Since I’ve been back in the States this week, I’ve noticed a few things. Some important and some oh, probably not so important. Here is a short rundown:

1. The influence of Michael Jackson is way overrated. Can anyone name a single band that will name him as their major influence? Sure he had some good songs but his real legacy is choreographed videos/dance numbers. We like Thriller but we like the video of Thriller more.  I’m pretty much sick of the wall to wall coverage this is getting on the news. It’s ridiculous.

2. But the above may be to cover that American tv is just awful! I swear, they are showing the same movies etc. on tv that they were a month ago when I left. Quite pitiful considering tv is one thing that we use to be really good at. And news, forget it. I got better coverage when I was overseas. Not sure CNN, MSNBC, FOX etc. know what real news is anymore.  And personally, I think the airing of Larry King, Nancy Grace, Dick Morris, Keith Obermann, Anderson Cooper, constitutes crimes against humanity and those responsible should be prosecuted.

3. My stomach is having trouble re-adjusting to the American diet.  I miss my falafel, shawarma, French cheese, and everything else delicious I had to nibble on while I was gone.

4. I miss the walking. We are so car oriented here in the States that walking down a flight of stairs constitutes a major workout as opposed to walking 20 minutes to get somewhere in Tel Aviv 10x a day or walking for an hour after midnight in Brussels to get home *lol*.  My body keeps saying, ‘let’s walk somewhere’. *sigh*.

5. I’m having trouble concentrating on coversations. Everything seems a bit frivolous to me at the moment.

6. I think my writing will be my saving grace. It’s the only thing I seem excited about at the moment and I’m actually motivated in that area.

7.  My poker playing has improved. I was in a bad rut the couple weeks leading up to my trip and not playing well at all. Since I’ve been back, I’m playing much more confidently and better. Not sure why but I am glad.

Just a few observations about my little corner of the planet since I’ve been back. The only thing to add is that I’m missing everyone already.