My computer is still in the fix-it shop. Sorry to not be able to add the usual audio/sound feature. It'll be back soon — in time to bring you more authentic pronunciations from Jean-Marc. Don't you love his voice? (photo of lighthouses in Brittany. A little tiny more about Brittany–or the Breton language–in today's column, where we talk about the name "Tanguy" and much much more…)
vouloir dire (voo-lwar-deer)
: to mean, to signify
: to want to say
Examples:
Qu'est-ce que je voulais dire? Je ne sais plus. J'ai un blanc de mémoire.
What was it I meant to say? I can't remember. I've drawn a blank.
Qu'est-ce que cela veut dire? = What does that mean?
Que veut dire ce mot? = What does this word mean?
French Expression: savoir ce que parler veut dire = to be able to take a hint
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Were you a Twixter or a Kidult?
In the car on our way back to Castorama (this time for garden supplies–yeah!) I listened to a telephone conversation between Jean-Marc and the ferronnier. The men were talking about a large glass fenêtre we hope to incorporate into the front of our house.
After Jean-Marc described the squares-and-iron type of window, the ferronnier said he understood the style we were after: atelier d'artiste he called it. That should be possible to do, he assured us, only he had another question. Unable to remember what it was he searched his mind:
"Qu'est-ce que je voulais dire? Ah oui!…"
As Jean-Marc continued driving and chatting with the artisan, I made a mental note to share the qu'est-ce que je voulais dire expression with you as it is something I hear so often. Perhaps it is not so much an expression as it is a very common conjugation of the verb vouloir dire which means "to want to say" among other things. The French say this at the end of a back and forth conversation when getting distracted from a follow-up point (or, I have sometimes noted, to soften the blow–as when my son says: "…qu'est-ce que je voulais dire? Oh yes, can you give me 10 euros please?)
Moochers aside–and changing subjects completely now–there was indeed something I wanted to tell you today. It was about another expression I learned….
After Monday's story about the pirates who moved onto our olive farm, Alyssa wrote in wanting to know the meaning of the French name "Tanguy". Did it mean "tan guy"? (I had to chuckle, having never made the obvious connection). Alyssa, I've just looked up "Tanguy" and learned it is of Celtic origin, from the Breton tan (fire) and ki (dog). Tanguy signifies a chien ardent or dog warrior. Wikipedia goes on to say that, since 1940, 14,617 Frenchman have been baptised by this name.
Next I saw Sarah's note in the comments box. Sarah wondered whether Tanguy was pronounced tanh-ghee . (Yes Sarah–tahn, like tonsil and ghee, like geek: tahn-ghee. Note: our Tanguy is far from one of those!)
All this to say that from that discussion I googled the name and learned a funny and popular modern expression. Urban Dictionary gives this definition:
Tanguy syndrome is an emerging phenomenon across the world that started in Canada…. It takes its name from a French-speaking film's young male character who spends his days at his parents' tanning, not working at the ripe old age of 28!
(Hmmm, maybe Alyssa has a point? meantime Wikipedia seconds the definition in its entry Le Phénomène Tanguy):
Une nouvelle expression est ainsi apparue pour désigner la classe d'âge de ces jeunes gens : la génération Tanguy. And so a new expression has appeared to designate the age group corresponding to these young people: The Tanguy Generation.
"Waithood"
Surfing the net for Tanguy, I also learned some funny vocabulary like les célebataires parasites, a term coined by Masahiro Yamada to describe a recent trend in Japonese society wherein twenty-somethings (25 and older) are not marrying–prefering to live with their parents and enjoy a worry-free and comfortable life.
And I learned we have a similar expression in English: boomerang generation, used to describe young people who leave the nest… only to return soonafter! These "rejeuveniles" or "twixters" or "kidults" or even "kippers" (kids in parents' pockets eroding retirement savings) as they are called may repeat the process a few times. (I admit I'm one of those having returned to both my mom's house once and my dad's house twice! And does moving in with one's sister count too? Yikes! I was one of those "parasite singles"!)
Bon, between artist's windows and parasitic bachelors today's essay got all off topic! I'll sign off with a question, as I'm curious to know about how YOU left the family nest:
- How old were you when you left home?
