The Readjustment Period
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Readjustment Period

It's like you're temporarily a stranger in your own home.

47
The Readjustment Period
Photorasa

It's not until you go away for an extended period of time that you start to realize how all the little things play a major part in your everyday life. When away, you become accustomed to the way things are in your new place, that when you return home, it's a total readjustment.

Recently, I returned home after spending nearly two months in a different city. You would think it'd be the big changes that throw me off, like the fact that they completely changed a part of the interstate layout that I normally drive, but it wasn't. Okay, that's a minor lie, because it honestly threw me off when traffic was moving a way I wasn't used to anymore, but that was just one thing.

Upon returning home for the first time in months, things felt different. My home had a unique scent that I could actually pick up this time, as opposed to before when I was "nose blind" to it seeing as I was there everyday. I go to the fridge to place a to-go cup I had, and the fridge handles felt weird in my grasps, taking me aback for a moment. Then when I actually opened the refrigerator door, I noticed a light was burnt. When I asked about it, I could tell from the reaction that it wasn't a recent occurrence. It had become normal to them as well, meanwhile it was new to me.

When I got to my bedroom and sat on my bed, the first thing I noticed was the elevation. It was much higher than the bed I had been sleeping on the past two months, and it felt new to me; although nothing about the bed had changed (except new sheets of course).

But another change was my actual family. While I had been gone, my sister hit some sort of growth spurt I'm assuming because she's nearly my height now; she's also ten years younger than me. So to hug her hello and be nearly eye level with her completely baffled me. Granted, I'm rather short but that's beside the point. Another thing, that may seem a little odd, was hair growth. Upon seeing my family, it's one of the first things I noticed. My mother and sister's hair had grown longer. My grandfather... well, he remained the same on that aspect (love you, abuelito). Heck, I even noticed it on my dog. Before I left she had gotten a trim that made her look like a chihuahua, and now she looks like she has a terrier mustache. When you see them everyday, you don't notice it because you're watching as it grows, so incrementally slow that it doesn't surprise you.

However, despite the new differences, some things don't change, because in the end -- home is home. However, as time passes on we change aspects of our lives. For those who live the daily routine of it, it becomes so subliminal it's barely an adjustment; but for someone who temporarily stepped out the equation it comes as a surprise. It's an odd feeling, almost like being a stranger in your own home. But the feeling only lasts for a few days, until you find yourself accustomed once again to your old routine, and you go back to living your life as you normally would.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58455
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37662
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959255
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193782
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments