It has been 3 1/2 of braving frigid temperatures while creating warm memories. This is the third time I’ve visited my home state of Connecticut since I moved to San Francisco over 3 years ago. It is the first time that I can say I truly miss it. Normally, I enjoy my time but can’t wait to get back to SF. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a place to return to there? Or because I’ve matured? Or that whole ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ idea? Whatever the reason… I was present in this visit and other than being excited to begin the international portion of my trip, I am in no rush to leave. It was really, really nice to be here. The days were very full – I spent the mornings doing errands for my trip, the days working and the evenings splitting up my time amongst family and friends – making sure I got to see everyone I love. I made the most of each moment and ate A LOT of pizza… a lot.

While I have had many wonderful moments, these are some of the highlights:
-Coincidentally being able to attend the wedding of my old roommate which also made for a road trip with my best friend
-The delicious and special meals I was cooked by Justin, Olenka, Jay + Robin
-Letting the hours pass by at the diner while chatting with two of the most amazing women in my life over coffee
-Being the only people at karaoke… singing for 3 hours straight and the precious, hilarious moments that ensued
-Adding to my tattoo at Lovecraft with Christian… being reminded of the incredible beauty that can come of such pain
-A middle school reunion with two of the most pivotal teachers I’ve had in my school career and some middle school friends over margaritas
-Torturing myself at the gym with the Wiener brothers
-Spending time with my ‘earth mother’ and her mother
-Bingo at the Casino with Jay and running the BlackJack table for a bit before barely breaking even
-Spending more time with my friend and nieces from Maryland… seeing the light in my mother’s eyes when she met them
-Spending quality time with my handsome, kind nephew (even though Jeff trained him to say ‘Don’t leave me, Auntie Jackie‘ when I get my coat on)
-Catching up with two childhood friends (Stephanie and Nicole) and getting to know more of the amazing, driven women they have become
-Playing pool, walking around downtown and eating falafel with Matt Wien
–Getting my first traffic ticket
-Crossfit with Nicole at my middle school science teacher’s husband’s gym (small world!)
–Said husband also being a police officer and talking me out of that traffic ticket
-Getting ‘snowed‘ in and having my flight delayed by two days… this allowed me to be with my Aunt and Uncle for an extra evening and be able to attend the birthday celebration of one of my closest friends
-Oh and did I mention… PIZZA!!!!

AIRPORTS: 7
FLIGHTS: 6
STATES: 7
COUNTRIES: 1
DAYS TRAVELING: 53

It has been real, CT but I am ready for some warmer weather! Australia, here I come!