That’s all I need
Before we go somewhere for the day, Chickpea has this tradition of asking if she can take with her any myriad of toys. Sometimes it’s reasonable – a notebook and pencil for drawing at a restaurant, for example; but other times, it’s positively bizarre. Her toothpaste, a Little People-brand polar bear, a bouncy ball, some socks, and a block, all in her purse, for instance.
We were laughing about this today as we headed out for a day of rest as a family. It had been awhile since we vegged just the four of us, so we decided to make a day of just strolling, browsing some shops, playing at the park, and eating lunch at the new! Schlotzsky’s now 10 minutes from our house (glory, glory hallelujah). (We also now have a neighborhood Gap, Banana Republic, and Sephora, but more on that some other time.)
So as we left the house, it got us to thinking about what exactly we’re going to bring to the States. We’re not going to bring much – our plan is to buy quite a bit of stuff there (clothing, books, etc.) and bring it back with us, since everything is so much cheaper and better quality across the pond. For the four months we’ll be out of our home, we’re only going to pack two suitcases, for the four of us altogether. I’m sure we’ll be bringing much more back.
It’s funny how we’ve been feeling the past week. It’s been quite awhile since we’ve longed for the States. When we first moved here, we went through serious American withdraw – we’ve been reminded of that lately, as we’ve witnessed the adjustment of our friends who’ve lived here for just a few months. It’s hard to believe just how American you are until you leave American soil. And then it’s painfully obvious.
But somewhere along the line, the yearning for all things American starts fading away, and before you know it, you’re pretty used to your new lifestyle. Sure, there are things you always miss (queso, margaritas, libraries), but you don’t dwell on it anymore. It’s no longer shocking to make absolutely every. little. thing. from scratch.
So now we’re just a few weeks away from being stateside again, and the shakes are coming back. It’s weird. Things about this culture that haven’t bothered me for over a year are starting to grate me again. I’m longing for cheddar cheese again. Both of our brains are already in the U.S. The problem with this, naturally, is that our bodies are still here.
We’re just packing the bare minimum. But when we return here, there’s no telling what we’ll lug back.
posted: 08 September 29
under: culture
I hope you enjoy your time here! I spent three months in Australia one summer and it was truly strange to be without the comforts of home.
We can’t wait to see you!!!
) Munchkin is literally counting down the days. She knows you’re coming “2 days after daddy’s birthday” and brings it up ALL the time!
Be prepared for the reverse culture shock. When you go back, everything seems so shiny and bright – the grocery stores positively hurt your eyes.
We’re in China right now, haven’t been in the States for over a year, but I remember well from previous places we’ve lived that what you’re describing is absolutely true. You get used to the new place, the new lifestyle, only to discover that as you prepare for a visit home, everything about the new place starts to drive you crazy.
Enjoy your time back home. Can’t wait for my turn…
I CANNOT believe you have a Schlotszky’s and I don’t! I’m so jealous!!! But happy for you, too
Cody does the same thing when we leave the house, or even go upstairs or downstairs. Which is how we end up with odd toys in odd places. Like the blood pressure cuff from the doctor kit in the car. And the drum in the bathroom.
But it works to my advantage when I say, “It’s time to head upstairs.” And he resists. So I say, “What do you want to take with you?” And he changes to excitement! Crazy!
Funny, queso and margaritas are Tex-Mex. We’ve had friends in Seattle longing for good queso! I see a trip to Chuy’s in your future.
i found your blog through a friend and truly enjoy it. i believe we have some friends in common and we’re planning on coming “over the pond” in the spring for the first time. how much longer before you get to come back?
I am from Australia and I still getting used to many things American. It’s funny when I go home now as I realise how much I have changed to adapt to my adopted country…., and of course the novelty in my family is now my 3 year old, very American son! Good luck with your move!
I loved the movie “The Jerk” in college. As my husband and I start to pack tomorrow as we prepare to move from the house we have occupied with our four kids for the past 17 years, I’ll have to remember that “All I need is my paddle ball and this chair…”
Chickpea reminds me of my youngest, who is now 16. When she was a preschooler, we were planning a trip by plane to visit family. She begged to take a favorite stuffed duck with her. It was almost as big as she was, so I gently explained to her that we would have to leave the duck at home and take a smaller toy. I could not believe what happened when we arrived at the airport. My daughter said, “Look, Mommy. That girl brought her ducky.” Incredibly, there was a college-age girl carrying the same exact duck in her arms onto the plane! Now, how do you explain that to a 4 year old? Being a mom is full of all kinds of surprises!
Enjoy your time back in the states!
totally understand! hope you all enjoy your time stateside. what stinks now is that you have to pay for all your extra luggage. they’ve really cut down on the amount you can travel with without having to pay extra – which won’t be a problem leaving the country you are in now, but will be an issue when you go back. still, you will probably end up saving money buying your books, clothes, etc in the states and paying for the luggage rather than paying taxes on imported stuff in your new country or having things shipped to you. you will have to figure all that out. and if your family is like mine, you may not even end up buying all that much yourselves – your family will take care of it for you! have a wonderful trip!
We lived as ex-pats in the UK for 5 years. I know exactly what you are talking about. You expressed it well. However, I love the bit about Chickpea and all the things she wants to put in her purse