October 19, 2007
-
I want to pack for my trip home.
Since I’m not leaving for 6 days it might be a bit premature, so maybe I’ll make a list of stuff to pack instead. This whole thing is making me a nervous wreck. I’m never buying tickets that far in advance again, it gives me way to much time to imagine all the things that can go wrong.
I guess it would feel different if I was going to be able to go home. As in I’m going home to my house and I’m staying every night at my house, I’m not, I can’t stay at my house. There’s no water or electricity and there’s no wood to heat the place. I’m staying at a series of relatives and friends houses and I don’t care how much you love them or how much they love you, it is impossible to feel completely at home in someone elses house. Especially for three weeks. Sure it will be great to visit everyone and I don’t anticipate problems but I don’t see myself ever fully relaxing the way you do when your in your own home. (or bed)
What do you think? Do you feel fully relaxed when your not sleeping/living at home? Does your staying with relatives and good friends make the difference? I would really like different opinions on this, maybe I’m just not looking at it from the right perspective.
Comments (12)
OH! I know!! Maybe if you move back and forth between houses every couple of days, you won’t be in one place very long, at one time, and that way you can give everyone a break from your obnoxious behavior and pesky ways!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Just kidding!!!!! Don’t hit me!!!!
For me, feeling comfortable depends totally on how my host treats me. Only once did I feel like I was an imposition. I can’t put my finger on exactly why to this day. All the ‘right’ things were done while I was visiting…and I was invited in the first place…I guess it was just the difference in their daily routine, etc. that differed from mine and things were a little more formal.
There’s nothing like your own bed…although I’ve had the pleasure of sleeping in a few very comfy ones. It’s always better if you have your own bathroom I think. That’s the part that makes it a little uncomfortable for me. I always worry that I’m taking too long to shower, etc. and might be holding up someone else. But that’s my problem really.
Maybe it’s just you feeling like you might be imposing on others by staying with them. I’m sure that’s not the case. I’m sure you’d make them feel totally welcome in your home, so try not to worry about it.
I think a lot of us get so used to our routine and get so comfortable with what’s familiar to us that it’s hard sometimes to change, even if it’s only temporary.
The addage..”there’s no place like home” is really true for me.
Don’t worry…enjoy the anticipation of seeing dear friends and family. Just take it as it comes and have fun.
xoxo
I know exactly how you feel.. especially if it isn’t your imediate family, it’s hard to relax.
Why s your house all disassembled? I will have to back read later and see if I can find it.
Have fun making your list, don’t get too anxious. I should be packing RIGHT NOW… since I leave in an hour… but I HATE packing. *sigh* Ahhh well… better get to it.
I’m the same way, I think most people are. It takes me a week before I get comfortable enough to even get a decent night’s sleep in a strange bed.
I know that you must be swamped with things to do on your trips home, but one of these trips you need to swing through Dallas and meet up with me, Denise and Jerry and Melanie.
It’s not just the bed thing. It’s also that feeling that you always have to be doing something, helping with something, or even the feeling that you have to constantly be making conversation. I understand that you’ll want to be doing these things, especially catching up, but it can get stressful. I understand that three weeks would be too long, but I usually try to wangle myself into staying in a motel, for at least part of the time. What are the chances of borrowing some gear and ‘camping’ at your house.
My favorite going visiting adage is: After three days, fish and company both stink. Now, I’m sure you’re not a fish, but maybe your hosts have your same concerns. You’ll talk, it’ll be a great trip.
Today – stop packing and stop worrying. We’ll have plenty of time for more pep talks over the next couple of weeks.
I can relate. I never feel fully comfortable away from home either. Even on vacations … no matter how great a time I have, it is always so comforting when I get back home and can sleep in my own bed.
But, remember how much you have wanted and needed this trip, and I’m sure your friends and family can’t wait for you to get there. They probably won’t even want to let you leave to go to the next destination on your homestay list.
I know what you mean… even when I visit my parents’ home now and sleep in my old room in the same bed I slept in since I was a toddler… it just doesn’t feel like home anymore. But Nem Seth and I will do our best to make you feel welcome during your stay here. =)
helen
aside from my own comfy bed, I always miss my dingy little shower… and my fridge!
I’ve had so many homes, but somehow, it always takes time to make them mine, and until then, I sleep even less well than “normal” and I remain tense, so… yes, I understand…
re: the books – please let me know what you think…
There’s no place like home.
What do you call your trip home Elizabeth ? Going to the US , I guess ?
No i am not relaxed when I have to live elsewhere than my home but I adapt myself .
And I don’ t like either to prepare a trip by plane . I had one once on my own ! So lack of habits ! But when this is to do , I do !!!
Love
Michel
ps : I write a word of comment below your previous post . It is so beautiful that we reamain dumb . You will have a wonderful collection of photographic memories
Yikes ! I just realized you said six days. Okay, you can start packing in ten minutes. Are you ready – set – go – - -. If you pass over Boston, wave and I’ll wave back. Not to worry.
Tell Aunt Pearl to start taking apricot seed extract. I love you!