It's hard to believe our great European adventure is over. I left London with such a mixture of emotions. Happiness to have our family back together again, since Cesar left for the US a month and a half before me, and the cats left the night before me. Excitement to see where this next phase of our lives takes us. Nervousness about starting my new position with the firm out in Tysons Corner. Sadness about leaving London, a city I truly loved. Exhaustion from dealing with an international move.
I am usually a crier and fully expected to be in tears as I rode to the airport last week. But, the simultaneous highs and lows I was feeling combined to make me numb. I didn't cry on the way out of my beloved city. Honestly, I was glad to have a few moments to sit down and relax. I may have even dozed off along the way.
My first morning back in DC, I went to see our house. We aren't quite ready to move in yet, since all of our stuff is still en route to the US, but I had to stop in and see it. I opened every closet door and looked in all the nooks and crannies. Our house. It felt so good to be home, even if we are staying in temporary housing for a few weeks. Driving around our neighborhood, I had the feeling of having been on a long vacation. Everything was familiar and comforting.
Over the past few days, we've driven around the DC area quite a bit. My heart warmed when familiar places were right where they are supposed to be. But, we have been gone for nearly two years, so not everything has stayed the same. There are new restaurants, stores, and bars to explore, and that is both strange and exciting.
We've had the chance to catch up with some friends since I've been back. This has been the best part of coming home from me. I missed our friends and our life here. The squeals of delight, hugs, and stories shared over the past few days has been wonderful.
I am so happy to be home.
