A recent exchange while viewing Pan’s Labyrinth at my friend Kim’s place, where conversations unrelated to the movie somehow drifted towards name altering:

Thomas: Hey, did you know there’s a guy with the name “Hubris?” Like the actual word “hubris.” A Vietnamese guy.

Me: Really?

Thomas: Yeah. Ryan Hubris.

Me: Weird. [Pause. Gaze remains glued to the TV screen.] Is he a writer?

Thomas: [Face stays transfixed on the movie as well.] No. But he founded Lee’s Sandwiches.

Maybe you have to be Californian to really appreciate the reference to the oft-visited dollar sandwich shop of our childhood, but I’m finally processing how California my surroundings have become since Friday, following all the apartment cleaning and farewells and final worldwind tour of Japan during the weeks before.

Now here I am. Back in the bay after all these years. It’s totally weird, dude.

Never underestimate, however, a family’s ability to set you straight to task the moment you step back onto the homestead. Without too many details, and only just after dropping down my suitcases, I’ve already a few major things to square away for the folks before I can return to my usual tombloggery. With unemployment in tow, I’m determined to keep my mood as high as the prices on the tags and menus surrounding me, so will surely keep you posted on new comics and other things as they develop. Deep breath.. here we go!

More milk to come.