Hi! Like most smart Americans, I'm staying at home most of the time, just going out to run errands for my mother or go shopping. I live in a small town that has only had five cases of COVID-19. I wear a mask when I go out, but most people don't. I want to be extra-careful because I live with my mother, who is 84. Today's podcast episode is from 2 1/2 years ago, talking about when I went home for the summer. Of course, my life is different now. I live at home full time!

LnR 122 (Casual Language) Insomnia

A: Hey, are you OK?

B: Yeah, so-so. I'm having trouble sleeping.

A: Oh, I've had insomnia before. It wasn't fun.

B: I seldom have insomnia. I mainly get it if I'm worried about something or if I've had too much caffeine.

A: Yeah, I get it when I'm worried or have a lot of stress. So why do you have it now?

B: Actually, it's jet lag, not true insomnia. I arrived from China three days ago and still haven't adapted to the time zone here. I can't get to sleep until very early in the morning, and then I’m so tired that I take a long nap in the afternoon. Which, of course, makes it harder to get to sleep at night. It's a vicious circle.

A: Oh, I see. That's too bad. But you'll get over it soon, right?

B: Yeah, in a few days. I'm glad to be back, though. It's always good to be home.

A: What do you miss the most when you're in China? Your mother?

B: I call my mother twice a week, so I can't really say that I miss her. What I miss the most are milkshakes and Mexican food. And driving. I really enjoy driving when I'm back home.

A: You don't drive in China?

B: Are you kidding!? First of all, I don't have enough money for a car. Second, I don't need a car because I live on campus and almost everything I need is close to me. And finally, I'd be too afraid to drive in China!

A: But you drove when you lived in Mexico.

B: I was younger then. I'm not as brave now.