A year in the writing

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Home. I have called several places home. I have filled out the box for one’s home address with more than 15 different locations. I had a home in 4 different time zones, traveled up to 24 hours to get home and lived with over 12 different people. I have started over more times than I can remember. I have favorite coffee shops in D.C., favorite shops in Chicago, favorite bars in Dayton and favorite restaurants in China. I have met the most amazing people in every place that I have called home. I have cried, laugh, gotten lost, and locked out in each and every home. But when I start to add it all up, it all comes down to the same answer.

What this year has taught me is that my home is within me. This year has been a year of unexpected amazingness. A year that has been splendidly imperfect. It was a year that lacked the excitement of foreign lands, but contained the comfort of rediscovering something familiar.

Like finding that old perfectly worn in t-shirt in your drawer. You knew it was always there, but had forgotten how good it felt when you put it on. Instead of a new excitement every day, it was a year of establishing routines, it was a year of lazy Saturdays, of long walks and even longer bike rides. It was a year of finding new friends and re-finding many old friends. And, in so many ways, things have fallen into place, maybe not the place I had thought I wanted, but always the place that I needed.

I think I finally understand that it is made up not of a location or an address, but by the memories and experience within me and with the incredible people that surround me. I can’t say that I won’t leave again, or that there won’t be a day again that I won’t wake up and get that feeling. That feeling that I need movement. But for right now. Today and for tomorrow. I am where I am supposed to be. I am home.

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Photos

NYE
Can't think of a better way to start off a year right....with a few margaritas and two amazing friends

Funny
I think I am funny. Meredith just thinks I'm weird

Wedding fun!!
Milissa, B, and I just before we hit the dance floor.

a walk in the park
the absolute coolest dog. julio.

B and I were a hit
on the dance floor.

My new friend
I mean, she really is just that cute. I think we are going to be friends.

Eli and Jaime....midwesterners now
Jaime and Eli are beginning to love everything about the midwest. And what's not to love.

A perfect fit
we were made to be bff.

Christmas at Ahrens' Household
My first Christmas eve dinner. Does it still count that mom brought most of the food and dad brought all the wine.

The happy couple, Rachelle and Richard.
and me!

Our People magazine pose.
Sarah and I haven't quite perfected it just yet. But I'm sure we will have many more occasions (i.e. drunken nights) to practice

Table 15....
We had to represent.

Go Cavs!
When you are that close to the court and the beer is free....is there any better way to cheer on the home team.

Comments

[rachelle pierre - lott]

I love everything about it!
You are such a great writer! Very deep points. Very deep. Thanks for including us in your blog:)

[rachelle pierre - lott]

I love everything about it!
You are such a great writer! Very deep points. Very deep. Thanks for including us in your blog:)