Treasure Your Family

I have one of the greatest families a guy could ask for. Amazing grandparents, great parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a sister that would all do anything they could for one another. I may just be blind, but I think we all get a long/like each other as well, no drama.

After my cross country road trip I needed some time to collect myself, organize my things, make a plan, maybe see some family and friends and continue on. My grandparents house in Newport Beach became my home (my grandparents even gave me a 10% family discount on my room:). I cherished the time I got to spend with my grandma and grandpa. Being a part of their routine for the time I was there was a pleasure. Exchanging stories, solving the problems of the world over breakfast, reading, watching the news and eating, what a dream. A life experience I will never forget. It is special being able to spend time with family, or anyone for that matter, that has been through so much. All of the change they have been through, from the cities and neighborhoods they have lived in, to modes of transportation and communication. I cannot imagine not growing up without reliable cars, television, the internet or cell phones. Growing up without what some may call distractions gives you a different perspective on life. My grandparents have a great perspective and looking back they say they have loved every minute. They constantly let each other know how much they love one another and how lucky they both are/were. Difficult to put into words what it is but, one day I  hope to have what they have.

The first few days I spent around the house, visiting and catching up with family, documenting the rest of my trip. I know it was not a strenuous cross country drive by any means, but it did feel good to sleep in a real bed for more than one night. I even started running a bit trying to detox off all the cheap food and booze.

Not wanting to settle in too much I started planning my next adventure. This time I was heading up the coast. First stop was to Los Angeles to see my Aunt, Uncle, cousins, sister and friends, then to Santa Barbara to see an old SCECEGS classmate and finally Santa Cruz to spend quality time with my big cousin.