adventures in homesickness

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't homesick.  I've been pretty desperate for something familiar lately.  I kinda unknowingly began making a mental list of ways to knock out homesickness.  It goes as follows:

I've found one of the best strategies is to do something that makes you really, really happy every time no matter what.  Like, you've never NOT been totally in love with doing this thing.  For me, its going to the beach.  So I've been trying to take myself there as much as possible.  Going to the beach here is different because I've noticed not a lot of people actually wear their bathing suits or bring their frisbees. Usually they're bringing their dogs or their kids to play in the water.  I don't mind because I love soaking up the sun and watching both... mostly the dogs.  Its also pretty cool to have a view of mountains in the distance and watch the harbor seals pop up out of the water every so often.

Another strategy is to find something to really appreciate about your new home.  Lets be honest, it doesn't take much for me to fall in love with a place.  Usually just a couple of boats lined up on a dock and a cute place to dine outdoors will do it.  The other day I went down to the Olympia Farmers Market.  Its set up in a big covered barn (since it rains A LOT here), along the waterfront.  If I ran out of produce to admire, there were bakers and fishers and sausage makers and musicians playing some really great folk music.  After picking up probably more fresh fruits and veggies than I can consume in one week, I took myself on a jog along the boardwalk and around Capitol Lake.  I don't know when I'll get over the fact that there are jellyfish in the water here.  Probably never.  

One more thing I've come up with to get rid of homesickness, is to always have something to look forward to.  Whether its a neat place you heard about and plan to explore next Thursday (Vashon Island with my bike), or a little get together with new friends (Mexican Mojito Monday+Thai night Thursday), or your next trip home (August 31).  ALWAYS have something in the back of your mind that you can call on when you're feeling like the loneliest thing in the world.  

And, when all else fails.  Call your Mom.  

xo