I'm going through a bit of that time now. It usually comes about a month or so after I return from a vacation and the "honeymoon" period has worn off. When reality sets in again and you begin to get homesick and missing friends and family. Especially after we've spent so long this summer with my parents and in the US, I'm starting to miss the little things and conveniences of "home".
For example, driving. Chuck was recently given a company vehicle, however we had purchased a vehicle last year when we arrived, so during the day there is a car sitting outside my home, with the keys hanging in the entrance way, that I cannot drive. Instead, I have to take a taxi. This is a little frustrating and I know I make a face every time I walk past the car to get into the taxi. I plan on starting to look for a driver soon, because if the car is there, why not use it? And as a friend said, we could use it to take a day trip to Jeddah for a girls shopping trip, or a trip to the beach or anything, just have to find a driver - but that's easier said than done at times.
Another thing is that Yanbu is a small town, especially in the expat community and everyone knows each other, so there are little to no secrets in the group. Personally, I like being anonymous and although I blog about our life here, I like keeping a lot of our family affairs and my thoughts private. I'm picky about my friends and who I share what with. Sometimes the lack of privacy does wear on me as everyone knows what happened at work with your husband, or who had what dinner guests over, or who just hired what gardner. All the little things that make it a sort of "desperate housewives" setting (without the murder or affairs).
I know that this too shall pass and I will get back in my groove again. I am, however, looking forward to the upcoming Eid holiday next week. Abby will be out of school starting on Thursday and we have 11 days where we will be home together. Mommy is also on vacation as all schools and government buildings are closed. I'm looking forward to the break and enjoying some time with Abby and her friends. With her in school she's been missing some play dates, so it will be good for her to spend time with some of her other friends she's missing due to her school - and mommy to catch up too! :)
All in all, I try to blog about the good and focus on what I enjoy here, but have to be honest too and show both sides to the adventure. All in all, the expat family has a roller coaster ride of a life!