Homesickness

I'm no stranger to being away from home; I grew up going to week-long camps, and graduated into spending at least a month every summer away from home. Long term, this may help me adjust to “leaving the nest,” but right now it’s having the opposite effect—my stay here feels temporary, just like my camps.

But every now and then, the realization that this is for real—that I’ve actually moved—hits me full force. Camp always had the level of comfort that at the end of the week/month/summer I’d go home to my life, family, and shower. But not this time.

And unfortunately, these are the moments homesickness strikes.

So, I’ve decided to fight back. Both fists up, ready to block and jab at lightening speed. Bring it on.

My plan of attack?  I’m holding onto small pleasures, creating home anew. Here’s what I have so far:

1.     Out-of-tune church bells.

2.     My water boiler, peppermint tea, and apples.

3.     “My” treadmill—the one on the far right in the gym.

4.     The woody “warehouse” smell of rainy days.

5.     The shower on the right side of the bathroom—I get so excited when it's free!

6.     No-bake brownie Wednesdays.

7.     Empty laundry rooms—there's nothing as wonderful as seeing a parade of $1.25 readouts on the empty machines!

8.     Spontaneous movie night—with a chick flick, chocolate, PJs, and friends.

9.     The “vampire of math confusion” (math study joke).

10.  "92.9—The Bear." The best country music station, akin to comfort food, without the calories!