- What was your first pad / apartment / home like?
- Did you have a roomate?
- How much was your rent? (if you feel like sharing…)
- Any other memories about your first chez soi or home of your own?
Thanks for sharing your answers here in the comments box. After writing about my life it is a pleasure to read about yours! Click here to read what readers are saying.
Re that window we hope to build: I found a perfect example in this post at Lynn's Southern Fried French blog. Look at the second picture, with the cat! We love the window seat, too!
French Vocabulary
le ferronnier = iron worker
la fenêtre = window
un artisan = skilled workman, tradesman, craftsman (just add an "e" to the end of artisan(e) to make all these feminine)
bon = well then
How to properly pronounce French words? Read this inexpensive book!
127 Things to do in Paris! Thanks for continuing to share your excellent tips on where to go and what to see in France's most beloved city. Click here to see the latest suggestions.
Pronounce It Perfectly in French - with exercises in sound discrimination and accurate sound creation. Order your copy here.
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Hi Kristin,
I enjoyed your post today! This reminded me of the movie Failure to Launch about a thirty-something slacker who suspects his parents of setting him up with his dream girl so he’ll finally vacate their home.
I love the word “kipper”…that one got me giggling! I love the photo of the window and the cat.
I was married young, so went from my parent’s home to my husband’s. I wouldn’t recommend that, but it has worked for us for 31 years!
Hi Kristin,
I enjoyed your post today! This reminded me of the movie Failure to Launch about a thirty-something slacker who suspects his parents of setting him up with his dream girl so he’ll finally vacate their home.
I love the word “kipper”…that one got me giggling! I love the photo of the window and the cat.
I was married young, so went from my parent’s home to my husband’s. I wouldn’t recommend that, but it has worked for us for 31 years!
Being a farm boy and the only son, I stayed on the farm as was expected. At 24, I was drafted into the Korean War and was assigned to NATO in France. After the service, I returned to the farm, but quit at age 30.
In the following 2 ½ years I got an electronics engineering degree, got married at age 32 and moved to Arizona. We bought a house (payments – $115/mo) 2 months later. Life was simpler then!
Sharron and I recently celebrated 50 years together!
Being a farm boy and the only son, I stayed on the farm as was expected. At 24, I was drafted into the Korean War and was assigned to NATO in France. After the service, I returned to the farm, but quit at age 30.
In the following 2 ½ years I got an electronics engineering degree, got married at age 32 and moved to Arizona. We bought a house (payments – $115/mo) 2 months later. Life was simpler then!
Sharron and I recently celebrated 50 years together!
How old were you when you left home? I didn’t leave home! I lived with my Mom and she left! I had a baby right before turning 19 and my mother got married at the same time. She moved out when the child was about six months old. Talk about growing up fast!
What was your first pad / apartment / home like? I lived in my childhood home when my mother moved out. The house was paid off but we still had to pay taxes and the second mortgage. A few years after that, I lived in an apartment that I like to refer to as “the hovel.”
Did you have a roommate? My older sister lived with me a couple of weeks after my mother moved out.
How much was your rent? (if you feel like sharing…) I have no idea. See above, but I don’t know what that is. I am sure I would kill to pay that kind of rent nowadays.
Any other memories about your first chez soi or home of your own? I loved having my own place! I thought I was so grown up back then. God, I was so young and dumb! Youth is wasted on the young!
How old were you when you left home? I didn’t leave home! I lived with my Mom and she left! I had a baby right before turning 19 and my mother got married at the same time. She moved out when the child was about six months old. Talk about growing up fast!
What was your first pad / apartment / home like? I lived in my childhood home when my mother moved out. The house was paid off but we still had to pay taxes and the second mortgage. A few years after that, I lived in an apartment that I like to refer to as “the hovel.”
Did you have a roommate? My older sister lived with me a couple of weeks after my mother moved out.
How much was your rent? (if you feel like sharing…) I have no idea. See above, but I don’t know what that is. I am sure I would kill to pay that kind of rent nowadays.
Any other memories about your first chez soi or home of your own? I loved having my own place! I thought I was so grown up back then. God, I was so young and dumb! Youth is wasted on the young!
