We’re nearing the 8-month mark of living away from home (well, actually Kyle is at 1.667 years). Aside from friends+family who are obviously missed, there are some things without which I am really tired of living.
Here’s what I am craving/have been living without:
-Trader Joe’s. I miss pretty much everything they have to offer, but especially: roasted red pepper soup, cookie butter, the best-ever microwave mac ‘n cheese lunches, edamame, & Joe-Joe’s.
-Netflix. Streaming TV shows & movies hasn’t caught on down under.
-Cherry Coke. I found it at a department store once for $3.95 per can. Because of that, in my mind it does not exist here–if it did, I would be breaking the bank for my caffeine fix!
-$4 Martini Night. The “cheapest” martini I’ve found in Perth? $18. I can’t wait to take advantage of Mesh‘s sweet deal the next time we’re home!
-Melty cheese. We have yet to discover a store that sells Velvetta or anything similar to its deliciousness. Boy, do I miss mom’s queso recipe with Velvetta…
-Speaking of cheese, shells & cheese is another thing that does not exist here. One of my all-time favorites, especially after $4 martini night!
-Pepperjack cheese. I miss tossing it in my scrambled eggs, on a salami sandwich, in quesadillas… it’s just so good!
…moving on from the cheeses…
-Superstores. I think I took them for granted. Growing up in the U.S., I thought it was normal to purchase a greeting card, hand weights, have photos printed & pick up a prescription all at the same store. Here, that’s not so much the case.
-College basketball. This was my first March where college basketball Madness wasn’t the only thing on television (it didn’t air here at all!). Sad days.
-Free refills. The only place I’ve found down under that let’s you refill a soda for free? Ikea.
-Fast internet. Some days our “high-speed” is reminiscent of dial-up.
-My car. I haven’t driven in 8 months! It’s pretty cool that we’re able to rely on public transport here, but I miss cruising in my smiley, bright blue Mazda3.
-Shopping. I still haven’t adjusted to Perth’s cost of living and experience sticker shock every time I go window shopping. Guess I’ll just have to stock up on new wardrobe items the next time we head home!
Most of all, I miss this snuggly little rascal…
Little Buster Boo is going to be soooo spoiled when Kyle & I make our next trip home! I can’t wait for all of the puppy snuggles & kisses. 
