When I leave on Friday and don't show up again until Wednesday, it's because I'm having a really good time doing whatever I'm doing. Usually whatever I'm doing is drinking wine, hanging out with my dog, cooking with my mom, eating with friends, laughing, sitting on my parents' dock, watching movies with my dad, and did I say drinking wine already?

First stop: my brother's apartment at Longwood. He has a guitar-shaped spoon holder in his kitchen. So very Sean.

The second stop was Hampden-Sydney for Homecoming festivities.

Then we all ventured to Roanoke for the rest of the long weekend. Fall Break and Smith Mountain Lake, I love you both.

There's my mom, working on dinner for eleven people. 

It was my sweet dad's birthday on Sunday. And Shawna's was on Friday. They both got to blow out the candles.

"The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family." 

--Thomas Jefferson

My best friend stopped by on her way from Roanoke to William & Mary on Tuesday evening, and we spent all day together yesterday. We went out to breakfast and then sat down to drink huge mugs of coffee before heading home. She helped me re-arrange the new living room and figure out where to hang our clock and framed things. We headed downtown for a late lunch of crepes stuffed with ham, chicken, brie and apples. We walked around and popped into pricey boutiques with beautiful clothes. Emma's the closest thing I have to a sister and I love every minute I get to spend with her.

I'm awake, but I keep my eyes closed. 

It was a late night and I try to remember where I am. I reach across the air mattress and feel Rob's warm arm, and then I hear Shawna's voice from somewhere outside the open, once-dining room that has turned into a makeshift guest bedroom. I'm at Davidson College, in her house, and it's Spring Frolics weekend.

The running water of a shower cuts off with a squeak from the faucet and a hair dryer roars to life. Shawna's roommates chatter upstairs as they get ready for the day.

I can feel the sun, streaming in through the half-cracked mini blinds, on my face. I hear bare feet padding across the linoleum floor of the kitchen and country music blaring through a stereo in the living room. The coffee maker gurgles and drip drip drips. I finally open my eyes and follow my ears throughout the house to find Shawna, one of my very best friends.

I may be in a different state, but I'm still home.

And so ready for spring.