Left home at 17 for college in Toronto and was so homesick…..but couldn’t,go home because they had thrown a bon voyage party for me.by Xmas of that year came home and couldn’t,t wait to get back to Toronto, thought home had become so small!!!!
Moved back home after 5years in Toronto and have been travelling ever since.my first job paid $6000.a yr and think I could do more with the $6000.than I did with my $85000.00 some 40yrs later when I retired!!!!!!
Left home at 17 for college in Toronto and was so homesick…..but couldn’t,go home because they had thrown a bon voyage party for me.by Xmas of that year came home and couldn’t,t wait to get back to Toronto, thought home had become so small!!!!
Moved back home after 5years in Toronto and have been travelling ever since.my first job paid $6000.a yr and think I could do more with the $6000.than I did with my $85000.00 some 40yrs later when I retired!!!!!!
I’m making notes of these phrases today because they will come in so handy on my next trip over. And I’ll be sure to listen to them.
As for the questions. I left home for college and never came back for anything except short school breaks because I had jobs at school to pay my bills. I was earning a big $250-300 per month and paying my bills. When I got married I earned a whopping $560 while my husband was the rich one at $750/month. My roommates were whoever could pay half the rent. I wasn’t looking for a best friend. The first apartment my husband and I had could have fit into our current living room — and it included a dog, a full drum set, and all the books of two people in graduate school.
We’ve made it clear to our kids that we don’t believe in that boomerang life. We want them to figure out how to make it and we want our house back. If they had a real crisis they could stay with us, but we expect them to be out there working at something – anything – and figuring out what it takes to live like an adult.
I’m making notes of these phrases today because they will come in so handy on my next trip over. And I’ll be sure to listen to them.
As for the questions. I left home for college and never came back for anything except short school breaks because I had jobs at school to pay my bills. I was earning a big $250-300 per month and paying my bills. When I got married I earned a whopping $560 while my husband was the rich one at $750/month. My roommates were whoever could pay half the rent. I wasn’t looking for a best friend. The first apartment my husband and I had could have fit into our current living room — and it included a dog, a full drum set, and all the books of two people in graduate school.
We’ve made it clear to our kids that we don’t believe in that boomerang life. We want them to figure out how to make it and we want our house back. If they had a real crisis they could stay with us, but we expect them to be out there working at something – anything – and figuring out what it takes to live like an adult.
I was on my own at 19 to attend a college of which my folks didn’t approve. I was also just married. My wife and I found a basement apartment for the princely sum of $16/week (yes, quite a while ago, in the late 60s in Michigan). We lived there for several months before we upgraded to sharing a house with two other students.
It was the first time I was truly “on my own” with no parental safety net. College tuition and my loans were completely on me as I’d applied as an independent student. Rent, utilities, food, and everything else were on my wife and me. Looking back, all we had was our optimism and commitment that we’d have a better life following school. Most of it all turned out quite well… except for the marriage. But my 2nd wife and I have just celebrated our 28th year of marriage, so it seems like there’s value in not giving up .
I was on my own at 19 to attend a college of which my folks didn’t approve. I was also just married. My wife and I found a basement apartment for the princely sum of $16/week (yes, quite a while ago, in the late 60s in Michigan). We lived there for several months before we upgraded to sharing a house with two other students.
It was the first time I was truly “on my own” with no parental safety net. College tuition and my loans were completely on me as I’d applied as an independent student. Rent, utilities, food, and everything else were on my wife and me. Looking back, all we had was our optimism and commitment that we’d have a better life following school. Most of it all turned out quite well… except for the marriage. But my 2nd wife and I have just celebrated our 28th year of marriage, so it seems like there’s value in not giving up .
I left home at 20 to move to NYC to finish college. Graduated one year later and moved into a one-bedroom apt. with 3 other girls. Four girls in a one bedroom, one bath apt. That was an interesting summer. We divided the $235 monthly rent by 4, so $58.75 each. But that was a lot of money then. We all only took home, after taxes, about that same amount weekly. We were poor but had fun.
I left home at 20 to move to NYC to finish college. Graduated one year later and moved into a one-bedroom apt. with 3 other girls. Four girls in a one bedroom, one bath apt. That was an interesting summer. We divided the $235 monthly rent by 4, so $58.75 each. But that was a lot of money then. We all only took home, after taxes, about that same amount weekly. We were poor but had fun.
