I’ve been a little homesick the last couple of weeks. I think it’s the feeling of being in a new place, and not knowing a lot of people yet. I sometimes wish I could rewind back to college where you have a whole month off for Christmas break. I just want the chance to go home and relax and not have to pack everything into a 16 hour window.
I want to go home and not have to go, go, go. I want to watch a movie with my parents in our cozy basement. I want to sleep in. I want to “lounge”. I really miss the days of being able to do that. These days, I spend every trip home having to divide my time up with the people I love – and I hate it. The idea that I only have a two hour window where I can see this person and another two hour window to see another.
I miss the days where I could come home with no agenda. No timeline planned out because we have time. Not anymore. My dear friend Mal and I were talking this past week, trying to plan out Thanksgiving holiday and when we could get together (a month early- I know!) – we used to be able to spend several evenings with our friends from home during holidays. Now – with new families and being newly married, we usually have a 4 hour window, one night. And don’t, get me wrong, I’m so happy we can make it work and we always find the time. It’s just interesting to think how things change when you grow up and move away.
With that said, I had a great “16 hour” window at home this past weekend. I had a wedding in Des Moines on Saturday and went home on Friday. My parents took me to a great restaurant downtown C.R. called Reds. It was nice to catch up… but again, the time was too short. I quickly had to get to my next “two hour window” with my best pal Mal. We enjoyed a nice martini at Zin’s downtown and caught up. However, by the time we got together, it was already 10 p.m. and it only left a few hours of catching up.
I had a wonderful Saturday morning with my amazing mom. We spent our “2 hour window” with a small shopping trip to Lindale Mall. It’s one of our favorite things to do together. I got some sassy shoes and Mom got a fabulous new purse. Before we knew it, I had to get on the road to Des Moines.
My 16 hour trip home was great, but again, short lived. There just isn’t enough time. It’s weird; I don’t know if it’s because I’m older or just moved to a new place – but the last couple of years I have LOVED going home (and don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved going home – however now the feeling is different). I love the feeling every time I drive down Glass Road moments from turning into my driveway. I LOVE driving down the old streets that were once so familiar. I’m excited that Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, and I can get home. This time I have more then a 16-hour window – I’ve got 4 whole days and I can’t wait!
