how easy it is to read when there are no distractions!, you think.

You've been spending so much time on trains, such a traveler! Amazing how late they become when they cross the Mason-Dixon line. You know that they are merely catering to freight traffic, but you can't help but think of the slowdown as a metaphor for social progress.

You grew up here, after all.

Your parents are so nice when they aren't talking about politics.
Best not bring it up with them, it'll make you miss them less when they are gone, which seems unrealistically cold, much colder than you know how to be.

don't fret. the learning curve may be high, but we all have such enormous potential.