I wasn't going to put it on the blog (or Facebook) because it seems so...
I don't know...
Negative? Ungrateful?
Of which I'm normally not either. I'm very grateful for this opportunity and generally I love the adventure that my family and I are living, but every once in a while, I just want things to work like they used to.
I want to go to my dentist and have her take care of my tooth, not try to explain to a poor receptionist that happened to answer the phone that I need a /con/sul/ta/tion/ in slow English, like that is somehow easier to understand for this poor woman. I want to go to my hair stylist and tell him to choppy-choppy because I trust him to make it perfect. I want to go to Target. I want to shop without having to open Google translate. I want to know *where* to shop for any given item. I want to drive without having to constantly remind myself of all the different rules. I want to celebrate Thanksgiving (although we're gonna make that one happen), I want to see my Dad, whom I normally see at least once a week. Skype is great and all, but it's not the same.
I understand - we're living in Europe. It's literally a dream come true, and I really truly enjoy it. My work is challenging and fun, the kids' school is great, and we've already been able to see some really cool places, things and meet really cool people. Not to mention that there are top-notch ski resorts within an hour drive of our house. I don't have anything to complain about! I re-read that paragraph above and realize these are all just really small things. But still, we are Americans and we are learning to live in a different location and a different culture. It's fun, it's an adventure, and 99.9% of the time I'm so excited to be part of it. But for the 0.1%, I miss home too.
So, without complaining, I'm gonna tell you some things that you should not take for granted! See, I'll turn this positive one way or another :-).
- A friend on Facebook posted a picture of a Dipped Cone from DQ. Wow - didn't realize how good that sounded until I saw that picture.
- Tex-mex food. Queso, tortillias, heck, cheddar cheese! Chips & salsa...although I'd take a German beer with that!!
- Soccer and baseball on the weekends (yep, I miss the crazy busy weekends, but just a little bit).
- Television without having to go through the internet.
- Being able to read and understand just about every sign, poster, label and enclosed instruction manual.
- Being able to make a phone call without stressing about if the person that answers will understand a word you say (or just calling a co-worker over to help).
- Chick-Fil-A - mostly because of how much my kids love it, although I could totally go for some Polynesian sauce.
- Pei Wei - again, in honor of the kids. There just isn't anything like that anywhere else and it's a favorite in our family.
Honestly, I wasn't going to post this, but an internet friend-of-a-friend reminded me through her blog post that these bumps along the way are part of the journey too. People shouldn't think it's nothing but roses and sunshine because it isn't, even in a place as wonderful as southern Germany. There are some things that are hard, frustrating, and just plain maddening, but to ignore these hurdles is to ignore part of the adventure. I should relish and reflect on these things so that when I get to my new normal, I'm that much more thankful when I can remember what it took to get there.
What do you think you would miss if you moved to Europe??
7 comments:
I would miss the traffic on 75 (Not).
I would miss my daughter, it would be horrible.
I would miss all the things that you mention ... because it's normal.
I would miss YOU !!!!
Sue
Awww, Sue, you're sweet. I miss you too!!
I spent a week in Switzerland and by the 5th day, I missed english so much. I hear your pain. Communicating is so hard. But you only have 1 year and 10 months to go, right?
Cindy, remember you are loved far and wide and deep. You have your most precious possessions , John, David, and Katherine, beside you. And you and John are giving many of us a delightful travel log complete with photos of things we can see and experience only through your eyes. We all miss the Ferguson 4, especially thinking of the Holidays coming up. Keep up the chatter and HUGS to all . Grandmother Walker.
Thanks for the meaningful post--reminding us the importance of the little things, and how blessed we truly are. I will appreciate my hair stylist tomorrow in a new way, order Pei Wei lettuce wraps with a toast to the Ferguson Four, and pause a second to pay closer attention to driving, shopping, cooking--things we do without thinking because it is so familiar.
I would miss English--the language barrier would be huge. And the currency, especially since it changes from one country to another, and none of it looks REAL.
We think you and John are amazing, and it is the way you seem to have embraced the challenge of living in a different culture and dealing with all the little, but vital elements of daily life that are pretty inspiring. Every word, picture and story you share on the blog, Facebook or email is a treasure!
We are glad you miss home, because you are missed!! Keep sharing your thoughts and experiences--we love living the adventure through you!
BONUS--Christmas ideas from your post!! You might receive some tortillas, queso and salsa, but the DQ dipped cone will have to wait.
Love to you all,
Meme
The other comments made me cry. I am missing the Ferguson Four. Next week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. We always celebrate with you. I was trying to think of traditions or specific things I will miss this Thanksgiving. I wasn't coming up with anything. Our tradition has been to spend time together - in Lubbock, in Oklahoma City, in Allen, even at a Dallas Cowboys game. Where didn't matter, only that we were together. I'm pretty excited about where you will be this Thanksgiving. I thought the box at a Cowboys game would be hard to top, but I'm pretty sure the Alps will be amazing. Wish we were there with you.
This will make me a total southern girl but while briefly in Cairo- I would've seriously considered selling an appendage (middle toe?) for some iced tea. Your list is great and makes me appreciate that I have it even more. Also- I wish I could mail that stuff to you! ;-) Probbbabbblly shouldn't. If only amazon prime got it there!
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