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July 7, 2014

Kicking the Homesick Blues to the Curb

Homesickness.

The sneaky thing that is never far away when you don’t live close to home. Lately I have been feeling quite homesick, I blame it on the non-existent summer we are having here in Iceland. Especially when I see pictures of everyone back home enjoying the sunshine, it makes it quite hard to not wish I was back there.

Skyping with my sisters over the weekend, (who were about to head off to float the river, one of my favorite summertime activities) it was all I could do to not break down crying. Why is it that when you are growing up all you want is to just leave your hometown, but once you do you realize how amazing it was growing up there?

I grew up in a really small town (population size 5,000 small) and dreamed of the day I would leave my town and travel the world. Here I am doing just that, so why do I find myself aching for the comforts of home so much?

This is not meant to be a negative Nancy type of post, this is real life feelings that I know come with the territory of living abroad. I am not one to let things knock me down for long though and when I am feeling down I have a few tricks I turn to that usually help put a smile back on my face.

Tips to Attempt to Beat the Homesick Blues

1. Plan a day full of tourist activities in our area. This is on the agenda for me tomorrow, I think a visit to Hallgrímskirkja Church for some of my favorite views of Reykjavik is needed. And if your visiting Reykjavik ever I highly recommend a visit to Hallgrímskirkja Church!

2. Do one of your favorite hobbies. When I am feeling homesick writing down my feelings helps me get my thoughts out, and sometimes it turns into a blog post Other times I try out a new recipe or read a good book. Turning to one of the hobbies that I enjoy comforts me and helps push those sad homesick feelings away.

3. Do an exercise that you enjoy. For me, going out for a run along the sea reminds me of how beautiful Reykjavik is and it gives me a chance to clear my mind. Those post work out endorphins help as well.

My favorite running path comes with a view that is pretty incredible.

4. Talk to someone who makes your laugh. We all have that person that no matter how down we are feeling can put a smile back on our face. A conversation with my best friend back home always cheers me up and makes home feel like it isn’t that far away.

5. Pamper yourself. Taking a hot bath, enjoying my favorite treat or even a nap, treating myself to something a little extra helps cheer me up. I think a spa day at the Blue Lagoon sounds like the perfect way to treat myself, don’t you?

6. Make plans with someone in your new area. A lot of times my homesickness hits me when I am feeling lonely. Making plans with my new friends reminds me that I have met some wonderful people here and am not alone.

7. Cry. Maybe not the most helpful advice, but sometimes I just have to cry it out and move on.

8.Watch one of your favorite shows. Watching one of my favorite shows, like Parks and Recreation, takes my minds off things and is always good for a laugh.

via
9. Tell those close to you how you feel. I often feel like my friends and family back home forget about me a bit. I know this isn’t the case but since they have my blog to keep them in the loop they feel like they know what is going on with me, but I have no idea what is going on back at home. Letting my family know how much it means to me when they take the time to call or email me always results in us talking more which makes me feel less homesick, a win win.

10. Remember why you moved there. Sometimes it won’t be easy but you moved to this new place for a reason. Whether it is a new job, significant other, or school it was something important enough for you to leave your comfort zone and start a life someplace new. Reminding myself of how happy I am to finally be living in the same place as H and the awesome job I have helps put those homesick blues to rest a bit.

If all else fails look at pictures of puppies, Azora’s face always cheers me up:)

If only life abroad was glamorous trips, delicious new foods and non-stop fun like the movies make it seem. Sadly this is not the case but reminding myself of this amazing journey I am on and getting myself out of my funk helps me feel better.

We all have our own things that work to cheer us up, I hope some of these tips that I use help you if your ever feeling homesick.

Question of the Day?
How do you deal with homesickness? And tricks that work for you?

posted by Kiki 35 Comments
Filed Under: Azora, Blogging, Family, Friends, Iceland, My Thoughts, Weekend

June 4, 2014

Confessions From Childhood

After a week filled with pampering, birthday celebration and fun I can’t complain about much in life. So instead of venting out some Wednesday confessions today I am doing a throwback post and sharing some fun facts/embarrassing stories all about…ME.

… When I was little I was extremely shy, like wouldn’t talk to anyone shy (can’t you tell from the photo above of me and my little sister). When I am uncomfortable I tend to go back into my shy shell, but once I am comfortable I usually have no problem making small talk.

… When I was in middle school a boy told me my toes were so fat they needed life jackets. I am still a bit self conscious about wearing flip flops. Oh and that same boy asked me to prom 5 years later, I had not forgotten his comment and my answer was definitely no.

… Making phone calls to people I don‘t know, even distant relatives, makes me so uncomfortable!

… I worked one summer as a customer service representative for Enterprise. Basically I answered phones and got yelled at. It is by far the worst job I have had but it funded my Euro trip so I can‘t complain too much.

…. When I am nervous my hands get so sweaty and I have a constant feeling that something is in my nose.

… In high school we had a sub named Reece. When he told the class his name I said, “oh I love Reese’s penis.” What I meant to say was, “oh I love Reese’s Pieces.” Ya, so embarrassing and a few guys from high school still mention this every time I see them.

… Scary movies give me nightmares, no matter how unrealistic they are. When I was 13 and saw the Exorcism of Emily Rose I slept in my parents room for a week.

… On my 21st birthday I flushed my id down the toilet in one of the bar bathrooms. I was leaving for Vegas that next weekend and luckily got a replacement just in time!

Vegas I ♥️ U

… I was the pitcher for my softball team in high school. I still have issues with a pinched nerve in my shoulder from pitching and if I lay on my arm or use it to much it swells up and goes numb.

… One of my best friend growing up was my worst enemy at first. She even pulled my gym pants down in front of my middle school crush! Somehow that traumatic moment bonded us.

