Is anything ever free?

I had quite a diverse, interesting and consequently a short day. I have no idea how it can be almost 6:30 p.m. now?!
My mom woke me up at 7.47 a.m. delirious because she got a free ticket to the States! "I'm so happy," she chirped on the phone. "This is the greatest gift anyone can give me."
She holds me responsible because I was the one who wrote and mailed two letters of complaint to an airline,that treated my Mom like a piece of luggage last year.
It took it a year to acknowledge their assesness, and offer her a free ticket.
"You earned this," she added. "What would you like me to buy you?"
Hmmm...in Serbia, you show love through food, first and foremost,and then through gifts.
I couldn't really think of anything else, besides what she's already bringing me-hazelnut chocolate spread and minced biscuits.
"Just come over," I said modestly. "I don't really want anything else. Or need."
It's true. I do have everything I need. Well, kind of. At least materially...Well...
I do want a house on the beach. And a place in Belgrade. And...I know there was something else? And I want to see almost the whole world.Oh, yeah, I really,really wanna fly first class!!!
But those are big things. She can't get me those. I have to get them for myself,if I can.
O, yes, and I would love to shop at Chanel and Dior,and Tiffany's!

Leaving New York

It's almost that time!I'm almost there, on my long desired vacation home!My sister is coming over tonight and we are flying off tomorrow!Very exciting!
But, at the same time, sad:( Why? M.can't come with me this time.And this will be the longest we've ever been apart in five years!So, the packing is a bit bitter-sweet.
My Mom thinks it's good for our relationship!But my Mom would say anything to get me to come home. She even encouraged me once to undergo an unnecessary, painful procedure just to get me home. Now, that's love--Serbian way;-)
She even wants us to have children now, so she can take care of them, and consequently spend more time with us.
As much as I know I will enjoy my time home, with my family and friends, I will at the same time, miss M.terribly. So, why do I do these things to myself?
I really need to go home.His job is the only reason he's not joining me.And when I come back,I will start a new career, which will probably not include any vacation time for a while. So, it's perfect timing for this trip.
Even though I believe I can have it all, often, I cannot manage to do so.