Tuesday, August 15, 2006

scratching an itch that isn't there

sometimes you don't know you miss something until it's not there anymore. today i watched my friend register her kids for school, starting up next week. and i realized how different my time is now. the school schedule easily follows the seasons. time is sharply delineated: in the summer i have nothing to do; in the fall i have to start reading and once winter gets into full swing i am writing papers like crazy. that kind of routine. only now i'm not registering for classes, a habit from the last 3 years. and while i enjoy that freedom, i miss it a bit too.

little things like that strike a nerve of homesickness. out of the corner of my eye, i'll see someone that looks like someone i went to school with. or i'm watching a tv show and i realize that it is filmed in vancouver because of the mountain range in the background. i find myself watching the scenery more closely than the show itself, to see if i can figure out exactly where they are filming. i was the same way about shows or movies in washington dc - a strong sense of connectedness and nostalgia. back here in danville; i've been so used to driving to my friend katie's house since high school, i'm pretty sure i could find my way there with my eyes closed. what are places that feel like home to you?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

mmm...I put on my hoodie yesterday and had a little "audrey" moment...

Every end of August/beginning of September I always want to buy school supplies...sometimes it helps ease the withdrawl symptoms.

Katie@The Mommy Miles said...

we miss you here :(

Jen R. said...

audrey,
yes you are missed here. it was good to talk to you on the phone a few weeks ago. come visit us... i am getting sick of good-bye parties, it would be so great to have a welcome back party (for you).