Meet the Parents

Early Saturday morning, I fly out of BWI, heading to Detroit. This is my first time in Michigan, so I am excited. I'm a huge fan of many of the hip-hop artists that hail from "The D:" Eminem, Slum Village, J. Dilla, Proof, Baatin (R.I.P.). However, I'm not going to spit some hot 16's over a Black Milk track. I'm not going to attempt to resurrect the Motown era, or even to appear in a Michael Moore documentary.

My girlfriend, Sonal, hails from West Bloomfield. I am going to meet her parents. Sonal's already driven out there today and will not be returning until the weekend of July 4th. I am only able to go out for a weekend. . . and I'm flying. Forget taking the Kia.

Because I will not be renting a vehicle, I will immediately have to relinquish all of my control issues. (Pray for me, Church!)

Sonal met my parents, brother, and many other relatives during this past Easter. She passed with flying colors. I've met several of her cousins who live in this area, and have enjoyed all of their company. However, since booking this flight, I can't help but feel like Ben Stiller. After all, I am a big fan. When nervous though, I can go from coherent-to-absent-minded in just under 5 seconds.

I've been meditating. Constantly repeating to myself:

Think before speaking

Think before speaking

Think before speaking

This will help to suppress symptoms of "foot-in-mouth" disease.

I'm sure everything will go swimmingly (one of my favorite words), but new adventures always cause some level of anxiety.

My anxiety could also have something to do with this:

These kids work for the welcoming committee?

I think I'll be spending most of my time in the 'burbs. . . hopefully it's a bit "warmer" there.