What I Miss and What i Don't

What I Miss About the US

Pre-cleaned fruits and vegetables. It's just that simple.

The ease of life. Really, life is so much easier in the US.

Family. Need I say more?

Friends. Good conversation and sharing laughs with those who know you well.

Shopping. Really, I miss the shopping. Really, even Wal-mart, seriously, I miss it all! Good brands, good quality, for good prices.

Lakes. I love to spend time on the boat, in the water, and on the beach.

Trees. Minnesota is filled with so many beautiful, lush green trees.

Birds. The sounds of the birds singing is immediate relaxation.

Garage Sales. Who doesn't want to buy gently used/new toys for a $1.00!

What I Don't Miss About the US

Mail. It is so stressful to get bills in the mail everyday, and all the waste from the junk mail is ridiculous. (We don't have mail in Jordan!)

Telephone marketers. I wonder how many of those phone calls I answered this month..."Seriously, I thought I told you not to call here anymore!"

The News. The twisted version of the news that tells you everything wrong and nothing good about Islam and the Middle East. "Whatever people".

What I Miss About Jordan

Fresh juice. Really, the fresh juice in Amman is amazing!

Shwarma sandwiches. Still not sick of them. In fact, I pretty much love them.

Mom and Pop corner stores that have everything. They really do have everything packed into those little stores. It makes grocery shopping fast and easy.

Fresh bakeries. Gotta love the fresh breads.

The maids. Wish I could have brought one of the gals with me to help my Mom keep up with the housework while we were here.

EHS. I really do miss my team of co-workers and look forward to working with them again soon.

What I Don't Miss About Jordan

Driving. Need I say more. "Ugh, get out of my way!"

Washing dishes. We really need to get a dishwasher when we return to Jordan....anyone know where I can pick one up for a good price in Amman?

Having to juggle between work and family. Whether it be the housework, my husbands job, or my part-time job, sometime always gets in the way of our time together.

Home Sweet Home

Why do all great things have to come to an end? We have been back in the USA, back in Minnesota, back in the Brainerd Lakes Area, back to the place I call home for the month of July. As the month of July is ending, so is our vacation. We will be heading back to Jordan August 1st.

We have definitely enjoyed our time home. We have spent time at the cabin. Time with family and friends. Time spent on the boat on Gull Lake. Time at Paul Bunyan brought me back to my childhood.

The kids loved their time together with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Little Sis, Auntie Sis and Uncle J, as well as all other members of our family and friends that we visited with.

The time home has given Hubby and I a time to relax, as the last year of transition has been very stressful for us. We have been recharged and are ready to head back to Jordan with a regained sense of self.

We want to thank everyone for such a great time and for all the wonderful memories to take back with us. We plan to make the trip annually, so that we can spend time together - making new memories. As always, our home is always open to any of you who want to come visit us and explore Jordan!

We love you all and miss you dearly!