Ten Days
Ten tiny days until…
Until I stretch my migratory wings and migrate home for vacation, dancing in my seat the entire way
Until my heart swells at the sight of Lake Michigan gleaming like a blue sapphire as the plane makes its final approach
Until I breathe my first breath of Wisconsin winter air, filling my senses with the indescribably but immediately recognizable smell of crisp, cold winter air
Until I spend hours at the piano bench, relishing in the feeling of music pouring out from ebony and ivory
Until I mix butter and sugar together, sift in a little flour, and revel in the feeling of making deliciousness from my bare hands
Until I see role models and lifelong friends, filling my brain and my soul with heartfelt conversation and advice
Until I see my faux-uncles and aunties and reveling in the feeling that only the Posse can bring
Until I feel the winter wind whipping my cheeks as I run down Lake Shore Drive
Until I walk the streets of the Third Ward, drinking in the homey but modern, uniquely Midwestern charm that is Milwaukee
Until I get my fill of Mexican food, cupcakes, salad, and all foods so difficult to find in Taiwan
Until I have New Year’s Eve dinner with my whole family, relishing in the fact that it will be the first time we’ve been together in almost two years
Until long conversations with my brother and trying to remind myself that he is no boy anymore, he is a young man
Until long walks with my father, discussing every topic under the sun
Until shopping trips and baking with my mother, cherishing the conversation more than the results
Until I fill every fiber of my being with the down to earth, peaceful, friendly atmosphere that is my home, but eagerly anticipate the return to tropical breezes, bright flowers, incense, and scooters.
Get ready, Wisconsin…I’m coming home 
