Overload and Overcome!!

Information overload.  To fast, to much noise, to many people rushing here and there.  Driving 90mph, talking on cell phones, texting, and holy cow.

Everything here seems to move at lightning speed.   The kids and I are still trying to adjust to the fast paced life of America.  One consequence of living outside of the US for 13 years.  Are we the only country that moves this fast?  Shops this much?  Are we the only nation that rushes from sun up to sun down, determined to reach I don't know where?

We seem to spend a lot of time at home these days.  Even the few trips to 6 flags have taken their toll.  We LOVE going, but it just seems so fast.  The kids and I went with a friend last week, and as we were walking I noticed a lady with one of those ankle monitor bracelets on. She had on shorts, and was in no way trying to conceal it.  I did a double take.  I found myself thinking far to long about her.   For a split second I had the fleeting thought, oh, to be home again..  Then reality set it.  Japan is NOT home.  It was for a while, but if I think objectively about it we will probably never return.  We are home.  As home as a military family can get.  Home is overload.  Fast paced, shopping till you drop USA.  ( I really still HATE to shop, that will never change)  Home is being less than a days drive from family.  My kids getting to spend a wonderful week with Grandma and Grandpa.  Hanging out planting flowers, and swinging to the sky for hours.   Loading the kids up in the car, and driving into WI to spend the day riding ponies, and feeding baby animals.   Shopping in bulk at SAM's club.. Boy, they really have it down there don't they? Every isle has a different food you can try.  Piper ate 3 cups of green beans, a Popsicle, fruit, crackers, and ended her trip to Sam's with 2 slices of bacon.  Really who needs to cook these days, just spend the day walking around Sam's..   Groupon!  If you have never heard of it, google it.... OK?  Are you back?  SEE!! Isn't it great.  I told you so!

Making the decision everyday to be present in our lives is something we all need to do.  Enjoying IL, and always remembering our time here is limited.  IL will be like any other place we have been voluntold to live. To that end we have decided to become American tourists!  

The Midwest is full of wonderful things to see and do.  Did you know there is a park not far from where I live.  It's the Jelly Stone National Park.  Yogi Bear!!  And, if Yogi Bear is real, then I will find Smallville!   Door County is a days drive, with amazing looking beaches, and quaint little Main St. towns.  Less than 30 minuets from my home is Chicago.  We will be spending a lot of time there.  Museums, the theatre, and really what is Chicago without food.  The Chicago Dog has already become a favorite of half my house.

It is time to embrace living in America. As we go about living our daily lives we have to remember that we are blessed to experience so many beautiful and wonderful cultures.  Starting with our own!  

Sure there will be a lot of the regular, mundane days where not much exciting happens in our lives..  Just as it should be at Home!! :)