Homeward Bound

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Truer words were never spoken.

For the past three weeks, I have been traveling for work. My location: a small town in southeastern Indiana.

Let me back up a bit. I was born in Alabama, but I went to high school in a suburban town north of Indianapolis. Though I’m quite familiar with the Midwest, I never really adapted to it. When it came time for college, I knew I wanted to return to Alabama. I left Indiana and never looked back. Fast forward five years and where does my job take me? Back to Indiana.

As I’ve made my weekly journey from the Cincinnati airport to my work destination in Indiana, I’ve watched the terrain change from the gentle rolling hills of northern Kentucky and Ohio to the flat corn fields of the Hoosier state. In the past, I would have bumped up the speed upon entering Indiana because I never much cared for the scenery. When I say it’s flat…it’s really flat.

But these past couple of weeks, I find my self not minding it. Okay, well, sort of enjoying it. As I drive, I hear John Mellencamp playing in my head (he lives in Bloomington, Indiana, you know). The silos and farm houses cropping up out of the flat earth look so charming and cozy. When I drive through this part of the country, it feels quintessentially American.  And although I have a neutral accent, I can hear my voice revert back into the Midwestern lingo.

My colleagues and the folks who live in town have been so friendly and welcoming to me. The staff at my hotel know my name and give me nice little perks since they see me so much. Making friends up here has definitely enhanced the fun factor of my trips.

Although it’s nice sleeping in my big comfy hotel bed, the homesickness is starting to set in. When I finally get to come home to Birmingham for the weekends, I’m instantly on a natural high.

This past week, I returned to the Birmingham airport to find that my car wouldn’t start. When I popped the hood to inspect, I saw a blue powdery substance on the battery. I know little about cars, but even I knew that this wasn’t good. Had this happened on any other occasion, I would have been muttering four-letter expletives and possibly even kicked my tire out of frustration. But not even my corroded battery could kill my Bham buzz.

After a very nice security gentleman named Eric helped me jump off my car, I headed for home. As I approached downtown and saw the Birmingham skyline, I felt as if I had never seen a more beautiful sight. As I neared Red Mountain, it was like good ole Vulcan was welcoming me back.

Being away from home has made me realize how much I absolutely love our city. During my weekends—which never seem long enough—I take advantage of all Birmingham has to offer. This past weekend, I hit up Lakeview for the nightlife, did some shopping in Homewood, and dined al-fresco at Bottega Café. I tried to soak it all in.

As Monday rolled around it’s back to work and once again I made my journey to Indiana. This time, though, I keep Birmingham in the back of my mind and remember that it won’t be long before I’m home for good.