things i'm missing from home

Anyone who spends time away from home will experience bouts of home sickness, or at least grow a greater appreciation for things they once took for granted. I am no exception. But I think with living in a different country, within a very different culture, that is to be expected. I go through phases of home sickness. But, I'm not generally homesick. Although I have grown to appreciate many things from home, I do just fine living in a different place. I guess because I've been blessed with many wonderful things along the way. But that doesn't stop me from getting frustrated from time to time. Nor does it stop me from missing things from home. Every spring I start to get that excited feeling in my belly. That feeling of knowing that I'll be going home soon to visit my family and my good ole USA. Three months from now hubby, little guy, and I will be once again traveling to spend time with my family. All three of us are excited. Hubby loves America and he also needs a break from his hectic job. Little guy thinks of America as a place for fun and loads of spoiling from Mama's family. I think of America as home, a place that I truly miss now and then.

Allow me to share what I am currently missing from home.

Speaking English. English is everywhere in Saudi. All majors places of work(offices, banks, hospitals, shops, etc.) have English. Most of my in-laws are fluent speakers. And I teach English. But it's just not the same. I miss speaking English as fast as I normally do. I miss saying all the slang words that Americans understand. I miss saying water with the "t" sounding more like a "d". I miss hearing it all around me. I miss understanding everything being said in a room, in a marketplace, in public areas. I just plain miss it!

Grass. Bright green blades of grass. I miss the beauty of seeing it. I miss the feel of it between my toes when I'm walking in the backyard. I miss the smell of it being cut. Living in a desert, we rarely see grass and when we do, it's not the real deal.

Sunny, partly cloudy. Okay, we have PLENTY of sun here in Saudi, that's for sure. But I miss seeing the sun and feeling bright and cheery, not hot and stinky (ok, it's really not that bad...hehehe). And even though we have had clouds the past couple of days (and even some rain), I miss big, white, fluffy clouds. I miss that sensation of the brightness slightly toning down as the sun hides behind a fluffy cloud and then everything growing in brightness as it comes back out to play. Our summers in Saudi are hot with a scorching sun. Saudis sleep during summer days and socialize in summer evenings for this very reason. I miss enjoying summer days, sun and all.

Grilling outside. I miss cooking out on the grill. I miss that incredible smell, the mouth watering taste. I miss the family time of sitting together at the picnic table while we indulge in our grilled delights. Mmmmm...I'm hungry just thinking about it.

Driving. As I've mentioned before, women can not drive in Saudi. I don't mind the fact that I can't physically drive. As a matter of fact, I enjoy sitting with little guy on the rides to and from school. I love our little talks about life. I wouldn't get those moments if I were driving in rush hour before and after school everyday. But what I miss is getting around when and if I feel like it. In order for me to get around here, I must depend on someone else whether it be my hubby, my driver, a taxi, etc. I miss the fact that when I'm in the US if I want to go somewhere, I hop in the car and drive there.

The ocean. My little city in PA is hours from the coast. In fact we have to drive 5-6 hours to get to the Atlantic Ocean. But my family took many trips to the beach as I was growing up and so it sort of became a part of me. It's an atmosphere that I just love. I love relaxing on the beach, hearing the waves crash, and the sounds of the seagulls. I miss the smell of the ocean. I miss that light breeze of the ocean air. It's therapy, really.

Target. Okay, this may sound silly. But I really love Target. And I can not believe that last summer I was in the US for 6 weeks and did not even enter a Target! Perhaps this makes me miss it more. If I could, I would buy up the whole store and bring it here with me. I seriously want to know Target People, why are you not here in Saudi?!? And don't you all make fun of me either. If you lived far, far away from Target, you would become insane about it too! ;)

So that's my little boo-hoo session for now. I hate to wish for time to fly(it's kinda selfish and unappreciative, if you think about it, what ever happened to enjoying every moment?), but I really can't wait to go this summer. Sooooo looking forward to it!!! :)

images via yahoo image search, fotosearch, and target.com