Tag Archives: friends

What my dog taught me about surviving repatriation

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

I was reading my friend Linda’s recent post about the expat life lessons she learned from her cat Charley, when I realized that I, too, have a pet who possesses a certain Yoda-like wisdom. That beautiful animal in the photo … Continue reading →

Posted in Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The positives of growing up overseas as a Third Culture Kid

Posted on March 19, 2012 by

There are many advantages to a TCK upbringing. Third Culture Kids develop valuable skills, including multilingualism, open-mindedness and adaptability. US President Barack Obama, who lived in Indonesia as a boy, shone a spotlight on Third Culture Kids during his election … Continue reading →

Posted in Third Culture Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Repatriating TCKs: It’s not all sunshine and lollipops

Posted on February 6, 2012 by

When it became apparent that our family would be moving back to Canada after five years abroad, I set out to prepare my daughters for yet another big change in their lives. I encouraged them to talk about their feelings, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adjustment, Identity, Third Culture Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Repatriation: 5 mistakes I wish I hadn’t made

Posted on January 16, 2012 by

Last week’s post was fun; I got to pat myself on the back for doing 5 things right when I repatriated. I’d love to leave you with the impression that I handled it all like a pro, but I made … Continue reading →

Posted in Adjustment, Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

From homecoming to homefeeling: 5 things I did right as a repatriate

Posted on January 9, 2012 by

Today officially marks the end of the holiday season chez nous: Chef Boyardee is back at work, Younger and Elder Daughters are back at school, and Jeff and I are once again alone in a very quiet house. Jeff will … Continue reading →

Posted in Adjustment, Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Ode to the K-girls

Posted on June 16, 2011 by

About two years after moving back to Canada, finished with school and having little luck finding a job, I decided to devote some of my considerable free time to volunteer work. I found a settlement agency close to home that … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

10 ways repatriation is nothing like home leave

Posted on January 14, 2011 by

10. You’re no longer a rock star. Returning home in a burst of glory every year is like the Second Coming (or Third, or Fourth, depending on how many times you take leave.) Everyone is excited to see you, schedules … Continue reading →

Posted in Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

I get by with a little help from my (expat) friends

Posted on October 19, 2010 by

Last week I had a 2-hour telephone yakfest with my dear friend Kate. The fact that we both have busy lives, coupled with a 12-hour time difference, means we don’t get to chat as often as we’d like. When we … Continue reading →

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The 10 best things about being an expat wife

Posted on October 13, 2010 by

Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving Day earlier this week, and reflecting on my blessings naturally got me thinking about how grateful I am for all the good that came of living abroad.  So in keeping with the theme of the season, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Identity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Lessons learned at the table (hint: it’s not about the food)

Posted on August 11, 2010 by

Living abroad has changed me in many ways: I’m more open-minded, less judgmental, more conscious of differing perspectives. But here’s the thing: I’m kind of flighty. (“Surely not,” I hear you object. Alas, it’s true.) Being easily distracted by random … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Identity, Singapore | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments