Here we are again.

I made it back from vacation, and its true to say I'm glad to be here. Before we left, one of Rich's co-workers asked if I would want to come back, and I think that that made Rich think for a few seconds. But I don't feel like we belong there right now...someone else is living in our house (which is a good thing), I'm not working, and all our friends and relatives seem to be doing just fine without us. So, the return was pretty easy.

We got back and the first thing I noticed is how right the Danes have some things - like the natural sound barriers along the freeways, and a nice layout of neighborhoods to parkland and open space. Then I went to grocery store and was quickly reminded of how pushy (in a passive-aggressive sort of way) the people are. You gotta take the good with the bad. If there's one thing I've realized since living here, Denmark is not the utopia I once imagined it to be, but it's still a pretty nice place to live (once you learn some navigation techniques).

Scheduled just right, I had an expat women's club meeting this morning. I can't even imagine how different our experience (mine and my son's) here would be if we were not part of this group.

Ok - so what stood out at home? Chubby people, and lots of food to choose from. Rich stood in the hamburger helper aisle and said..."this is why America is so great, and so fat"...and sadly, I have to agree. I'm hoping that when we move back to the states we can keep eating as healthy as we eat here. And in all honesty, for as much as I was craving a margarita or a Caribou Coffee, I didn't have either during our visit. I think I'm over it.


(I remember my first stay in Costa Rica. The host mother would serve me rice and beans twice a day, and at one point I didn't think I could possibly choke down another mouthful. But I took bite, and from that point on I didn't have any more aversions to rice and beans. I just needed to get over some magic threshold and everything went a-ok. Maybe with the coffee I just had to be sufficiently withdrawn from it to not crave it any longer.)

My favorite trip dish must have been the steamed baby bok choy (sorry mom, the fresh fried sunfish and that salsa were darn good too, but I LOVE baby bok, and I haven't been able to find it here at all).




And - of course - everything was cheaper in the US. I gassed up the super empty car for $50....ha ha ha (that would be $100 in DK). Then I laughed all the way into the station store where I got my 99 cent big gulp of Sierra Mist (an $8 value in DK). I laughed alot while buying things, in a giddy sort of way.

Oh yeah - and everyone was so friendly. I bought some cloths at Gander Mountain and my purchase was enough to prompt the cashier into telling me all about her favorite styles for the coming season, and the hours she was working, and the changing season... Those poor Bilka girls, all they say is "Værsgo".