Last day in Durham

Today is my last day in Durham until December. It is actually pretty sad when I think about it...6 months seems like a very long time without seeing my kitties, my home, my friends, and all of the other creature comforts of my home town. I don't mention Alan because we'll video chat as well as meet in Hawaii in September. Then I think about all of the service men and women who are deployed to Iraq or the Middle East or wherever they are away from home. I at least have the luxury of taking vacation when I want to and being able to afford a flight home if I really need to get here.

Regardless of the circumstance, missing the creature comforts of home is tough. You forget how nice it is to be surrounded by people who care about you. You forget about how great it is to come home to your cats or dogs who love you unconditionally. You forget forget about how nice it is to shop for clothes and shoes that are easily obtainable in your size...to watch the sports that you love...to read about silly local news...or watch the local news channels find crazy stories to fill the slow news days...to buy popsicles at the grocery store...to drink great coffee...to have a cocktail that costs less than $20...to have a need to watch the weather because it changes from day-to-day...to just feel like you belong.

Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying this experience. I have the luxury of living in a completely different country and culture and learn all sorts of things. I have yet to really explore the area and am very much looking forward to it. As great as that is nothing beats being at home and I will miss it greatly.

Until next time Durham...