Hi Kristin, loved your post today. Definitely in Canada, kids are staying home longer, or returning home more, than they did when I was young.
I left home at 18, moved in with my brother, my best friend and my boyfriend :O) into an apartment that was about $6-800/mo back then, in the 80s. It was a large building with a pool, that I don’t think I ever used. We (my boyfriend and I) then got our own apartment, and subsequently got married 2 years later. We’re still together, 30 yrs in August.
My kids took their first 2 years of college from home, and then moved out for their university years. So far neither has come back. I think it’s because my husband has taken over the cooking. ;O)
Hi Kristin, loved your post today. Definitely in Canada, kids are staying home longer, or returning home more, than they did when I was young.
I left home at 18, moved in with my brother, my best friend and my boyfriend :O) into an apartment that was about $6-800/mo back then, in the 80s. It was a large building with a pool, that I don’t think I ever used. We (my boyfriend and I) then got our own apartment, and subsequently got married 2 years later. We’re still together, 30 yrs in August.
My kids took their first 2 years of college from home, and then moved out for their university years. So far neither has come back. I think it’s because my husband has taken over the cooking. ;O)
I too married early (17) and we moved to simple apartment together. Now, 36 years later I have to say I would do it all over again as we are still having fun growing up together.
I too married early (17) and we moved to simple apartment together. Now, 36 years later I have to say I would do it all over again as we are still having fun growing up together.
I was 18 when I left home and moved in with my boyfriend. This was very daring in 1970 and only happened because my parents didn’t like him and gave me an ultimatum: him or them. We had a 1 bedroom apartment in a low-rent district because I was a student and he had just graduated from college. We stayed together for 3 more years! And, no, I didn’t return to my parents’ house when we broke up. It was understood that once we moved out we were welcome to visit but not reside. And I did reconcile with my parents after the break-up. I don’t regret a minute of it.
I was 18 when I left home and moved in with my boyfriend. This was very daring in 1970 and only happened because my parents didn’t like him and gave me an ultimatum: him or them. We had a 1 bedroom apartment in a low-rent district because I was a student and he had just graduated from college. We stayed together for 3 more years! And, no, I didn’t return to my parents’ house when we broke up. It was understood that once we moved out we were welcome to visit but not reside. And I did reconcile with my parents after the break-up. I don’t regret a minute of it.
Big phenomenon in Europe: Hotel Mama – kids staying at home way into their late 20’s….NOT good. There have been studies done on “wasting your twenties”; you can never make it up again, economically, emotionally or otherwise. Our generation couldn’t wait to get away from home, but that was a more restricted era, the 60’s. Since then kids have all the freedoms they want, including sex in their parents’ homes, so why move out?
Big phenomenon in Europe: Hotel Mama – kids staying at home way into their late 20’s….NOT good. There have been studies done on “wasting your twenties”; you can never make it up again, economically, emotionally or otherwise. Our generation couldn’t wait to get away from home, but that was a more restricted era, the 60’s. Since then kids have all the freedoms they want, including sex in their parents’ homes, so why move out?
Went away at 17 to college. Came home at 18 for college. Left again at 20. Worked, went to Europe for 6 months at 25. Followed boyfriend to Oregon, came home at 27. Lived with parents, then sister for 3 months. Rented house, bought same house at 34. From college to now I have had OMG…..over 20 roomates, some doing more than one stint here and that does not include the brother, girlfriend, dog and fish staying for 5 months. In the beginning I needed them to help pay half the mortage. They got half a house for that. I haven’t had any real roomates for probably close to 20 years. And it is not over….my nephew will be staying with me with dog for a month because his mother did a house swap in Colorado. He is home because he can’t find work in Oregon where he lives, but can here. My place just always seemed to be the home where friends could come until they moved on to the next phase of thier lives. So, I guess I have provided a safe haven for many over the years. Some stayed a week, others a couple of months.
I can’t remember how much I made in my first real job. (Not counting swim instructor and lifeguard.) It was not much, but I can remember telling my parents how proud I felt to be able to pay my own bills.
