Things I miss about home, and things I will miss about here:

Now, I publish this at great risk. I know some of you have not yet had an opportunity to comment (or even read!) the previous blog posting. And I don't want to, in any way, take away from that more substantial post. Yet, I was so inspired that I just couldn't wait to write this.

There are definitely some things I miss about home. So, for all of you who are just dying of curiosity as to what tops the list, in no particular order:

1. My bed. Big, soft, and comfy!
2. A tall glass full of ice, diet coke, and a straw. And free refills. (note: they have coke light here, which is nearly as good as DC. but alas, ice is hard to find.)
3. Church, where my child is in Sunday school, friends are all around, I can sing along in English (or Shona, if Ben Falconer is leading worship :) and be challenged by a good sermon.
4. My kitchen, where pots, pans, dishes, sharp knives, gadgets, and spoons abound! Kitchen Aid Mixer: I miss you!
5. My dryer. Jeans like cardboard are not my favorite! However, a bath towel that can double as a loofah does have some advantages...
6. Independence! If I need something, I can figure out how to get it done on my own (most of the time.)

Lest anyone think that I don't like being here, let me give you my short list of the things I am really enjoying -- it will actually be hard to keep the list short.

1. Shopping and eating "the European way." You get what you need for the day on your way home past the corner market. No pantry stocked full of stuff you forget you have, no leftovers moldering in the fridge. (note: I will still be very glad to get back to my kitchen)
2. Not talking on the phone. Now, I'm not talking about good convos with friends here, I mean all those dumb "business-y" phone calls that have to be made -- to make plans, to check on your electricity bill, to make a doctors appointment, to remind you to return the movie you rented, etc. And sadly I will have a whole bunch of these kinds of calls to deal with when I return. Yuck!
3. Not dealing with bills or mail. Thank you Matt Herwaldt!
4. Not driving. I don't miss it. I think I could spend the rest of my life being driven around.
5. Walking everywhere. Now, this took a little getting used to, and it's not always convenient. But I like it! Gee, maybe I could start walking more at home on purpose!
6. Kofe Xayz. This has become "our" little coffee house, just 2 blocks away, where we can go and get a cheap, delicious latte. We pack a little bag of coloring books for Tristan, and go and plan our day. It's like a little date... and it's very possible I will come home with a raging caffine addiction. Oops.
7. The time we've had together as a family here. Sometimes the time has weighed heavily on us -- especially when we've felt cooped up and restless because of the weather -- but for the most part, it has been a really special blessing to be able to be together, all of us, all the time. It's nice to get a break from the separateness of the rat race!
8. The duvet cover on my bed here. This is actually a bit of a point of contention for Ted and I: I love the duvet, where nothing is tucked in and I can stick my feet out when they get hot. I must be so much more of a free spirit than Ted, who likes everything tucked in. I tried to convert him to the duvet at home, but he would have none of it. Here, he has no choice, and my feet are relishing their freedom!