Making my return

Whenever I return to Japan, it is with mixed emotions.  I absolutely hate leaving my loved ones.  It is so hard each and every time.

Previously I have viewed my return to Japan as taking a deep breath before diving deep into the depths of the ocean.  This time it felt more of a return to the familiar. Although I still don’t feel like one of the crowd, my feet are so much more firmly on the ground than ever before. Adding to this feeling is the reunion with my husband, who only joins us for part of our American adventures. Anytime we are brought back together is joyous for me. He offers a sense of comfort in this crazy life.

I'm always excited to get back to my space, my home and my routines.  Visiting is so much fun, but I also like having my day-to-day schedule.

I also am happy to restock all my American goodies.  From goodies in the kitchen to a stack of books, as well as some pharmaceuticals, I am happy to have refreshed my supplies. It is like Christmas coming early, even if it is all stuff I purchased myself!

This time, I brought back lots and lots of my beloved Puffs tissues.  They aren't available in stores or on AmazonJapan.  I can buy them on American Amazon, but the shipping costs are crazy.  So I bought a six pack of big boxes.  I then repack them in plastic bags and squeeze all the air out.  It saves so much space doing it this way and I get my tissues.  I also brought 2 small boxes of Puffs with Vicks for when someone is sick and several packages of Puffs in travel packs.  I am very dedicated to my tissues!

I also bring toothpaste.  I tried Japanese toothpaste because I ran out, and it just isn't the same.  Two packs of Nyquil should last for a while and I always need a small thing of dry shampoo.  Both of these I have never seen in Japan.  I also brought bars of my favorite soap and some lotion from Beekman 1802.  I know I can buy soap and lotion in Japan, but like the toothpaste and tissues, sometimes the familiar brings more joy.  Plus my skin just loves these products.

I also brought back lots of snacks, spices, and baking stuff that give that little taste of the familiar.

And it isn't really a trip to the US without bringing back a whole stack of books!

This time we also brought some DVDs as well.  Due to region code restrictions, we have to buy DVDs in the US because our DVD player came from the US.

I'm trying to get all unpacked.  The process is slow when I'm super tired from the travel.  I'm looking forward to cracking open the books and maybe even enjoying a bit of chocolate.  After that, I'll head out and explore more of Japan.