Top 10 Things We Miss About Home

It would appear that the popularity of the blog is dwindling now that you know about Rylan. Comments are down, and drastic measures had to be taken. I have been forced to try my comedy routine to get a response from somebody. Anybody.

Since we're been immersed in a new culture, in a new country for so long now, we thought it was time to share our thoughts on the things we miss most about home.

Number 10 - The Young and the Restless

I wonder what old Jack is doing? Are Nick and Phyllis still together? And what about that darn Victor - what's he up to these days? We only have 3 English stations on television, and our choices are limited - Discovery channel (American Chopper and Mythbusters - repeated all day and night), BBC (but no Coronation Street), and the Hallmark Channel (all sap, all the time).

Number 9 - Shoveling Snow

I know - it's sick. But it snowed here last week - a lot. The city crews are out every day shoveling the sidewalks and streets by hand, and moving snow around so it will melt faster. Every day we go for a walk, and I feel like those workers are taunting me with their shovels...

Number 8 - Having Stuff To Do

Aside from our routine visit with Rylan, our days are, well, often boring. At home there is always something to clean, something to fix, and just something to do. Here, after our daily walk to the market, we eat. Then we wonder what we can do all evening. Sometimes we read, watch shows on the IPOD, or play Yatzee or cards. Often we just pass the time staring lovingly into each other's eyes.

Number 7 - Children's Clothing That Makes Sense

They don't have clothes labeled with sizes here - it's a guessing game. And to make it more interesting, the items are one of a kind - if you see it hanging, and it's not the right size, you're out of luck. No checking the rack for a larger or smaller one.

Number 6 - Understanding The Language

We don't understand what people say to us. I think I've been complimented on my charade playing skills while shopping many times - either that, or they called me an idiot. And reading menus written in Russian - always a gamble, even with our dictionary.

Number 5 - A Clothes Dryer

The towel warmer in the bathroom is better than the clothesline across the shower, but it just isn't the same. Our socks and underwear will never be the same. And just try fitting a pair of wet jeans on that towel rack - someone is going to break it before we get out of here!

Number 4 - Reliable Phone Lines and Internet Service

Need we say more? It never fails - the internet never works when we have important things to check. Where else can the entire city lose internet service at the same time (yes - it happened here).

Number 3 - Real Food

We miss real food. It's not that they don't have food here, but it's different. I miss fresh bread - even in the restaurants it's always day old - never fresh. They don't have crackers - who doesn't have Ritz crackers? I haven't had milk since we got here (but we eat a lot of cheese and yogurt every day for calcium). Dave misses beef (you can never really be sure what type of meat you're eating), peanut butter, jam and real coffee (not that instant stuff).

Number 2 - COSTCO

I must admit - I was tempted to put this as Number 1. I miss wandering around the store, seeing what's new from when I was last there (2 days earlier). I miss buying things in bulk. I miss the greeters at the door. I miss the sound my credit card makes as they swipe it at the cashier... Dave says the store's profits must be down since I've been away. He is also sure my picture has been posted as a "missing person" at the store entrance.

and the Number 1 Thing We Miss About Home...

Our family and friends!

It's true that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. We are so blessed to have such unconditional support and love. We can't wait until we can see everyone again.