… I have two tattoos, both of them symbolize things that are very close to my heart.

… After being bit by a dog when I was young I did not like dogs. That is until I got Azora. I quickly became a one of those dog crazy ladies!

…When I was little I use to think I was going to be a big time country signer star and would walk around singing everything instead of talking. Luckily for everyone around me I finally realized how terribly my singing voice is, I can’t hold a tune to save my life.

…I sported some sexy braces in my pre-teen years. I am still self concious of having something stuck in my teeth so I always have to check my teeth as soon as I finish eating.

…I tend to have a lack of a filter on me and if someone says something I disagree with I have no issue voicing this opinion and arguing. This mouth of mine got me grounded many times growing up. I should have took my moms advice and gone to law school so I could argue for a living.

And now you have some important facts for a glimpse into my life. I clearly have been a superstar from a young age.

Question of the Day?
What is a fact about you? Any embarrassing moments that have stuck with you?

posted by Kiki 56 Comments
Filed Under: Azora, Link-Up Tagged: Throwback, Wednesday Confessions

March 20, 2014

Meanwhile in Iceland

When I first started blogging I wasn’t working and had more free time then I knew what to do with. I had all day to focus on my blog and never had to worry much about planning ahead.

Now that I am working full time though I am learning just how important scheduling and writing post ahead are in staying organized and not feeling overwhelmed by everything.

So for today’s post I am keeping it simple with a currently update.

Azora has been on my mind a lot this week, I just love that face!

Wearing: double layers of everything. The temperatures have been below freezing all week, feels like we are back in December!

Loving: my current job. Even though I don’t know what will happen in the next few weeks this experience has been amazing and I have met so many wonderful people. Anywhere that sends you to an annual ball is a winner in my book.

Needing: socks. I have worn the same few pairs I packed so much that almost all of them now have holes in them.

Knowing: that I need to start practicing my Icelandic again. Ever since my course finished I haven’t been very good about practicing, I need to get on it.

Watching: Scandal, I count down the days tell the newest episode is out!

Feeling: homesick. It’s just been one of those weeks were you can’t shake the feeling of homesickness and I just have to let it run its course.

Drinking: carrot and ginger juice. We recently got an amazing new blender and I am obsessed with blending everything in it. My favorite combination so far is carrot, pineapple and ginger.

Hoping: for spring to arrive soon, I need some sunshine in my life!

Wanting: new clothes. After wearing the same outfits for 5 months I am dreaming of a shopping spree.

Missing: my sisters. We can spend hours laughing and talking about anything but we have all been so busy that we haven’t had much time to talk lately.

Anticipating: what the rest of this month will bring job wise.

Wondering: when I will get to see my family again. At the moment I have no idea when my next trip back home will be and I think this has been a factor in my recent feelings of homesickness. Will be nice when I know when I will get to see everyone again.

Playing: Badminton. Last weekend we went with some friends to a badminton court and it was a blast. We ended up playing for a few hours and are already planning our next trip back.

Looking: for the perfect picture wall layout. We just rearranged our living room and now have a big space on our wall we want to fill up with photos so I have been browsing Pinterest trying to get some ideas on different layouts.

Baking: this recipe for chocolate chip cookie bars made with chickpeas. They are delicious!

Thinking: that I need to fix my bike. I got a flat tire last week and have yet to deal with it. Not having my bike is starting to get a bit inconvenient.

Reading: Michael Pollan “Food Rules” for my book club. Last meeting we got into discussing one of my favorite topics, nutrition, which led to the reading of this book. I can’t wait for our next meeting to hear everyone’s thoughts about the topic.

Laughing: at the adorable video of the dog rolling around the bed when the owners are gone.

Wishing: that my good friend and amazing hairdresser Sarah was here so she could help my poor hair out. I haven’t gotten it trimmed since I moved to Iceland, it is in need of her magical touch. If your in the Eugene, Oregon area look her up at The Mothership salon!

Dreaming: of this hike that I hope we get to do this summer. I can’t wait for the weather to get nicer so we can start exploring around Iceland more.

Until next time, Azora says be sure to smile today

Question of the Day?
What’s something going on currently in your life?

Linking up with Treasure Tromp and Her&Nicole.

posted by Kiki 42 Comments
Filed Under: Azora, My Thoughts Tagged: Currently

March 13, 2014

True Love

Growing up we always had several pets running around. I couldn’t have imagined not having cats and dogs to play with! I loved all our animals but I never really understood the crazy love some people had for their animals. I just never felt that connection with any of our pets.

My last year of college I moved home to help save some money. I ended up staying at home for two years since I was constantly going back and forth between Oregon and Iceland. I am so glad I moved back home because my first Christmas after moving back my childhood dream finally came true.

Who doesn’t dream of waking up to an adorable puppy on Christmas morning! It was love at first sight for me and my favorite blonde. We spent our first day together kissing, going for walks and napping by the fire, a perfect Christmas!

Even though Azora was a gift for the whole family I claimed her as mine. From that day on I documented Azora’s first’s in life like a good mom and drove everyone crazy with my constant pictures. Who could ever get sick of seeing that adorable face is beyond me!

First Bath
First time in trouble
First puppy class

First staring contestFirst time sitting on command
Yeah I could go on and on with this list, I was picture happy and she was my baby.

The love you have for a pet is a special kind of bond and one others won’t understand unless they have a similar bond with their pets. Its what makes you capable of still thinking they are cute even when they have ate your favorite shoes. It’s the reason you are willing to look past the dog hair so they can sleep (take all the space) in your bed.

And they are the only ones that can get away with being in your face non stop and you still love them. With Azora there is no such thing as personal space.

The bond between an owner and a pet is amazing and I am so happy to have found true love with my Azora. I totally understand those crazy dog people now and I am proud to say I am apart of that club!