I NEVER thought I'd say this, but....

I'm homesick for Japan.

Wow.

Really? I guess it had to do with my newest People magazine showing the Jolie-Pitts arriving at Narita International with their brood.

As hard as it was to be there and be separated from the girls and our family, it was one of the best times I could've ever asked for. Glynn and I had each other and that was it. It was really special. We got a lot of good time there together and I miss the little things.

Like traveling with the kids. I know, I know, it was a nightmare at the time but it was also fun and exciting. And we loved having sushi with them at those little sushi-go-rounds. And getting chu-hi's for the airplane. And settling in for a long flight with our little sweeties, even when the weren't being little sweeties. And as frustrated and bitchy (on my part) as we would get with each other and the kids during those times, it was still pretty special. And I can (almost) look back and laugh at some of it now.

But I do miss other things. Our weekend excursions, or "field trips" as I liked to call them. Our beach in Miura-kaigon. Our izakaya nights. Karaoke. Lunch dates.

Even walking to the exchange with the kids in the stroller, just for something to do.

The weather when it was beautiful, was just beautiful. Being able to go for a run or a walk with the kids and seeing the ocean and the big ships. (Even though Yokohama bay is kind of a toxic dump).

Forming such great friendships over there. We got to talk to Erica and Luke this weekend, it was great. I miss our "extended family" that we had formed over there.

Don't get me wrong, it's great to be back home in the land of the free and the home of the brave, but I wouldn't trade our time and experiences in Japan for anything. I do miss is. And I would like to go back to visit sometime. But NEVER to live again.

Just feeling a little pensive this morning. Who would've thought that People magazine would've done that to me. I must have a little case of the winter blahs here in the frozen arctic tundra of Northern Illinois. I'm ready for spring.