It's funny, because even though my parents divorced a few years ago and neither of them live in my hometown anymore, going to see them at their individual houses still feels like going home to me. I love this quote, because it is SO true: “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to”. For 18 years I was dyyyying to leave my hometown and live in a big city and do all of these glamorous things I thought I would be doing as an "adult". And now one of my absolute favorite things to do is go "home" and sit around and talk to my parents. Oh, the things we learn as we get older.....
My dad lives in the town he and my mom both grew up in, a tiny little place in southern Oklahoma. He lives outside of town on about 40 acres, and it really is gorgeous. Growing up my dad always had several horses, lots of land, barns, etc.....and I had no use for it. He even bought me my own horse when I was around 9 or 10 years old. What little girl doesn't want a horse? I think I rode it one time. So ridiculous.
He and I took a walk down to his barn with Addie and his dog, Girl, who is just the absolute sweetest thing you've ever met. Now that I'm, ahem, older, and have learned to just slow down and take in my surroundings, I really enjoy how peaceful it is in the country. I didn't really appreciate what I had growing up. Isn't that the story of everyone's life?
After visiting for a few hours, we headed north to see my mom. She lives in a suburb of Oklahoma City with her new husband, Basil. They have a nice house that they've just remodeled quite a bit, right on a lake. Again, so peaceful! I guess if Arsen and I are set on living in a city at least we have a couple of great places to escape to and relax.
We grilled out that evening and had a few drinks. My wonderful uncles came to visit and we all just sat around and chatted and played Catch Phrase (our favorite game) for quite awhile. So nice to get away and forget about everything going on back home sometimes.
Mom and Basil have done a lot to their house in a short amount of time, and it has made such a huge difference. They knocked down the back wall to the dining area and expanded it. I think she said they only added about 200 square feet, but it feels SO much bigger. They also added an amazing outdoor area. Arsen was practically drooling over their whole set up out there.
It was definitely a much needed, super relaxing weekend. My mom and I actually stayed up until like 4 in the morning talking, so I think I came home more tired than when I left. I've been pretty useless this week...I blame her!
This upcoming weekend I've got several little projects I'm planning to work on, and Arsen and I are actually volunteering at North Texas Food Bank for the first time. I've been looking for places to volunteer around here, so I'm hoping we really enjoy it. And then....I start my new job on Monday! I'm super excited to see what's in store for me in this new position. Lots of stuff going on around here....now let's just see if I can keep up with this blog while doing everything else. Fingers crossed!
I always enjoy reading your blogs, but this one was very touching. I love the quote about leaving and going home! It was quite a tribute also to the peaceful life of the country.
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