Tag Archives: home

And the walls (in my head) came tumbling down

Posted on May 10, 2012 by

My first day in Singapore was a game-changer. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. I arrived yesterday morning, a day late (thanks to a 10-hour delay at Pearson Airport that made me miss my connecting flight at Heathrow), but that … Continue reading →

Posted in Adjustment, Identity, Singapore | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments

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 curse of the comfort zone

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for? Robert Browning When I wear my favourite sweat pants, I feel like I’m encased in a fleecy womb: safe and cozy and warm. They’re so comfortable, … Continue reading →

Posted in Identity | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 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

Surviving repatriation: There is no magic bullet

Posted on December 8, 2011 by

“What can I do to make repatriation easier?” The woman behind the question was an American expatriate — a friend of a friend of a friend  — who was about to return home after three years in Canada. We’d been … Continue reading →

Posted in Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

The four seasons

Posted on November 24, 2011 by

The weather is glorious at the moment. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and the leaves — all decked out in their autumn finery — are nothing short of spectacular. Walking down the street, breathing in the bracing … Continue reading →

Posted in Adjustment, Repatriation | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

A taste of home: Satisfying expat food cravings

Posted on March 7, 2011 by

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are. Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 – 1826) Never mind, Monsieur Brillat-Savarin, I’ll tell you what I am myself and save you the trouble: My name is Maria, and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adjustment, Food | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments