I have returned

No matter the amazing nature of your travel companion, traveling is exhausting.  I am overjoyed that I was able to spend the last few weeks with friends and family.  My heart is overflowing with the love shared.  I miss them all so much, all the time.  This trip was much less tearful than the trip 6 months ago, when I bawled just about every time I drove away from someone's house.  But it was still hard to say "see you later" and get back on that airplane. 

Once on the plane, my son did not sleep a wink.  He colored, "read" magazines, completed pages in his alphabet workbook, played with toys, and watched video, after video, after video.  But his eyes did not shut.  This means mom's, also known as my, eyes didn't shut either.  For 10.5 hours, I was on duty.  At the very end of the flight, he got antsy and I resorted to hand slapping games as a distraction.  I laid my hands upon his and he would flip his hands over, trying to slap mine before I was able to pull them away.  It is amazing how long something so simple can occupy a 5 year old.

We made it back to Tokyo in one piece, even if I was a little frazzled.  Our friend picked us up in his van from the airport.  It may not seem like a big deal to him, but each time he does us this huge favor, I am so incredibly grateful.  Although my husband had returned to Japan before we did (bringing 2 small suitcases with him), we had quite the haul.  Taking a HUGE suitcase, a car seat, a box, and a backpack, as well as a 5 year old and his little backpack onto the train, might just make my head explode.  Oh, and our flight lands right before rush hour traffic, which on the train means sardine-time.

Although my husband's jaw dropped at the sight of all our luggage, everything had a valid reason for being packed - I wanted it.  That may sound silly to some, but when you live away from all the comforts of home, the little things that you can have during that time means so much.  Whenever I pack my heavy suitcase in preparation for coming to Japan, I often this of all those boxes of girl scout cookies I have shipped to troops overseas.  It is the little things that make you close your eyes and feel nostalgic.  It makes it so home doesn't feel so far away.

For toiletries, I made sure to bring back my favorite things: tissues with lotion; Beekman soap, facial wipes, and shampoo bars (one of the best companies that I love to support); lipgloss; toothpaste; vitamins; Neosporin; lotion for my son; hair stuff for me; and Nyquil for all those colds!  Now I know that I can get tissues, soap, and toothpaste here, but they just aren't the same.  I like the brands that I've used for years.  I have researched these products (like the soap and vitamins) and I feel good about using them.

I have worked hard to find many foods in Japan, but sometimes those endeavors prove to be fruitless.  Other times, the products available are simply not as good as what I desire.  It did not surprise my husband one bit that I brought back a variety of salsas (including a homemade jar of my favorite apple tomatillo salsa!) or pounds of lentils, quinoa, and other grains.  He also didn't even think twice about the two jars of peanut butter (my favorite brand - one ingredient only).  He was more intrigued with the liquid smoke, dill relish, Quickles (pickle brine), and various types of tea.  But I need them for recipes (liquid smoke) or just like them (everything else).

I also brought back 7.5 pounds of cheese.  I consider this proof  that I can restrain myself.  It was a whole pound less than the last trip.

My son eats a lot of snacks and my husband and I also eat our fair share.  I couldn't resist bringing back both favorites and some new things to try: hot cocoa popcorn; tons of nuts; gluten-free crackers (because I like them); gummy snacks; and Theo peanut butter cups.  These are the best peanut butter cups in the world.  If I had no shame, I'd pack a suitcase full of them and eat them daily.  Instead I only allow myself one or two a month.

The final thing I had to bring back was books.  Although there are English books in the library, it is such a small selection.  I showed great restraint by only bringing back 37 books.  There were so many more that I wanted by I knew I couldn't squeeze in another one.  Except for the one I bought at the airport...

So I am back.  With all my stuff that will last me the next six months.  But more importantly, I return with a full heart.  Connecting with those I love is so much more important than Quickles.  The stuff is just an added bonus.