Check out my progress on Bittersweet Reminder
As I mentioned on Friday, I was fortunate enough to have my parents visiting me this past weekend. Although I thoroughly enjoy the time we spend together on these short visits, I always find that they often serve as bittersweet reminders of how much I miss them. Sure, it’s easy to distract myself from feelings of homesickness most of the time—looming paper deadlines and food lab shenanigans are quite effective in that respect. However, these cherished visits recall the magnitude of the affection I have for my family. Saying goodbye last night was just as difficult as always. In the words of Babe, “I want my Mom!”
On the bright side, it’s just about a month until I’ll be reunited with the whole gang for Christmas.
How do you make yourself feel better when you’re homesick?
Now, for the continuation of our own food festival…
Saturday
After a surprisingly refreshing run in the cold rain, I returned home for a hot breakfast. SO excited to see clementines in stores again!
For lunch, I suggested that my parents try The Flying Biscuit. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I love this dining spot for its playful decor and eclectic menu.
Dinner turned out to be quite a challenge. It seems that everyone in Raleigh goes out to dinner on Saturday nights; the first spot we tried informed us that we would have to wait two-and-a-half to three hours! I was far too hungry for that. Instead, we headed to The Irregardless, a funky veg-friendly cafe that had been recommended to me by a professor. They were fully booked too, but we negotiated a table by promising to eat quickly. We all know that the Yoders are quite skilled at wolfing down food:)
Sunday
I really haven’t been using my bag of peanut flour to its full potential. Today, I incorporated it into a breakfast parfait by stirring it into Greek yogurt.
Seth and I each got some work done this afternoon but took a break for food. Elmo’s Diner was our eatery of choice.
Dinner was a freezer-inspired creation. This bag of meatless meatballs is never-ending! Not that that’s a bad thing.
Alright, more research to do! Good night, dears.
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
I went to school about 8.5 hours from home, so I totally know that homesick feeling. I would try to plan big dinner nights with friends. Looking forward to things makes the time go by and is just plain fun! LOVE your meal out with the man. Diners rock. I could eat eggs all day long.
PS- I totally brought our menchies spoons home
i hate being homesick, but it’s nice to know that there’s someone to miss and to look forward to seeing!
good luck with the resarch
I really need to get peanut flour next time I’m in TJs! I use to hate feeling homesick when I was away at college. One semester I was abroad in Australia and when I got homesick I always surrounded myself with friends that made me laugh!
Awwwh, gurl I feel the same thing when away from home too long. But luckily I’m still at home- so no fear yet. I decided to stick around a bit longer in the nest, but will soon depart.
I can definitely understand the feeling of homesickness and in general, missing people. Not a fun one!
Glad you had a good time with your folks and Seth. By the way, I think he should be more documented more in your blog, or better yet, another Seth post!
I have GOT to find that peanut flour! I knew I forgot something last time I was in TJ’s!! And peanut flour + Greek yogurt sounds so yum.
I missed my parentals so much when I lived a long ways away from them! I feel your homesick, “want my mom” – kinda pain! Sounds like you had an awesome weekend with them though, full of good eats.
I don’t know if I could eat at a place called Irregardless, even if they had awesome eats like that. The word…it’s just so…wrong! LOL
Sounds like you had a great time with your parents, even if it was short.
How do you like the peanut flour? I’m heading to the States for a shopping trip on Thursday, and I will be hitting up TJ’s for my first time. Wee!
sorry about the homesickness…i know its hard. im so lucky to be back in CA now…much better for family time
I can completely relate. My parents live several states and more than 14 hours away by car. It’s tough just seeing them a few times a year but when we do we try to make it count.
In between visits, we call each other to check in and I’ll do things like make familiar recipes to feel connected.
as I become older, I miss my family more and more. everytime I call my mom, I miss her more; everytime I go home, I feel the happiest person in the world! I wish I can have them closer and visit them once a month at least.
to curb homesick, I spend time with my another love!
Being away from home is always hard! I’m glad your parents got to visit, and it will be Thanksgiving before you know it.
I always tried to stay super busy, and that was a pretty good distraction.
That parfait looks amazing. Swoon.
I know what you mean about getting homesick. I felt that way often when I lived in DC. I know it’s not the same, but the phone really helps. I called my parents any time I missed them. Sometimes I sent them and my brother cards – things like that. Anything to make us feel connected, despite distance. I tried as hard as possible to make myself available for their calls because even though sometimes I think I “didn’t have time” – I needed those conversations.
good luck with the work load!! you go girl!!
and I totally know what it is like to be homesick!! Do you have skype at least?!
snail mail and care packages are always fun! And xmas will be here before you know it!! I finally get to see my broski too!!!
HUGS TO MISS CAROLINE!
I love that you’re so close to your family. Whenever mine visited me in college, I always baked as soon as they left! It made me feel better.
Good luck with the workload, and sending you a virtual hug!
elmo’s diner looks so fresh and delicious! that omelet looks so un-diner like in such a good way haha
whenever i’m homesick i would love to plan things for the next time i was gonna be home! that way it gave me something to look forward to
That hummus platter looks above and beyond the usual restaurant fare — REALLY yummy. I was so annoyed to lunch at a restaurant this weekend that served me Tribe hummus (which I do NOT like) and pass it off as its own!