The grass is always greener, or is it?

It is so funny to be living in a foreign country and compare perspectives on each other. My students wonder why I would ever leave the US, to them it is the home of IPods, Nikes, Aeropostale, and all things Hollywood. Ya know, the important stuff for a teenager.

To my friends in America, they are intrigued by all I experience and want to live somewhat vicariously through me. Both the United States and Brazil are great countries filled with diversity, culture, and wonderful people. While I am in Brazil, I see the things I miss about the US and while I was in the US I thoought about the things I missed about Brazil. It is akin to the grass is always greener mentality.

While I was in Brazil last semester there were things I longed for that I simply could not obtain here. I missed the language, the food, a car, Target. Ya know, I forgot about all the things that I didn't miss: American politics, ignorance about others, commercialism, and the need to be better than everyone else. And just to be fair there were things about Brazil that I did and did not miss. However, I was quickly sucked back into my American ways and watching me pack my suitcases full of things I needed wanted was comical at least. I poked, I layered, I stuffed everything into my Samsonites in order to get the most stuff back here I could. For God's sake, I even packed things in cups to maximize packing space people. At one point even I questioned why it was so necessary to bring things that I want and love back. The answer was simple, because its what I like, what Im used to, what will make my life more comfortable here. Oh, and lets not forget the 4 pound bag of Jolly Ranchers I brought back for the kids. Cause ya know, Im a giver.

But all of this being said it begs the quesiton, which is more important, quality of life or quantity in life? I was asked if the quality of my life is better here and for me, honestly, it is. Are there things here that drive me bonkers, uh yeah. But, at the end of the day, I miss all of my American conveniences, its true, and there are days where I would do just about anything for a Reese's peanut butter cup(which I brought back by the way) but my life here is simple. Simple doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me. And right now, I am enjoying my life.

So, as an ode to the good ole U-S-of A. Here are the things I will miss about the United States.
1. The fact that when I say y'all, people don't laugh.
2. Gentlemen who open the doors for ladies.
3. History (I live in a new town, I miss historic homes, Antebellum mansions, and modern shops in old buildings)
4. The feeling of being able to tackle any situation cause I can understand what they are saying.
5. People who stop their car to let you cross the street when you are walking.
6. Person of the Week story on NBC nightly news.
7. The changing of seasons(going from dry to rain doesn't cut it for me).
8. HGTV
9. Seeing my family and friends
10. Missing out on people lives, facebook is great but its not the same as being there.