It can't all fit in a package.

It's really crazy what you miss when you're away. Like today, I felt nostalgic for the Renaissance Festival.  Seriously, the Renaissance Festival - something I haven't been to for years, even when I was home.  You start missing everything, just for the sheer reason that you don't have it at your disposal, and it's so far away.  Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

This past week has actually been filled with a strong sense of nostalgia. And I am happy to report that it is indeed just nostalgia and not home sickness. The difference? I LOVE home, but I'm not especially eager to be back in the immediate moment.  Nope, I've got a lot more to see and do before I cross the Atlantic again.  

But, although I might not be eager, being here has made it so obvious to me how much I love where I come from and an overwhelming sense of appreciation for being and American citizen.

I think a lot my recent sentiment started after I watched the music video for Duck Sauce's "Barbara Streisand."  You're more than likely going to watch it and wonder "what the f...." I don't blame you. But for me, right now, that video was a solid reminder of so much of what I love about the United States (in no particular order): diversity, creativity, gumption, entrepreneurship, enthusiasm, pride, ingenuity, playfulness and dedication, among so many other non-verbal qualities (maybe its just that nostalgia kicking in that makes me so inarticulate).

So, in honor of my nostalgia for all things American, a list of things I'm currently missing like crazy:

• Driers - so my jeans would fit again.
• Central heating - Yes, it does get cold in Europe.
• Things being open on Sunday - So I could be more productive.
• Things being open during siesta - please refer to previous statement.
• A gym open on a Sunday - they're not doing me any favors;  Saturday nights usually need redemption.
• Wheaty/nutty breads - I've had my fill of soft delicious white baguettes, and they're filling me in a bit too.
• Stand to the right, walk to the left - I don't always like hanging out in back of the señoras on the moving sidewalk/escalator, and well, everywhere else too.
• American schedule - I can't say I especially love eating lunch at 2 and dinner at 10.  It's makes me so unbalanced.
• Variety - 'nough said.
• Mexican food - ditto.
• Driving - buses and trains just don't satisfy the need for autonomous movement.
• Convenience - But really, I just miss Target.  
• FroYo - but I guess that may be just a blessing after all.  Maybe I'll finally break my Yogurtland addiction.
• Automatic hot water - admittedly, I have the best bombona situation possible: a piped in gas heater.  But sometimes, I just don't want to have to think about it.
• Trader Joe's/Whole Foods/Sunflower - that might just fall into the "variety" category too.  And "organics." And "awareness."  All things I also miss.
• NPR in the morning - at the very least, I'm grateful to stream it after noon.  Provided my internet works.