This time of year seems to have several strange effects on my emotional state. I am 3000 miles away from my hometown and all those I ever knew and loved (except of course my hubby and kids and my big bro), but being so far away during the holidays always makes me feel an ache to be back in Ohio. I am restless and feel like a fish out of water, even after being here in SoCal for nearly 11 years. I don't think it will ever change!
My point is that the holidays resurrect these thoughts of what friends and family are all about, and I STILL don't feel like I belong here. My kids are missing so much from the family standpoint. I have oodles of aunts, uncles, cousins, 2nd and 3rd cousins, etc and my kids would THRIVE on that! On my street, you'd never even know there are children living here. No one lets them outside to play! Hello, it was like 74 degrees today, school is out and it is a friggin ghost-town! My poor kids get so bored. Can't get friends to answer their phones or call back, so it's just me and the 2 little ones staring at each other. Taking them to McD's play area is the most action they have seen all vacation so far.
Since this is the time of year for reflection, it made me start thinking about what life is like here, compared to growing up in Ohio. So I made this list of Things I Miss.....(AKA Life Outside the Country of California):
My point is that the holidays resurrect these thoughts of what friends and family are all about, and I STILL don't feel like I belong here. My kids are missing so much from the family standpoint. I have oodles of aunts, uncles, cousins, 2nd and 3rd cousins, etc and my kids would THRIVE on that! On my street, you'd never even know there are children living here. No one lets them outside to play! Hello, it was like 74 degrees today, school is out and it is a friggin ghost-town! My poor kids get so bored. Can't get friends to answer their phones or call back, so it's just me and the 2 little ones staring at each other. Taking them to McD's play area is the most action they have seen all vacation so far.
Since this is the time of year for reflection, it made me start thinking about what life is like here, compared to growing up in Ohio. So I made this list of Things I Miss.....(AKA Life Outside the Country of California):
- My mom, dad and kid bro. Talking on the phone just isn't the same.
- My girlfriends in Ohio who are still in touch after all these years. I love you guys! Now come visit me dammit!
- Having only 1 chin (or belly, for that matter!)
- Christmases with snow.
- Thunderstorms.
- Metroparks (look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about)
- The normalcy of letting your kids play with the neighbor kids without scheduling a "playdate".
- Dropping in on friends without having to call first.
- Chatting with the grocery store cashier while waiting in line. Yes, that's NORMAL, people!
- Smiling at strangers and having them smile back.
- Not locking my front/back door EVERY time I come in or out rather than waiting until it's time to lock up at night.
- Not having to take off my shoes when I come in the house.
- Going to country bars with my friends for a night of dancing. I have kids now, but once a month would be nice....
- Having a house that doesn't have a security/alarm system.
- Being able to use my car horn (or middle finger) without getting shot at.
- Celebrating the holidays with a huge family, food, chaos, love, laughter and plenty of "holiday cheer" booze to keep everyone merry despite the noise levels.
- Having birthday parties that don't have to cost a fortune or have a bouncer!
- Teens who get a job when they turn 16 and EARN car money!
- People who don't worry so much about political correctness and being sued that they have lost their sense of humor and ability to connect with people.
- Asking people you want to become friends with for their phone number without them thinking you're a homicidal maniac or weirdo for asking.
- Real breasts......and wrinkles. (I have both, but I'm in the minority out here)
1 comment:
ok...so you are really missing ohio-- any chance you will ever move back?? thinking of you! xo
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