So if anyone needs a place to stay here….sorry, I am booked for the next month;)
Went away at 17 to college. Came home at 18 for college. Left again at 20. Worked, went to Europe for 6 months at 25. Followed boyfriend to Oregon, came home at 27. Lived with parents, then sister for 3 months. Rented house, bought same house at 34. From college to now I have had OMG…..over 20 roomates, some doing more than one stint here and that does not include the brother, girlfriend, dog and fish staying for 5 months. In the beginning I needed them to help pay half the mortage. They got half a house for that. I haven’t had any real roomates for probably close to 20 years. And it is not over….my nephew will be staying with me with dog for a month because his mother did a house swap in Colorado. He is home because he can’t find work in Oregon where he lives, but can here. My place just always seemed to be the home where friends could come until they moved on to the next phase of thier lives. So, I guess I have provided a safe haven for many over the years. Some stayed a week, others a couple of months.
I can’t remember how much I made in my first real job. (Not counting swim instructor and lifeguard.) It was not much, but I can remember telling my parents how proud I felt to be able to pay my own bills.
So if anyone needs a place to stay here….sorry, I am booked for the next month;)
I basically left home when I went off to college, staying in the dorm for two years and visiting my parents during summer holidays. Then they moved farther away, and I moved into a house that I shared with other college kids all year round. I continued to share various lodgings with other people my age until I finally got my own apartment. I did very briefly move in with my parents after a divorce, but it didn’t take long for me to make other arrangements once I got settled in my new life. No moving back anymore; my parents have both moved on out of this world. And I never had children, so I don’t have to worry about that.
I basically left home when I went off to college, staying in the dorm for two years and visiting my parents during summer holidays. Then they moved farther away, and I moved into a house that I shared with other college kids all year round. I continued to share various lodgings with other people my age until I finally got my own apartment. I did very briefly move in with my parents after a divorce, but it didn’t take long for me to make other arrangements once I got settled in my new life. No moving back anymore; my parents have both moved on out of this world. And I never had children, so I don’t have to worry about that.
I was 18 – I moved to a furnished “single”, utilities included, in west Hollywood that costs $85 (!!) a month. My dad helped me pay the rent as my step mother wanted my out of their house. My roommate was a pet rat named Mike (after my boyfriend). I never moved back home and married at 22. We’re still married (not to Mike) 44 years. :- )
I was 18 – I moved to a furnished “single”, utilities included, in west Hollywood that costs $85 (!!) a month. My dad helped me pay the rent as my step mother wanted my out of their house. My roommate was a pet rat named Mike (after my boyfriend). I never moved back home and married at 22. We’re still married (not to Mike) 44 years. :- )
Hi! Love the post!! I was 18 when I left to go to college. I counted down the days until I could finish. I had grand dreams of traveling and living abroad. When I graduated from college, returning home was not an option… my mom & Dad said they wanted me to live far enough away that they could call it a visit or a vacation when they would come to see me. After my dorm room, I worked as an intern and had a roommate in a small apartment in Texas. After 3 months, I was hired by the company and I paid my own rent of $350.00 with no more roommate. She had been good but the company moved her away. I had a bag cell phone … ha ha ha…1992!! One of the best things a girl could learn: pay your own bills and take out your own trash. I learn to appreciate my father and mother, and now appreciate my husband! Though I don’t live abroad; I have gotten to travel and hope to travel more!!!
Hi! Love the post!! I was 18 when I left to go to college. I counted down the days until I could finish. I had grand dreams of traveling and living abroad. When I graduated from college, returning home was not an option… my mom & Dad said they wanted me to live far enough away that they could call it a visit or a vacation when they would come to see me. After my dorm room, I worked as an intern and had a roommate in a small apartment in Texas. After 3 months, I was hired by the company and I paid my own rent of $350.00 with no more roommate. She had been good but the company moved her away. I had a bag cell phone … ha ha ha…1992!! One of the best things a girl could learn: pay your own bills and take out your own trash. I learn to appreciate my father and mother, and now appreciate my husband! Though I don’t live abroad; I have gotten to travel and hope to travel more!!!
Enjoying every story. I am getting a new perspective on the upcoming empty nest years!
Enjoying every story. I am getting a new perspective on the upcoming empty nest years!
