But I am not going to get any.
Back in Stockholm now, with all the luggage and Partner Unit and I splurged and upgraded ourselves to business class on the flight home using his frequent flier miles, so that made the very long journey quite bearable.
It's too early in the night in Dallas to call and check on my stepfather, but he is home now and I got to hug him and wish him well. And at the airport, when my mother and sister dropped us off, my mom and I cried buckets.
Buckets.
And she asked me please couldn't I move back. And I have to admit as I walked to the check-in counter, my neck felt cold and tight, like I had been clenching my throat too long, and I found myself trying to memorize and soak in all of the truly American things in that airport, just to tide me over, to keep me safe, to make me think of home.
Home. Funny that that was the word I chose while typing this out.
But I am still not moving back there right now.
I miss my family madly, and learned a lot about them (and about myself) over the holidays. I have MASSES to tell you, some of it funny and some of it sad, but right now I need to try to get some sleep before I keel over. I am heading off tonight on a two night trip to Estonia with the chicks (why Estonia, you may ask? Why not? I reply) so I will be back Tuesday, although I suspect many of you are partying hardy still.
And for all you that live far away from your moms...just give her a call, yeah? I think they need us as much as we need them.
-H.
PS-pic coming on Tuesday, when I download all the holiday pics from my camera!
H! I envy your travels. Come back soon and BLOG! Hope you have a very nice 2004. All the best and hugs!
Posted by: Melodrama at December 31, 2003 08:18 AMTallinn, Estonia is the 'new' Prague, didn'tcha know?
Posted by: Oda Mae at December 30, 2003 10:59 PMHelen,
Hair will grow back so can't wait to see the photos. Your mom's hugs will last you a while but I really can't imagine a trip to Estonia so I have to live vicariously through your adventures. Please do tell me more!
All my best,
Marie
Where in the what now? Estonia? The lengths to which you'll go for a party!
Be safe, be happy and be you.
Posted by: Kaetchen at December 29, 2003 05:26 PMpics damn you.
Posted by: pylorns at December 29, 2003 02:33 PMThe question isn't so much where Estonia is, but what tourists do there. But whatever that may turn out to be for you, have a lot of fun doing it!
Posted by: Gudy at December 29, 2003 11:51 AMGlad you made the holiday trip okay. Sounds like you ultimately had a good family experience.
Have a rockin' Estonian time. Say hello to the local knitters - I've got a friend who sends production work over there. (Let's hear it for globalization.)
Posted by: David at December 29, 2003 11:25 AMGlad to hear you're back safely. I'm quite looking forward to the pictures. Have a good time in Estonia (doing whatever it is tourists do in Estonia).
Posted by: Joey at December 29, 2003 05:21 AMI'm glad to hear that you arrived safely. Hope you have a happy new year!
Posted by: Sue at December 29, 2003 05:10 AMOi! the never ending question of independance vs. being close to family. As I have mentioned I am coming from the otherside of the equation, having all of my family near me, and looking at moving half a world away to do what I love. Its a tough call.
Absense makes the heart grow fonder. Familiarity breeds contempt. Damn cliche's never have an answer.
Good luck Helen, I know you will find what works for you.
Dane
PS Its not why Estonia, but where the hell is it? I had never heard of it before this year, and now I hear about it regularly. have fun!
Posted by: Dane at December 29, 2003 04:26 AMYour latest posts about being at home with your family for Christmas have been some of the happiest sounding posts from you in a long long time. I wonder if there is a messege there??
Posted by: Brad at December 28, 2003 08:03 PMi'm happy to hear you've made it home safe and sound. get some good rest girly!
Posted by: kat at December 28, 2003 05:02 PMHome is where you hang your head ... welcome back H and have a happy New Year
Posted by: Rob at December 28, 2003 03:46 PMWelcome back. Its always tought leaving when you been visiting for a while. See how you feel after Estonia
Posted by: Drew at December 28, 2003 03:09 PM'Home' is such a varied and strange concept isnt it? I hope things are 'ok' with the Partner Unit
Abs x
Posted by: Abs at December 28, 2003 02:00 PM