It's Time To Travel Again

My sweet Lady Kharma, what are you and Sister Fate doing?

Since I first arrived in Sumter, South Carolina, i've been doing everything in my power to be transferred back overseas. Month after month, i've resubmitted my request. Why? Like a large facet of out-of-town residents, I''ve suffered from extreme boredom during the day and a fear for my life at night. This town consists of one main drag, adorned with a trucker gas stations and a Walmart. That's about it. The nearest city is hours away, with only a narrow two-lane highway, peppered with potholes, as it's red carpet. I'm no expert, but I believe the lack of social veneus are a major contribution to the high crime rate that plagues this small town. According to The Neighborhood Scout, "With a crime rate of 96 per one thousand residents, Sumter has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 10. Within South Carolina, more than 90% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Sumter." Throught my career, i've been pretty good at making the best out of a bad situation. You name it -The Middle East, The 38th Parallel, I had the means to make my fun. The Middle East, although war torn, still had vast markets to get lost in and interesting cultural aspects that continued to thrive. For the 38th parallel, South Korea's nightlife sparkled bright and was only a short drive away. Sumter has Walmart as its Friday night Mecca. I'm not kidding! People dress up like they are going nightclubbing and hang out in the parking lot. They congest the isles in large number, trying to scout out the opposite sex. I'm not putting these people down... it's just not my thing. The previously mentioned city that's hours away, Columbia, doesn't have much either. Since the Army is stationed there, seing drunk soldiers and local gang members in a mix is common sight. Ah, you've got to love small towns. A couple of months ago, I stopped submitting my requests to leave and accepted my fate since my pleas fell on deaf ears. Since then, i've been managing to keep my sanity and amused myself with simple things. From video blogging to long distance trips, i've still made the best out of a bad situation. Sure, a few good things happened too. I made some great friends and memories. I've even, met a special someone along the way.
Jenny (JL789 of Xanga fame) and I have grown very close throughout my struggle. She broke down the defensive walls that I put up and restored what little trust I had for the opposite sex (my last relationship a few years back was baaaaaad). Smiling and laughing once again, my heart soaked up all the happiness like a sponge to water. The feeling inside me ~Nice. We closed the distance via long crazy travels and became pretty exclusive. Happy girl & happy guy... So what's the problem?
I recieved what I wished for. Non-negotiable transfer orders to Korea were handed to me on a silver platter. My first reaction was to sing and dance like a wild man (which I randomly do anyway). I was so stoked to be returning to the land where I made a home for myself. Friends, family, and fun... it was my number one wish to return there since I began my battle to escape Sumter's clutches. My heart, on the other hand, grew HEAVY. Matters of the heart vs career... the pits, I say. On the way home, Shai's song "Come With Me" played in my head over and over because i'm cheesy like that. I broke the news and it wasn't good. For now, we're playing it as it goes. I have the patience and the fortitude to stay true and take things further but I think she's teetering. With this job, i've grown accustomed to losing people who couldn't hack the distance. It's sad, but true. I don't blame her nor will I ever do so if she decides to call it quits and not persue anything more. A long haul like this can be damn unbearable to those who aren't conditioned for it. I don't want to hurt anyone, especially her. I won't lie, a certain level of selfishness wants to keep hold of her heart but I know that its unfair. It doesn't look good.
Ah! Okay, I promised myself that I wouldn't air out drama on this blog. 2009! Avoid drama! for now, i'll just rejoice in leaving this southern prison.