Posted by Bob - the Alien on October 22, 2002 at 21:03:32:
As you all may have figured out, the first invasion was primarily a reconnaissance mission. I learned quite abit about your world, and went back to my reality to process the information. Based on that experience, I planned an executed a second invasion. This invasion went straight to the heart of your 'country', invading such spaces as Omaha, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and Iowa City. I successfully embodied the 'Dave' Persona that some of you are also aware of, and took the role of a college alumni returning to a reunion and visitng friends along the way.
This missin was a total success. It has not only taught me more about your world, it has even changed the world of the 'Dave' Persona.
Here are just a few lessons learned from this trip:
1) As family members get past their early twenties, they suddenly start caring about you again and want you to live close to them. I had more requests to move to the Midwest in the last week than I have had in years.
2) Time really can heal all wounds, if you let it. 2 people who I thought never to be friends with again are back in my life, and I am feeling positive about both of them. (See the next item for more info)
3) Be careful of surrounding yourself with people who all share similar world views. It can trap you. I normally hang around people who are positive, but cyncial. This lets us gets away with a lot of things because we can just use cynicism as an excuse to not do something. My old college friends are not cynical. They forced me to call someone who I was terrified to call for years. But I did call. And she was glad to hear from me, which was a pleasant surprise. And we spent 5 hours last night talking and eating pad thai. And one of the most important people from my past is suddenly in my life again. All thanks to letting old friends guide me through the world using their world view for a while.
4) Your background has a greater resonance with your personality than I imagined. Obviously, people with negative experiences are greatly impacted. But the positive ones are just as powerful, although often much more subtle. I went back to these places where I grew up, and felt right at home. It all just worked. I may have to admit that I truly do belong in the small college midwest towns.
5) My tenacity in clinging to my life in Denver is misplaced. I am now open to leaving this city.
With Love,
Bob