I moved out at 21 to marry. It will be 35 years this July. We lived in someone’s basement for three months before first moving from NY to VA then to AZ.
My “boys” have come and gone. They are both out of the house now. Sometimes I wish they were still here. I love them so.
xoxo
I moved out at 21 to marry. It will be 35 years this July. We lived in someone’s basement for three months before first moving from NY to VA then to AZ.
My “boys” have come and gone. They are both out of the house now. Sometimes I wish they were still here. I love them so.
xoxo
Hi Kristin!
First, thank you-I am happy I was able to provide a topic for today’s article-and on a very interesting word, too!
I was out of the house at 15, to boarding school. I never lived at home full time again, being home only during the summer until college, and then I simply stayed at school and worked in the library there. After college, I moved to Boston, sharing an apartment in Newton Center and Newton Upper Falls with at least 2 other roomies at any one time-I seem to remember my part of the rent ran at about $175.00 back then-very cheap for Boston. I volunteered at the French Library, which allowed me to read and speak with other French aficionados. We had our own French language puppet theater there and we had a chorus, as well! Anyway, I remember it all fondly. Wish it was so easy to keep up my speech today-the reading is easy!
Alyssa
Hi Kristin!
First, thank you-I am happy I was able to provide a topic for today’s article-and on a very interesting word, too!
I was out of the house at 15, to boarding school. I never lived at home full time again, being home only during the summer until college, and then I simply stayed at school and worked in the library there. After college, I moved to Boston, sharing an apartment in Newton Center and Newton Upper Falls with at least 2 other roomies at any one time-I seem to remember my part of the rent ran at about $175.00 back then-very cheap for Boston. I volunteered at the French Library, which allowed me to read and speak with other French aficionados. We had our own French language puppet theater there and we had a chorus, as well! Anyway, I remember it all fondly. Wish it was so easy to keep up my speech today-the reading is easy!
Alyssa
KRISTI DARLING,
I love todays post – please call me, I just talked to Heidi…!
xoxo
Mom
KRISTI DARLING,
I love todays post – please call me, I just talked to Heidi…!
xoxo
Mom
It was hardly a home of my own. It was the dorm/suite at college shared with four other girls. My parents gave me $200/month and it covered everything(books, room and board, tuition) including flights home. Of course this was 1965. Things have changed!! But I loved it.
The window sounds lovely. Fire dogs – that is a new one. Happy day, Nancy
It was hardly a home of my own. It was the dorm/suite at college shared with four other girls. My parents gave me $200/month and it covered everything(books, room and board, tuition) including flights home. Of course this was 1965. Things have changed!! But I loved it.
The window sounds lovely. Fire dogs – that is a new one. Happy day, Nancy
Hi Kristi
Like some of the others I left home early …got married (17). First house was a little cottage (more like shack ) be we liked it and it was cheap although I can’t remember the rent now all these yrs later. This was in Canada and we had 4 kids made several moves over the yrs…including one to New Zealand where I am still living (with 2nd husband (married now for 38 yrs) and another (5th) child. Inow have 10 grandkids and 6 great grands!! MOST of them are here but s few in Canada sadly. I was bereft after my youngest left home (at 18) to go to University and also move in with her boyfriend…but that didnt last and she is now happily married and has 3 little girls and lives closeby .I’ve had 2 trips to Paris and hoping for one more (this time to see more of France) And check off another on mu bucket list…L
ove your blog ! Anne
Hi Kristi
Like some of the others I left home early …got married (17). First house was a little cottage (more like shack ) be we liked it and it was cheap although I can’t remember the rent now all these yrs later. This was in Canada and we had 4 kids made several moves over the yrs…including one to New Zealand where I am still living (with 2nd husband (married now for 38 yrs) and another (5th) child. Inow have 10 grandkids and 6 great grands!! MOST of them are here but s few in Canada sadly. I was bereft after my youngest left home (at 18) to go to University and also move in with her boyfriend…but that didnt last and she is now happily married and has 3 little girls and lives closeby .I’ve had 2 trips to Paris and hoping for one more (this time to see more of France) And check off another on mu bucket list…L
ove your blog ! Anne
Hi Kristin! I left home to go to university when I was 18yrs. old. I chose a school two time zones away from home, and I was miserably homesick the whole first term. I lived in residence as all first year students were required to do and had a roommate who is still a friend. After second year, I shared an apartment with three other friends. I cannot remember how much the rent was, but I do remember that we all chipped in $5 per week or $20 US per month for food. However, this was in 1965-1968. I think that our last year together we all had to put in a bit more as food prices were a bit higher. We had the very best time together and are still in contact. We’ve had a couple of “roomie reunions” and are planning another for this year. I did go home to live with my parents for 6 months and the experience wasn’t so positive. My parents and I stayed on good terms, but I learned that it’s good to go home to visit but not to live there again. You know that expression, “You can never go home again”? For me, that was true. Once out of the nest, I didn’t want to go back.
