Home Sweet Home

I'm ready to go home.

Yes, the land of the free and the brave. I want to be there, in America.

Two days ago, I was on the height of my wanderlust desires. Craving a life outside of the US and all of the challenges that comes with living in a foreign country. Yesterday, I was in tears. Letting myself feel sad that I'm leaving. Thankfully, I woke up and all of the sadness had left. The reality is, I have an awesome life.

I have a great job, an amazing family, really talented and smart friends, a man that I love, and most of all---Kudos and Harley. I miss them and all of the people who touch my life.

I've had a great time here in Scotland. I experienced a new culture, I ate great food (some McDonald's in-between), I toured castles, I met new people, I saw where my ancestor's lived in the 1500's, I had some really fun nights out, and I had a lot of down time to think.

I would have loved the opportunity to live abroad. It's a beautiful fantasy. Perhaps someday, that door will open for me. Now is not the time and I accept that it will probably not happen in my lifetime.  I'm choosing to be okay with that. My heart may not be all about America, but it sure is for all of the people there. There is so much in the US, I've never seen. There are adventures and exploration to be had in my own country, even my own state. I think it goes back to that old saying---the grass is always greener, right? While I'd love be abroad, strolling on cobblestone, enjoying free health care, as well as 4-5 weeks vacation a year....the States will have to do.  Here's another quote I'd like to share:

You can do anything you want in life, but you can't do everything. 

It's my 27th birthday next month. When I reflect on my long term goals and my aspirations, I want more than to travel or vangaboon oversees. All of the amazing things I've experienced in the last ten days were spectacular, but they would have so much better with my love. What I want for my life, my choice for my life, is to share it with someone. I want to have a family. I'm going to continue to be successful in my career and at some point, I'd like to open my own pet store. I have a life that allows me to travel and to pay for it. How lucky is that?

There was a time not so long ago, when I felt frozen by fear. Three years ago, I needed that trip to Italy to show myself just what I could do. I still have my many insecurities, mostly regarding my waitsline ;) but I'm stronger now. I'm proud of the fact that as an adult woman, I've travelled to three foreign countries alone and I paid for it myself. I am strong and I'm bold. I don't need to prove that to anyone.

Therefore,  I'm officially retiring from solo adventures.

The next time I travel, I will go with my family, a friend, my love.... Traveling alone has it's advantages. I'm glad I know what it's like and I have no regrets. I would not choose to do oversees trips alone any more though, I want to share all this with someone.

I originally picked Scotland because it's the homeland of my ancestors. I wouldn't have developed a passion for my bloodline if it hadn't been for my Grandpa. He would have loved that I came here to travel, though I don't think he would be a fan of pubs or tattoos. He was so proud to be a Napier and he instilled that in all of us. He even spent a significant amount of time researching and recording our entire lineage, right down to 1654 when we came from Scotland to the American Colonies. There were so many qualities that made my Grandpa Don a great man. For me, I would say he challenged me to be a better person and to take the righteous path. He taught me the value of sharing your experience with others and respecting our nations veterans. He once gave me a book about going against the grain, it has remained, one of the most influential books of my life. Therefore, I will end my final blog from Scotland, with a thank you to my  Grandpa Don. I want him to know that I see him in Jonathan, looking out for me, and that I miss him terribly.Thanks G'Pa.

Thank you to my beloved, my entire family, my friends, and my co-workers for supporting me.

I'm coming home in 14 hours.

A very grateful,

Jennifer