Reality

My trip to Europe was truely amazing...more than I could have ever asked for. I really believe that my soul feeds off of adventure and exploration. Observing other cultures, other countries, and other people is incredible to me. I loved taking note of the different ways of life in Europe...different behavior, different food, different standards, different lingo....the buildings look different, the streets are designed different, and even the homeless beg in a different way.

I must confess that I was looking so forward to letting go of my routine that I run everyday...waking up at the same time, feeding my dog the same food, driving the same route to work, talking to the same people, watching the same TV shows, listening to the same music, eating at the same restaurants, and the list goes on and on.

I was sure that breaking free from that routine and being on foreign soil would quench my thirst for something new...and it did. The part that I never expected was how much I would crave that not-so-bad routine back at home.

I definitely LOVE traveling...the whole experience entertains me. But, as my trip came to a close, I found myself looking forward to home. As soon as I stepped foot in North Carolina and saw my Mom waiting for me at the baggage claim and jumped in the car with my Dad, I realized just how much I appreciate this simple little life that I've got going. Of course, they brought Cole too, and seeing her tail wagging 100 miles per hour and getting some good licks on the face was just the cherry on top!

I'm an important part of an important family, and that is where I will always belong. When we are all together, we like to say that we are five fifths (5/5), and that little family saying came to life for me when I got home...we are complete when we are all together.

And as if my fam isn't enough, I was quickly reminded of a pretty incredible network of friends that surround me. It's no doubt that God created them just for me! Of course I felt so blessed and lucky to have taken such an incredible trip, but I think I felt just lucky to have them calling me before I was even off of the plane, and some of them even waiting for me as soon as I walked in the door.

I certainly learned a lot during the couple of weeks that I spent away, but in the end, I realized that I learned something that I already knew...there really is no place like home.