At the end of the month, my niece Rock Grrrl will arrive in Brussels. She’s a high school science teacher in America, and last year I had the brilliant idea of arranging a house swap with her. This way we have a place to stay while we’re in the U.S. this summer and she has an opportunity to see a bit of Europe and live like a local.

Of course, when we agreed on the swap, I didn’t realize she only had one bedroom in her condo. Now E and I are thinking that as long as she’s staying here and taking care of Pete the Black Cat and our friendly fish and frogs, we could leave the kids with her as well. House sit, pet sit, and baby sit. That works, right, Rock Grrrl? No problem?

I haven’t been home to America since moving here more than two years ago, and I’m both eager and anxious about my first trip back. We’ll be staying there for nearly five weeks, a long time to live out of a suitcase and be together 24/7, but I’m excited about seeing friends and family and getting a chance to shop. I’ve been making a list of things I want to buy at home, a typical expat thing to do.

Many items on the list are less expensive in the U.S., and some items just aren’t available here. I’m counting on the list to keep me focused so I don’t lose all sense of perspective and go overboard while cruising through the aisles of Target and making rounds in the mall. (Stick to the list, V! Stick to the list!)

What’s tops on my list? New glasses! In the U.S., these cost about HALF of what I’ve paid in Belgium. I desperately need stronger lenses, and I’m pumped up about the idea of new frames.

Some days it’s all I can think about, and yes, I know that sounds pathetic. Trust me, I never expected to be this dull nor did I ever expect to be this BLIND. I’m hoping a jazzy pair of new glasses will help mitigate both problems. Yes, I 'm counting on new glasses to CHANGE MY LIFE. Go ahead and laugh.

The other shopping experience I’m especially psyched up for is a trip to Michael’s craft store. Here in Belgium, arts and crafts aren’t a big deal, and there are very few stores that sell supplies. Most just have a small offering of basic products to choose from. I can’t wait to see the selection of tools, stamps, inks, markers, paints, and paper available in the U.S. I know I’ll be poring over product displays, buying how-to books, and gathering items for future projects. I’ve really come to enjoy indulging my inner artist.

I expect to come home to Belgium inspired and ready for a month of rainy days and an excuse to hole up at home. I'm sure that Belgium, being a wet and wonderful place, will oblige me regarding the weather.

June 3, 2007