The first time I came home after going away to college, I had a mini-breakdown. Actually, I was an emotional wreck my entire freshman year of college, and I only broke down when I went home because I thought that would be the one place I’d feel sane. Even as I stare at a journal entry from December 18, 2002, where I affirmed very dramatically that you really can’t ever go home again, it’s hard for me to remember what was so troubling. I guess I was looking to be comforted by home, and instead it felt empty and different.
Now when I go home, I’m really not bothered. It is different. I am different. But, I no longer have the emotional need for a safe haven from the world. I guess that means I’m growing up. I don’t know. These days, I look forward to going home because it’s a chance to see my family and just relax. I get treated amazingly well for a number of reasons, because a) I have awesome parents, b) I’m the baby of the family, and c) I’m gone most of the year.
Here are some of the (mostly lame) things I like to do when I’m up in Tacoma, Washington:
1. Take a tour of the six different places I’ve lived in my life. It’s pretty easy because they’re all within a couple miles of each other.
2. I like to hang out at a coffee place called Bertolino’s. I mean, it’s Western Washington, so my choices aren’t limited for coffee, but Bertolino’s is my favorite because it has free WiFi, an awesome atmosphere, and it’s usually abandoned. I fear every time I visit that I’ll find it’s out of business.
3. I like to shop at Fred Meyer. It’s a store I grew up with, and never thought to miss until it wasn’t there anymore. I can’t even say what’s special about it. It has everything.
4. Putt putt!! That’s mini golf for those who don’t know. I’m not sure if that’s a regionalism or not, but aside from “pop,” it’s the only thing that Californians make fun of me for saying. I have two favorite places to play putt putt; there’s the course with a view of the dump (seriously) and the one with the haunted boat. The latter gives trophies, so it’s my favorite.
5. I like to take walks around the golf course by my parents’ house. It existed only as a gravel pit when I lived there, but now it’s a beautiful place to enjoy the view of Puget Sound. The trail is deceptive, though. It’s something of a death march.
This list is not exhaustive. These are just a few things that have occurred to me while sitting here.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I remember my first time being home from college, and I definitely didn’t get treated how I thought I would. I thought I’d get pampered since no one had seen me in months. But no. It was like I didn’t exist.
Returning home can be difficult to see the area change and the fact that you weren’t there to witness the change either. It’s like a world that grows up with you, but something you didn’t witness and for some, that can be hard to handle.
i get to visit home soon, too :) can’t wait!