Home

I have been in Oxford for over a month and a half now. Besides living for a short time in Houston [and visiting home practically every other weekend], I have always lived in the same place. So, I wondered, as I packed the car and said goodbye, if I would get homesick once I got to Oxford. The answer so far has been no. Besides momentarily missing people back home, I haven't felt that homesick or nostalgic. Until this week. I was really stressed out and tired all week. I kind of lost my steam so to speak. The past weekend was busy and stressful with not much of a break, and then the week brought no rest either. It just seemed constant with no let up in sight. Grad school [and living in a new place] brings a lot of new experiences and a lot of new pressures. When I feel stressed or pressured, I like to retreat into my comfort zone to recharge. I found myself missing home and the familiar, not because I want to live there instead of here but because it's safe and reassuring. I would like to lay on my living room couch and watch Say Yes to the Dress with my sister or walk my dog down our street or have Friday night dinner with Matt and Mofie or weekday lunch with Jessica, Kristie, or Robin. And then come back to Oxford refreshed and ready to go! I realize this isn't possible but it sounds so

wonderful :) I realize how blessed I have been to have a place to call home - a place that I have retreated to over the years whenever I feel overwhelmed or in need of a break. I know that I will be fine and adjust in order to get through the stress. But I would be lying if I didn't say I was excited about Thanksgiving - and going home.