Ok I am sure you are so sick of reading about me being sick yet again but believe me we are even sicker of it over here!
Either way though I am excited to be doing another month of Expat to Expat and see what you have to say as well!
Q1: What advice would you give to your pre-expat self?
I would tell myself that I was making the smart choice, to just enjoy my time before the move. It all seemed so much and it was so easy to let those ideas of doubt creep in but now over two years on I am so in love with living in Sweden that those doubts are no more. The number one thing I was worried about was that the close relationship I had with my brothers would suffer and while I do not get to see all their games and award presentations this summer we picked right up where we left off.
Q2: How do you reconcile what you thought life would be like in your new home and it is in actuality? i.e. did you think you would be fluent in your new language and your are struggling with the basics?
I think life is exactly and not at all like I thought it would be at the same time. I mean I am sure that does not make sense but that is how I feel. I knew my life would be a slower paced lifestyle with less of the going out, shopping, and family time like it was back in California but I did not know how much I would like it. I also did not realize the extent in which I would grow and change and how my future plans would change along with it. I had always wanted to live in a big city and that is what we had been putting on our one day list but ever since we moved up here to Sundsvall and have been surrounded by forest and hills we have really changed our tune and a place surrounded by nature is our goal now.
The Hemborg Wife 
This is such a great post. I think it shows that life is constantly changing, and so are we. It was such a brave step to move to Sweden, but I’m so glad it worked out for you guys.
I’m sorry you’re feeling sicky still. Hope you recover soon xxx
Thanks, live is really constantly on the move huh!
I have constantly been sick lately too! Maybe there’s a blogging virus :) Enjoy all the nature while you can because you’ll probably miss it when you move to a bigger city! x
Isn’t it amazing what you find out about yourself after you have a few months/years to reflect on it? We live in what is basically a suburb, which I learned was not as soul-sucking as I felt it was in the US. I’d still like to move back into the city, but this hasn’t been horrible like I feared. =)
Sorry to hear you’re still sick. More tea and relaxation! =)
I also feel like suburbs in the US can be very soul sucking too but over here I love how far out of the small city we live!
I know exactly what you mean – it’s is exactly like and not at all what I thought it would be like. You’re so right about learning about yourself too. It’s so worth it just for that. I’ve been sick as a dog too. I think Amanda’s right. Blogger virus.
I am glad that made sense! Sorry the blogging virus has gotten you too hopefully but holiday time it is gone!
Funny how an experience like that makes you realise things about your self that you never knew. Although where I live has quite a rural feel, being right on Lake Ontario, but it is in fact a suburb and I would never have thought I would enjoy living in the ‘burbs’ quite as much as I do!
How interesting as I have never thought myself a suburb person either but perhaps one day I will be happy there too!
Oh gosh, changing goals is a great one to mention! I am forever changing mine. And when I left the UK 2 years ago, I never dreamed I’d be planning to move to SE Asia in 2014!
I know how you feel about your brothers, I had the same with my siblings but we pick up right where we left off too!
Thanks, it is great that you have found yourself following new dreams and your happiness!
They say it can take up to 2 years to settle properly in a new home, but I’m glad you’re loving it! It is a nervous thing to go home and see how things have changed…!
That is interesting it does take time to get everything running really smoothly!
The best thing with family and close friends is seeing them again and it’s like you never left! I love those kinds of relationships
Yes it is so good to be around people that already know all about you!
Thanks for sharing. I am moving countries too in two-three months and I must take your advice on slowing down now and enjoying the last moments positively and not doubt the move at all. :)
Glad to help, it is hard to focus on the present with a big moving looming ahead!