Home

   In recent years I absolutely hated living in Virginia, and had wanted a blank slate somewhere new. Many people I have talked to though, seem to have the same feeling towards their hometown. It always seems like there's never anything fun to do, and you always end up doing the same things every week. I thought that by moving to the beach, there would always be something exciting to do. Most young people I've talked to down here hate it if this is their hometown. As an outsider, I didn't understand it because having the beach close by was a new experience for me! I couldn't understand how anyone could get tired of these views, and just simple walks on the beach.
   It didn't take long for me to get used to the views and take them for granted, much like I did at home. Recently we've had quite a few friends from Virginia come visit us, and I finally realized just how much I've taken it for granted down here. When Dennis and Katy came down to visit three weeks ago, I loved showing them some of my favorite places down here, and getting to see it all through their eyes, like the first time I had visited this area. Once you've been here for awhile, you get used to seeing giant boats with multiple motors, tanks driving down the highway, and hearing the jets flying low overhead right after you have laid down to sleep. It was so refreshing to feel like I was getting to see it all again for the first time.
   A little over a week ago I made the trip back home to Virginia. As I was driving down 81, I realized just how much I had missed the valley as the mountains came back into view. Although I DEFINITELY did not miss the traffic on 81, I got off the interstate and took the back roads that I knew like the back of my hand. The weather was perfect, and the radio seemed to play all my favorite songs. This time of year was always my favorite back home when everything started "greening up" again. That trip home definitely made me homesick, spending time with some of my favorite people and going on new adventures. The valley hadn't really felt like home until then. Some of that may be because of the fact that it was more of a "vacation" or maybe because I was surrounding myself with people that are better for my happiness than I had before.
   Rachael came back to North Carolina with me, and then Colton and Kendra surprised me at work on Thursday, I may have shed a few tears in the middle of McDonald's! I really am thankful for those who have taken the time and money to come down here and visit, I love being able to show them the sights and pretty views down here. We even tried out a country bar and I went out of my comfort zone and tried some line dancing while we were there, even though I was definitely born with two left feet! Although I'd really like to go home soon, I'm excited to see the mountains out west in about two weeks, and find new fun things to do in a new town!
   No matter where "home" is physically, I think it matters more about who you're surrounded by and how you choose to live life. In my opinion, adventures are a must for a happy life. They don't even have to be big crazy moments, just small moments with those who mean the most to you. I went on new adventures while I was home, to places I didn't know were even there, with gorgeous views I'm glad I didn't miss out on. I think I may have many "homes" across the country by the time this trip is over for me.