There's No Place Like Home

I spent a few days of this spring break in good ol' Spokane. Spokcompton. Spokaloo. Spokanistan. Spokavegas. Whatever you wanna call it, I went home. My great-grandmother's health precipitated the trip, but I was looking forward to getting home regardless. After surveying economic forecasts, the teaching job market down in the Portland area, and the cost of living in both areas, I've decided that moving home after graduation is probably the best decision I can make at the time. Maybe that's why little things I normally don't think twice about jumped out at during the few days I was there, letting me know yup, this is home:

#1: My early morning flight on Friday left me feeling a little groggy upon arrival. I definitely did a double take when I looked out the window and the first thing I saw was a plane tail fin emblazoned with the WSU emblem. There's no place like home. 

#2: My mom called me late on Thursday night to let me know that she wouldn't be able to pick me up at the airport because of a last minute meeting at work. 'No big deal,' I thought to myself. I didn't get my license until senior year of high school, meaning I spent a lot of time on the public buses if I wanted to go anywhere (that is, unless a friend would pick me up-- thanks, Jill, Bri, Ame, and Matt!) Also, down here in Portland, the MAX is the way to go when it comes to traffic. Two things about public transportation in Spokane: first, it's only a dollar!!! In Portland, you're paying about $2.75 for two hours on public transit. Great deal when gas was $4/gallon, a little steep now.

 Second, every bus I saw flashed the phrase "Support Our Troops" on its electronic reader board that has the number and route on it. This is something you would NEVER see in Portland. Now, let me clarify a few things. While I don't necessarily agree with the premise of the war in Iraq, we are there and need to get the job done responsibly. Furthermore, I was born on Fairchild Air Force Base. My dad served in the Air Force, as did my grandfather on both sides. My uncles have all served either Army, Navy, or Coast Guard. My little cousin will be entering the Army ROTC this fall. It's in my blood to support the troops, regardless the opinion I may or may not hold for their Commander-in-Chief. This is a sentiment I've not seen much of in Portland, and I didn't realize how much it meant to me until I saw those little electronic reminders. 

#3: Gonzaga basketball!!! I loved seeing the "Go Zags!" signs from the Spokesman (something I definitely DO NOT miss about Spokane) all over the place. 

#4: SUNSHINE! Even it's cold out (like snowing in late March) there is still sunshine to be seen. After four years in Portland, I'm ready to break through the clouds and rain. Bring on 260 days of sunshine a year! 

I could keep going. I didn't even mention how wonderful it feels to be near family, or how impressed I was with the growth of the city, or how much better Washington treats its teachers than Oregon does. This little side trip helped me realize that I'm not moving back to Spokane just because it's the only place I can afford to live after graduating as a teacher, barring Barrow, Alaska, but because it's home for me and... ummm...well... I kinda like it and miss it (something I swore in high school I'd never think). While I don't think I'll settle down permanently there, I'm looking forward to a few years back home.