Good things

Even though I'm moving back to my home town, I'm still looking for reasons this is a GOOD THING, and not a venture fraught with unknowns.

And so my thoughts turn to the rituals that made growing up a bit more magical. The first thing I'm looking forward to introducing to my son? The Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania was one of those yearly rituals in my family. I'm looking forward to introducing my son to the fun this year. Considering how uncertain the future is right now, both personally and in the world's scheme of things, it's a comfort to have these things to look forward to.

Apple butter. As a kid, it was hard to convince me and my cousins to try it: dark, almost black, and thick but grainy, not smooth and shiny and bright like jams and jellies. But my Grandma made such a big, happy noise about it every time she took a bite, we all had to try it, too. Soon, we were all making big, happy noises every time the old-fashioned Mason jar of ooey gooey goodness came out of the fridge.



I don't think you can buy commercial apple butter, at least, not at your local Safeway supermarket, that's for sure. Perhaps the organic food stores carry it now. We would just stock up on the stuff every time we traveled to Pennsylvania -- family reunion, Hershey's Park, and the Apple Harvest Festival. Stop at some Amish store along the way and buy the hand-canned, home made butter, wrapped carefully for the car trips and nestled gently in some safe nook in my grandparent's not quite an Airstream trailer.

We'll pick up a jar of apple butter this year, along with a bushel of Jonagold apples. I've never tried the apple pizza, as I've always filled up on funnel cake instead. Perhaps this year I'll break out of the traditional pattern. But just a little bit.

Phone Home

 

Walking off the airplane into the heat and uncertainty and ending that is Dubai, I was greeted by this reminder that sometimes, what you really need is your mom.

Especially when her name is Kate.

It reminded me that, no matter how many thousands of miles away from her I am, I can always give her a call. She'll answer with a, 'Hello, sweetie! What's happening?' and whether I dissolve into tears or giggles, she'll always listen. She won't always agree, but she'll always listen.

The King of Everything and I are moving back to DC. It's not necessarily what's best for the papa, but it's the best for me and the Boo at this point in our lives. I can best provide for him there, in the city I know best, with the support and love and infrastructure that is there. A one bedroom apartment in Dubai is running nearly $2000 these days. I'm sure I can swing a two bedroom, easy... NOT. The only plusses in Dubai's column are the French school's rates and the fabulous dentist we found. DC's side is overflowing with a richness of experience and friendship that Dubai hasn't got.

Been spending time with my friends, as I'll not see them again in all likelyhood. Add another piece to the heartbreak. I love this place. I love these people. I don't want to leave, but at this point in time, I've got to go. I can't guarantee my child's wellbeing here.

I am extremely ... there is this great big hole where all my future dreams once lay. I wonder what will fill that hole up again?