Re-Entry

Image & Design: Laura Messersmith

This weekend I broke my own rules. And, I wish I could say this is one of those posts where I say how freeing it was or how I realize now that my rules were silly, but it isn’t. Nope, I really wish I had followed the rules – today would have gone much more smoothly.

Perhaps I should be clearer, yes?

The rules I’m referring to are my Pre-Travel Home Prep Rules. Not yet widely recognized, but it’s only a matter of time before Real Simple emails asking for an editorial piece. You, as my trusted readers will get the inside track.

I love coming home to a place where peace and serenity rule and in an ideal world I would do all of these every time we travel for more than a night. In this actual world that we live in I maybe get to about 75%, which still makes a huge difference. These aren’t about setting the alarm or stopping the mail (which I also recommend); they’re about making home feel welcoming and that re-entry day less stressful.

Laura’s Pre-Travel Home Prep

Clean Sheets. This one is the most ‘unnecessary,’ but is my most favorite – in the midst of all the pre-travel laundry I try to throw in our sheets for a cycle. Because after traveling isn’t it awesome to get home to your own bed? And isn’t it even better when it’s made up with fresh sheets? I rest my case.

Pack Neatly. Yes, the suitcase, but also the ‘discards;’ all those things you considered taking, but then wisely decided not to because you were packing light. Putting them away (rather than leaving them strewn around) means less chaos. Always a good thing in my book.

Weed. Not the garden, the refrigerator. Doing a little pruning of the fridge shelves and getting rid of that withering bouquet of flowers before you lock up reduces the likelihood of mysterious smells when you return.

Clear the Decks. Run the dishwasher, and take out the trash & recyclables. A sink full of dirty dishes or an overflowing garbage can don’t really say “Welcome Home” do they? Doing this step sets the stage for a good morning your first day back.

So, there you have it. My tried and true Pre-Travel Home Prep steps – if the day ever comes that I manage all four I will let you know. In the meantime, how about you? I there anything you always do to make the first day back a little easier?

Laura Ingalls Wilder-ness

This posted started with an unwieldy title: Things That Happen When You Go Home for a Week. Then I hit on this new one, which made me feel clever. You be the judge.

I’ve spent the last 7 days in Upstate New York with my parents, which I realize now I still consider "home" even though this is the longest span of time I’ve been here since college winter breaks. It’s the house where I spent ages 12 - 18 and the place I’ve come back to for all those red letter occasions – Thanksgiving, wedding showers, birthdays. I just feel different and comfortable in my hometown - where things change, but simultaneously remain unchanged - in a way that I don't feel other places. My lovely and talented friend, Kate Racculia, has written about how even on the radio it feels perpetually like 1994 here in the best possible way.

Being in my parents' house where the walls are hung with my grandmother’s paintings, the Internets are still found in cords instead of in the airwaves, and books published by Harper and Brothers in 1956 still wear their paper dust jackets with pride has reminded me of a few things.

One – I might be less citified than I realized. Since I’ve been here I’ve carried wood, built fires, dug multiple cars out of 12” of snow, shoveled steps, and made chicken stew with mashed potatoes. The surprising part is that I didn’t mind at all. It was actually kind of fun and gave me a sense of accomplishment. Perhaps I’m channeling my inner Laura Ingalls Wilder? Also, I know why gyms didn’t exist back in the day. Physical labor = no guilt over a chocolate chip cookie at the end of the night.

Two – walking a dog in the country is a whole different story than walking a dog in the city. My parents’ house sits on several acres of land, most of which slopes down a hill that seems gentle until it’s time to hike back up. Woof. My walks with Maddie-pup have taken a more adventurous turn as we shuffle through the drifts exploring the various animal tracks and enjoying the bright sunshine shimmering on the snow. So different from New York where an elevator and 12 floors stand between us and the outdoors.

Three – on a serious note: it is possible to detox from Pinterest. Not totally pleasant, but possible. Oh trust me, I plan to return to my Pinterest bingeing ways A.S.A.P., and I hope never to do this again, but it is still comforting to know the possibility exists.

Have you ever been back on your old stomping grounds and had a moment of clarity about your roots?

All Images: Laura Messersmith