Home is Where the Heart Is

"Home is where your history begins. Home is where they catch you when you fall" Such a classic, true, memorable quote from 'Where the Heart Is'.

Last night, landing at SFO, I just felt it- I felt home. Somewhere between the moist air (something the wonderful land of Boulder lacks) the city lights, the embracing hugs and love felt from my family as I walked in the front door, somewhere between the newly painted walls and now multiple guestrooms in a house that used to not feel big enough- somewhere between it all- is my home.

Unfortunately we lost a member of the clan today. Mister, the 16 year old cat who never left my bed, listened to my every moment of tears and laughter, and always curled up by the window to soak in the sun, was put to sleep. It had been a long battle for years- something I never had to witness. When I left for college, Mister was fine. Sure he was old but he was my favorite (which is a lot to say because I don't like domestic animals...) and somewhere between me leaving and not seeing him everyday, he lost everything from 13 pounds to his wild spirit. Saying goodbye to Mister was like saying goodbye to childhood memories and honestly a friend (again surprising I know).

In lighter news, home has still been amazing. It's been less than 24 hours but I've done so many of my favorite things. Beginning with the 8:30am wake up call, something to start me off with a smile, I proceeded to take my 3 mile walk around town with Silas, stopped at Starbucks and now that Silas takes 1st place in being the wealthiest sibling, he bought me an iced coffee, went to the movies with my parents (The Boy With Stripped Pajamas- go see it, truly an amazing story), ventured to rush hour in Costco where we bought $420 worth of wine (my dad claims that number just shows up everywhere... secretly I know he misses those San Rafael moments), and returned home- starving, opening the freezer and found multiple bags of frozen vegetables (my parents know me too well) and made an excellent dinner of veggies, thai sauce, and heck I threw in some tomato soup.

I can't imagine the next week being anything less than today. Yes we had a tragedy but as a family we can pull through anything. That's what I love most about home- it's my safe haven, my oasis, my everything. Now if the rest of my siblings can hurry up, 9 Jeffrey Court will fully be complete.

The Little Things

It's been a week of the little things. It really has made me so thankful for life (how great does this apply to the month of november...)

From a late night movie on Sunday to last nights stargazing, two bottles of red wine, and being wrapped up in blankets as we waited for the snowfall that never came. From the repeating of the new Taylor Swift singles to busting out my winter scarves. From the holiday cups arriving at Starbucks to Obama being elected the new president.

I've become a big fan of November and all that it entitles. Even though my parents have turned down my tofurkey idea I am looking forward to Thanksgiving- the pumpkin pie, green beans, butternut squash, the infamous family photos, the morning Dipsea stairs run, the official beginning of Christmas music, watching 'Home For The Holidays', the afternoon walk through the colorful leaves and other family adventures that develop throughout the week.

I'm beyond thankful to even have these traditions and memories. It's amazing that I can feel so comfortable here in Boulder yet with 2 weeks till I return to the Bay, I can feel every muscle in my body pulling me west and calling me home.