With my upcoming trip back to the USofA, I have been thinking A LOT about what I want to do, where I want to go, and what I'll get to eat. In that I'm going back during winter vacation I'll be around for all the major holidays. It's been five years since that's happened, so of course there is plenty to look forward to! Just to name a few, there's turkey, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, pie, Christmas trees, singing carols, turkey, gravy, sugar cookies. Did I mention turkey? Those are all very normal (holiday) things and there's plenty more in the line of everyday American stuff (like English everywhere)!
What I'm looking forward to, however, are things you might not expect. These are things that I took for granted until I started living in Asia. They may not make a lot of sense, as they truly are the little things in life. If I make it to your house while I'm in the U.S., you'll probably understand why I might stare at the TV or stand over your shoulder when you cook. Don't worry, I'm just making lots of memories for the next time I'm sitting in a hot, crowded Chinese bus missing home.
Recliners. If you have a recliner, I'm coming to your house. I might steal your spot. That's the risk you'd be taking by having a recliner devotee back from a two-year absence sleep on your couch. Which reminds me, I'm also looking forward to couches!
Sandwiches. Not any one in particular, but rather the concept. Two slices of whole wheat bread, not cut in half or stacked on top of one another. Just two plain slices of bread, toasted. Real Mayonnaise, not any of the sweet variety. Fresh tomatoes. Pickles! Mmm, mustard. Any kind of meat and/or other veggies will do, as long as it's not corn. All this should be served with potato chips (although sometimes a soup, french fries, or a salad will do) at lunchtime. Unless it's breakfast time, in which case, I'd like to change my order to a breakfast sandwich. Makes sense, right?
Free access to sites like Google, Facebook, Blogspot, etc. This is a given. The second I'm allowed on Narita's network in Japan during my layover, my digits will be all over their proxy-less hand-helds.
Salty popcorn. Again, it's the concept. I'm not saying I'm going to be microwaving popcorn every night for three months, but once I catch a sniff of hot, buttery movie theater popcorn, you bet I will be savoring each kernel!
Carpeted floors. I don't even care what might be squished between the threads, I just want to feel softness under my feet when I walk around in my own home.
Dryers. It would be nice not to have to wait a whole day for clothes to dry. Plus, I just really love the smell.
Stars. Sunsets. Real dirt. Mountains you can actually hike. Nature you can get messy in. No crowds. No cheating stairs. And in Arizona there are bound to be magnificent lookout points. Little pollution. So much sky you can make a blanket out of it.
Football--American style. I know I'll be getting to the U.S. right at the tail end of football season (especially for high schools, which are the games I enjoy), but I am still looking forward to seeing those neckless hunks and all the other fabulous entertainment. Can someone say marching band or half-time shows? Is it obvious that I don't have a team to root for? If you're hosting any tailgating parties or at-home game nights, do count me in!
TV. Commercials. Even the reality shows. I think it's finally my turn to hold the remote! Although I'll probably get tired of this within a week of being home, I really do enjoy watching TV on a big screen, in a language I can understand, and preferably, with the ability to DVR two shows at once. I also shamelessly like to tune in to almost every marathon of The Nanny or any other 70's-90's sitcom on TV Land. When it comes to reality shows, it's not that I particularly like them, but unlike other visits to the U.S., this time I am curious what's on and who's making it big. Plus, in my house, it's a cause for good, old-fashioned family time.
As you can see, I have some things to catch up on once I'm in the U.S. If I can do it with friends, it will be even better, so don't be shy about writing me a line or giving me a call! Lastly, chances are another similar list will go up soon after I get back: What I miss about China. Looking forward to that, too!
