a trip home (aka Ohio) — letters from a Good friend

You may or may not know that Joel and I call Ohio "home." We grew up together in the same small town in Central Ohio, which is also the town where the majority of our family lives currently. Growing up, I couldn't WAIT to leave the one-stop-light town, but I ended up living at home to go to college nearby. So it wasn't until the summer after my second year of college that I really got a taste of life outside of small-town-Ohio. Yes I'd been on family vacations, all over the country actually. But vacations just give you a small picture of what an area is like. You don't usually get a chance to actually FEEL the differences.

I spent the summer of 2009 in southern California working at a state beach. To say the experience was eye opening may be an understatement. But everything I did that summer, every mistake I made, adventure I went on, friend I made, even every minute I longed for "home", only grew my adventurer spirit. I realized a restlessness in me, and how different life is outside of my little corner of Ohio (and how some shit is EXACTLY the same)

Summer 2009, working as a park aide at Doheny State Beach

But even as much as I LOVED my adventure and the inspiration is gave me to see as much of this world as possible in whatever life I get on this Earth, I definitely realized the importance of "home." And I see that everyday now too, years later. Home isn't a destination, you can't put a pin in it on a map. Home is where you're loved, where you feel a calmness in your heart, where there are arms to wrap you in big hugs, and faces that smile every time you see them.

This adventure we are on isn't always easy. But we're so lucky to be on it together, to be each others' "home", when the real "home" isn't nearby.

ANYWAYS. I got to go to Ohio recently!! Joel had to stay in TX with the dogs to work, so I flew solo up North for a busy 8 days visiting and hugging and celebrating! I was very exhausted when I arrived back in TX, but a happy exhausted.

The main reason for the trip was to celebrate my little sister becoming a momma soon! Bryce's baby shower turned out wonderful, and her and baby were totally spoiled!!!

I also got to visit lots of family, celebrate Mother's Day with my mom, and meet two new babies!! Very successful trip (although I did leave my camera, a shirt, and my shampoo at various houses I stayed at. haha.) I even got to bring some of our favorite Ohio products home to Joel!

I booked my flights through Expedia, which I love doing because I can compare prices easily, get points when I book, and so much more. Do YOU ever book travels with Expedia??