flooded in for him, especially since he was presenting it to me, and I think he wanted me to like it. I did. I told him so profusely.
We found our way to the hotel, checked in, but couldn’t get a hold of our kungfu family. So we set out to find a seafood restaurant. Once we located one and sat down, he told me I should eat steamed crabs. I relented. We ordered a crab dip pretzel for appetizers, steamed mussels, and steamed crabs. Everything was pretty good. It’s just that, well, opening crabs is really quite vicious feeling. Eyes staring at you. You rip those eyes out. The meat was a little tangy (this was my first time eating crabs in my life), but good. I just couldn’t deal with all the opening, and although Brian said I learned quickly and did a good job cleaning it, I could only do two out of six.
After that we finally caught up with the kungfu family and had some drinks. We all talked, got to know each other a little bit. I had a Manhattan – been wanting to try one, finally did, and the conclusion is that they are delicious. After one drink we all headed to bed. The next morning, we woke up early, went to breakfast all together, and then went to opening ceremonies. I witnessed a lion dance for the first time. Quite astounding.
After that, it was just a game of waiting for our events to be called. Not much to report except that we practiced, practiced, and didn’t eat. I was able to do my taiji sabre form around 1pm, and I placed second in that form! I was very proud to receive a silver medal.
They kept calling my second event but canceling it. Finally when we went I SUCKED it up. Which was lame, since the taiji form event I was more confident in. I didn’t place, but my kungfu aunt won first. By this time it was nearly 5pm, so I ran up to the room to change, EAT SOMETHING because I had a pounding headache, and then return with a lifted spirit. I watched Brian’s other two events, recorded them a little bit, and then finished.
Once everyone’s events finished for the day and Sigung Dug finished judging, we went to go eat dinner at another seafood restaurant. We stopped at an arcade to waste some time. A kungfu brother completely cleaned me out at pool. I got the highest score on a punching machine, though! It was hilarious. We got to the restaurant, and we all purchased a bunch of food that we shared. A kungfu family is an odd thing. I had never met any of these people before, and yet I was completely comfortable and myself around them. Also, I really like the way Brian is around them. He takes of the mantle of leadership and senior brother very quickly. It’s an admirable quality.
After dinner, usually the kungfu family gets drunk together. However, most people were lame on this trip and not wanting to party. We went back to a hotel room, and John (my fav from the trip), Sigung, Brian, and I drank and talked nonsense. I introduced the word Fupa to them, which prompted a long, 1.5 hour conversation about them. It was hilarious.
Next morning I woke up late, and we had to check out of the hotel room. I let Brian pack the bags as I met Sigung at breakfast. I had been debating entering another competition, push hands, and they suddenly announced they were doing the meeting for it right then. We had to run from breakfast to the meeting. I got placed in the upper weight category, when I’m clearly middle, and would have to face women with 200lbs on me. Scary. I won’t get into details, but I was able to hold my ground and survive. I didn’t get too aggressive, but just yielded as much as I could. I won fourth. The other women before me were scary as hell (and the anatomy was suspect).
After that, we all had to run and take a group picture of everyone with their medals. Then Brian drove me to the airport to say goodbye. Of course, once I got in there my flight was delayed two hours. Checked baggage was another hour wait. I passed security and found a sub shop (which was an AMAZING sub, considering it was my first meal/food at 5pm). Sat around and read Clash of Kings for a while. The trip to Atlanta, except that my layover was going to cross over in terms of time. I might miss the plane, which of course is the last flight of the day. And there’s babies screaming right next to me. And the person sharing my side of the plane was fat and took up a third of my seat as well. Not a comfortable flight. I was exhausted. Tried to read but couldn’t. Drank a lot of caffeine.
Finally we arrived with ten minutes before my other plane was supposed to leave. I shoved my way through the plane and RAN LIKE HELL across the Atlanta airport to get to my plan. Even had to take the terminal train. I have never run so fast or hard in my life, especially in flip-flops. Some pilots turned to look at me, and yelled “Go! Good luck!” It was funny. I made it as the last person onto plane. I got asked to use my phone, but of course it died. The flight was short and sweet.
Got into Nashville around 11pm on Sunday. Had to be at work at 8:30am and pick up the dogs at 7am. I waited on a shuttle to take me to the parking lot for about 15 minutes. Each minute took longer than the last and made me drowsier. Finally, I got to my car, got out of there, and headed home.
My cat Saber acted as if I had abandoned him. He cried incessantly. When I went to sleep, he joined me immediately. I woke up to him being under the covers, in my tank top, kneading against my breasts. This is the cat that NEVER sleeps with me. It was a little awkward, but I started petting him. Everytime I fell asleep and stopped, he would meow until I woke up and began again.
Work has been exhausting. I still can’t recover physically from the weekend. I’m pumping in water and vitamins into my system, but I can’t feel hydrated at all. I didn’t even drink that much. Just starved myself, I guess.
The trip was overall amazing though. I love my kungfu family and am even more convinced that I love martial arts tournaments. I love Brian’s family and am even more convinced I wouldn’t mind being a part of it. And lastly, I need out of Nashville. Now. There’s too much stagnancy here. I know that the grass seems greener on the other side, but I would like to live in a part of the country different from TN. That’s where I’ve been most of my life. And while Nashville is better than Chattanooga, it’s not that different. I want the desert’s energy to fill me up. So Austin or Albuquerque, I’m looking at you.
