I can’t really call myself an ex-pat anymore. I’ve been in the US for over four months now, and won’t leave for another six. When I bought the one-way US tickets, I didn’t know I was pregnant, nor did I plan to be so sedentary in the eastern US. Maeli and I envisioned returning to Hong Kong in January of 2010. Until then, I was to take us on an extended back packing trip for a month, coupled with a month of WWOOFing somewhere, preferably on the west coast.
Fast forward to today, and I own a 96 Oldsmobile, which some of my friends consider mafia style, and I’m resting comfortably in my parents home while Aaron globe trots. Maeli is enrolled in a full-time Montessori pre-school, taking weekly gymnastic classes, and hopping from family gathering to friend function.
So, how do I feel about all of this, especially considering my original plans? It just sort of materialized, and really, it’s a product of my current needs. I very much wanted to extend our family, and for me to be a calm and happy pregnant Jenny, I really need to have a nesting period. I lived in my parents home from the day I came home from the hospital until I was 18. In the home that my father built, I had my first real kiss, got married, and now I’m planning on delivering a baby in that same home. It’s a place that exudes comfort for me, so I can’t ask for more.
Some other upsides about living state-side include the blooming of Maeli’s spoken and written English. Living in Hong Kong was confusing for her. Although Aaron and I spoke American English, no one else did. Maeli’s friends and teachers spoke British English, and all of the domestic helpers spoke broken, poor English. Aaron and I were outnumbered and it still shows. Maeli has yet to fully shake her British accent, although I fear it will be gone by the time we return to Hong Kong in May. Her phonetics have benefited from a consistent accent and she’s now easier to understand, even for strangers.
Another upside for Maeli is the quality time she’s spending with her blood relatives. I had every security growing up close to family, and I sometimes fear that Maeli is at a disadvantage from living so far away. I know she’ll cherish this year and she’s already showing a kinship as she quickly rattles off the names of her four first-cousins. We’re still working on her eleven aunts and uncles though…that’s a mouthful!
Now you can listen to me complain. And I really wish I didn’t have so many complaints about the US, because then I wouldn’t have such a desire to leave the family that I’m so close to. If only it were perfect here. But, as we all realize at some point, every place has its give and take.
Some things that really irk me about the US are:
- the media and it’s disconnect from reality, or at least the reality that I like to live in
- the fast pace of life that makes people absolutely brainless on the road
- the obsessive attitude towards sports, especially American football (it doesn’t help that I’m in the Pittsburgh area)
- blind patriotism and support for our wars
As far as being negligent about what’s going on in the rest of the world, Americans aren’t that bright as a whole. But, a lot of people around the world are the same way. I’m ignoring the fact that many of those people don’t have access to information, or they’re fed misinformation. Regardless, when you’re at the top of the food chain, it’s easy to wave your hand and say “poo poo” to the rest of hungry world. I’m guilty of the same sometimes.
My biggest complaint about myself is that I lump all Americans together. After all, there are city folk, country bumpkins, travelers, entertainers, blue collars, government workers, and the list is endless. Still there are trends to be noticed and I thank my lucky stars for glitches in the system.
All in all, I reserve this US year as special and needed in my life. It’s a vital opportunity and place to reflect, re-order and spring back into our next adventure as a fab four.
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