Nerd Alert

I've only just recently read the Lord of the Ring books and seen the movies, and I'm proud to say I've become a pretty big fan. I love the whole adventure aspect, and stepping out of the safe comfort zone of the Shire, and jumping headlong into the vast unknown on a dangerous quest full of surprises.

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began

Now far ahead the Road has gone

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it withe eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

-The Fellowship of the Rings, JRR Tolkien-

I just watched the newest movie, The Hobbit, and actually got chills as I watched Bilbo contemplate the snug security of his hobbit hole, and then throw all precaution to the wind as he chases down his companions to join them for a journey that he knows next to nothing about. All he knows is that if he were to pass up his chance, he would always regret it. 

An Instance of Returning Home

There's a lot of information, articles, and blog entries about reverse culture shock, how to readjust to life after living abroad. But no one really mentions how to cope with how much home has altered in your absence.

No matter how many times I leave home and then come back after an extended period of time, I am still always shocked, bewildered, and a bit annoyed about how much has changed. I mean, my home is my constant, my one homeostatic realm in the midst of all my chaotic, whirlwind movements around the globe. How dare anyone think they have the right to change that?

Home sweet home, the Severn River in Annapolis

Obviously, I know how selfish and entirely impossible this is. But nonetheless it's still a problem I encounter every time I come home, and there's always a period of turmoil where I feel I just don't fit in, that home has moved on without me. And in a way it has. There is so much that I miss while I'm gone, and that is above and beyond the worst part of my vagabond lifestyle. I miss so much that sometimes I don't feel like I have the right to come back and expect people to make room for me in their lives after so long, only to run away yet again.

So is there a solution? Not one that I have found yet. It's just something that I, and all travelers, have to deal with and accept. Time can't stand still while you're gone, and it shouldn't. All you can do is enjoy the moments at home you are present for.

My baby sister's prom

My middle sister's 23rd birthday

A friend's baby is getting so big!

Two graduations!

Visits with old friends