Tag Archives: repatriation

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

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

In my house, even St. Patrick has an identity crisis

Posted on March 17, 2011 by

Family traditions — or rather, their evolution during expatriation — continue to fascinate me. As expats we often find ourselves in duct tape mode when it comes to maintaining traditions away from home: either we can’t find the necessary elements … Continue reading →

Posted in Identity, Repatriation, Singapore | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

The countdown to the FIGT conference has officially begun!

Posted on March 4, 2011 by

I somehow managed to make it through my entire expat life without knowing about Families in Global Transition, a grassroots organization that has the back of internationally mobile families from all sectors: corporate, military, mission, academic, diplomatic, and probably a … Continue reading →

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

Panning for gold, repatriate-style

Posted on January 25, 2011 by

I know, I know — not the most flattering photo of me. But it’s the only one I have from my gold fossicking* expedition somewhere in New South Wales many years ago, and I’m not above a little public humiliation … Continue reading →

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