Things I miss from home...

Living in HI definitely has it perks, but going home really reminds of me of some things that I miss--some that i am constantly aware of and others are very subtle and only after i have experienced them again do i realize i have even missed them at all.

For starters, its the food. And this is a big one--one I am constantly aware of. I miss good fast food, like chick-fil-a. I miss Bo's cajun fried chicken biscuits for breakfast. I miss being able to order sweet tea whenever i want it. I miss really good, cheap mexican food where the queso dip is white like it should be. I miss Olive Garden--everything about it....the salad, breadsticks, steak gorgonzola alfredo, stuffed chicken marsala, etc. I miss deli's. There is nothing like being out running errands and shopping and being able to stop at a Bear Rock or Panera Bread, or any other deli for that matter and eat a good quality sandwich. There is only so much Subway a girl can take. I miss Sir Pizza, ham and onion or on occasion ham and pineapple, no cheese, extra sauce and ranch dressing. I miss cobblers, pies and cakes that aren't made out of tropical fruits, coconuts, and stuffed with beans and mochi. I miss eastern NC barbecue, home cooked meat loaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, and I miss Rock-Ola Southwest Pasta. Obviously, i can not fulfill all cravings when I go home or else I would have to purchase two airline tickets just to get back home...but it is still fun trying!

I miss always seeing someone you know when you walk into a public place.

I miss how great a hot shower feels after waking up freezing cold.

I miss the birds singing outside my window in the morning.

I miss backyards and frontyards and driveways and houses with more than 4 rooms.

I miss friendly, southern-talkin people.

I miss being able to drive over 55 mph.

I miss Target, Walmarts with groceries, Bed Bath and Beyond, Belks, Express, and the Dollar Store.

I miss dressing up for church and listening to the choir.

I miss thunderstorms.

I miss gardens and eating fresh vegetables anytime I want.

I miss fried okra (i guess that should have gone under the food category).

I miss how running to the corner store would only take 10 minutes instead of 2 hours.

I miss the occasional cold and rainy day where that was enough excuse to spend the day inside reading and watching movies.

I miss seeing animals outside--horses, cows, deer, squirrels, etc.

I miss driving for hours on backwoods country roads, losing yourself to the music and the simple beauty of the land.

And of course it goes without saying i miss all my loved ones...but this blog is for things, not people. And all ya'll should know I miss you the most!