Securing my mask

"It's like, in an airplane with the oxygen masks, when they say 'Always secure your own mask first, before helping others'".

This weekend, Lindsay and I flew home, and surprised both of our families. And I think it is one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. We threw the cash down, got on a plane, and walked in our front doors completely unexpected. My Mom and Dad's reaction was bigger and better than I could have ever hoped for. My brother and sister gave up their first weekend at college, and we all rolled into Lobsterfest together to rock the joint. There is nothing more amazing than knowing I have that to come home to.

This weekend solidified everything for me. That home, is home...is home. And home is what means the most in the world to me. Home is my mask.

I love to travel, I love adventure, I love new and exciting challenges. I love just getting by, and making it on my own. I love it all. And I will love Colorado while I am here.

But man, do I love home. I know now, that it is most definitely where I need to be. No mountain or hike or "exciting adventure" can replace what I have where I came from.

I realize now that I am just going to need it more and more as I further myself in my career. It's not an easy one, it's one where I am heading warnings from all directions. I got the job at the Boulder Homeless Shelter and I begin training on Thursday. I am extremely excited. I am also extremely aware that it is going to put some wear and tear on my heart and my passion for this kind of work, and I'm ready for that. After this weekend, long talks with my dad, and my mom, and trusted friends, I have complete faith that I have what it takes to make it through, and to be ok. Because after this weekend, I know I have my mask. And it's securely on.