Hi Kristin! I left home to go to university when I was 18yrs. old. I chose a school two time zones away from home, and I was miserably homesick the whole first term. I lived in residence as all first year students were required to do and had a roommate who is still a friend. After second year, I shared an apartment with three other friends. I cannot remember how much the rent was, but I do remember that we all chipped in $5 per week or $20 US per month for food. However, this was in 1965-1968. I think that our last year together we all had to put in a bit more as food prices were a bit higher. We had the very best time together and are still in contact. We’ve had a couple of “roomie reunions” and are planning another for this year. I did go home to live with my parents for 6 months and the experience wasn’t so positive. My parents and I stayed on good terms, but I learned that it’s good to go home to visit but not to live there again. You know that expression, “You can never go home again”? For me, that was true. Once out of the nest, I didn’t want to go back.
Hi Kristi,
Your email went to my spam today! My district periodically does this to your emails and I wonder when I don’t get them in the morning. Glad to pull you out of there! I left home for the first time at the age of 16 when I became an exchange student in Belgium in the town of Sint-Niklaas. I was gone for a whole academic year and was a little homesick at times, but have always believed that it was the best year of schooling I ever had. I had to work like crazy, but knew I could do most anything I put my mind to do after that. My family spoke Dutch and I had a brand new language to learn. I am happy that Jackie is planning to go to the States this summer to spend some time. It is a fantastic experience and will open her eyes to many things in life!
Bises,
Julie
Hi Kristi,
Your email went to my spam today! My district periodically does this to your emails and I wonder when I don’t get them in the morning. Glad to pull you out of there! I left home for the first time at the age of 16 when I became an exchange student in Belgium in the town of Sint-Niklaas. I was gone for a whole academic year and was a little homesick at times, but have always believed that it was the best year of schooling I ever had. I had to work like crazy, but knew I could do most anything I put my mind to do after that. My family spoke Dutch and I had a brand new language to learn. I am happy that Jackie is planning to go to the States this summer to spend some time. It is a fantastic experience and will open her eyes to many things in life!
Bises,
Julie
Let’s just say that I walked in cap and gown across our high school graduation stage with my left hand holding my SUITCASE and my right hand reaching out for the SET ME FREE! WHOOOheeee- diploma! I couldn’t get out of my home/hometown fast enough! Was living in Charlotte 2 weeks later. First home was a 2 bedroom/1bath apt with three girls. 1965 -broke, dumb and happy. 2013 -1965 = 48 yrs ago…egads!!!
Let’s just say that I walked in cap and gown across our high school graduation stage with my left hand holding my SUITCASE and my right hand reaching out for the SET ME FREE! WHOOOheeee- diploma! I couldn’t get out of my home/hometown fast enough! Was living in Charlotte 2 weeks later. First home was a 2 bedroom/1bath apt with three girls. 1965 -broke, dumb and happy. 2013 -1965 = 48 yrs ago…egads!!!
Left home for France at 20, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Returned home just before turning 23, then left for six months of basic training. Left for good at 25 1/2 when I married: definitely had a roommate, and we’ve been together for 42 years. Our first home was married student housing, and the rent was $80 per month, including utilities.
Left home for France at 20, as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Returned home just before turning 23, then left for six months of basic training. Left for good at 25 1/2 when I married: definitely had a roommate, and we’ve been together for 42 years. Our first home was married student housing, and the rent was $80 per month, including utilities.