long lost relative

we recently returned from a trip to alabama for some friends' wedding, and were able to spend a couple days in new orleans as well. we had a great trip and caught up with many friends. it was my first visit to the deep south (i've never been further than north carolina). after a couple days (more like 3 minutes) i noticed many similarities between guam and the deep south. first, both are hot and humid, although comparatively the south was refreshing. second, the local delicacy is anything fried. and in line with the latter, the majority of folks are obese. furthermore, both places are dirty as shit, and trust me, i know my shit. i'm a doctor for crissakes. guam and the south are frequently hit by hurricanes--known as typhoons west of the international dateline. with all the water around, mosquitoes in both places are ubiquitous and subsequently fat like those they prey upon.

there is one important difference i can think of, though--i wish guam had a governmental organization as proficient as fema.

anyways, our trip was way too short (1wk, including 2days of travel time) and we're kicking ourselves for coming back so early. leslie was able to get me to voluntarily go out shopping and i even bought clothing that wasn't on sale (quite possibly a first). a man can be pushed to do the unfathomable during times of adversity.