Whenever I return to my homestate of Nebraska, I feel like not much really changes.
That�s especially true as soon as I enter my childhood home that my parents have owned since 1972.
Mom: �Why aren�t you wearing any socks? You�ll catch a cold.�
�You shouldn�t drink that grape juice in the living room. What if you spill it on the carpet?�
�Don�t tease the dog.�
I feel like I�m 15 years old again instead of in my mid-30s. It happens every time I return home. Do all moms act this way as their children grow up?
At home, I�m sleeping in my childhood room again. The pink and flower-flecked wallpaper and rosy-colored carpet is still the same. An embroidered picture of my name by one of my aunts still hangs on the wall. Abandoned boxes full of college papers, books and photos of ex-boyfriends still reside in my old closet.
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| I found my long-lost baby photos tucked away in a cupboard filled with holiday decorations at my parents' house. The one on my right has always been my favorite. |
I always feel a bit out of place returning �home� even though this is where I grew up. This life is so different and quiet from my always-changing expat life. I don�t know which country we will live in the next few years. I don�t know when we�ll live in the U.S. again. I don�t know when we will have a permanent home, but at the same time, I enjoy this nomadic life. It�s not always easy either, but we make it work. I hope that all makes sense. I'm sure other expats can relate a bit.
My mom and dad, on the other hand, think my life is hectic and crazy. They may see it that way, but that�s okay. I wouldn�t have it any other way. I doubt we�ll ever live in the same house for 40 years either.
I�ll be spending the next 10 days with my family, and then I�ll be with my husband�s family. I�ll be a bit out of touch as we catch up with our families during our annual U.S. trip. I�ll try and write a few blog posts, but hopefully, you�ll understand why I�m out of touch.
Cheers from chilly Nebraska!