Behind the Times

Way to go Idaho

Posted on April 12, 2007 by kraus2686
Filed Under Elsewhere, Noah's posts |

OK, I’ve been a bit lax the past week with this blog. I have an excuse, though. I discovered a little known thing called a “vacation.” Very nice, I encourage you to try one.

In another life I was a high school history teacher in Caldwell, Idaho. I took the job right out of college and worked there for two years before missing New England, returning and taking a job as a part-time reporter with The Item. The years kind of sneak up on you and earlier this year I discovered one the the classes I taught was celebrating its 10-year reunion. They invited me back and with a $269 round trip air fare from Providence, I couldn’t resist.

I traveled around a little bit both in and just out of college before coming back to Clinton in ‘97. There’s something about the roads left untraveled that’s always intrigued me, though. Perhaps some of you who have had similar experiences can relate. It’s surreal to return to a place that was such a part of your life even if for a brief time.

After 10 years of being gone, I drove to my favorite spot, the Flying M Cafe in Boise last week, grabbed my “usual,” a scone and a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and sat down in my “usual” seat with the Idaho Statesman. It was just like I was there yesterday and the past 10 years hadn’t happened.

When I think of the many places I’ve lived in — Maine, Michigan, Idaho and my hometown of Glens Falls, NY, I can’t help but wonder of the many roads left untraveled and the friends left behind that have touched my life in some way; the lives I started and then left. I’m where I want to be today, but it is interesting to reflect on.

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