Experiments In Where The Heart Is

What is it about not being at home that just makes you exhausted?

I spent the entire weekend in places I didn't technically live. The first was a friends apartment downtown and the second was a friend's home with her family. When I finally got back to my room on tonight, I felt this strange sense of relief despite my return meaning a return to homework that needed doing, calls that needed to be made, and a mountain of laundry.

The contrast between the two homes I stayed in this weekend was interesting. Normally, I would feel much more comfortable in an environment that belonged entirely to my friend, but this time, I loved being with my other friend's family. And not just because her golden retriever/cocker spaniel mix looked exactly like the dog I grew up with. It felt happy and comfortable, where my high school friend's apartment was mismatched and frankly kind of filthy. I struggled not to tell her how to keep her dog under control when it climbed all over her. No one likes a Captain Bossy Boots.

I kept wondering what it was about being with my other friend's family that made me feel so much happier. Normally I'm worried about looking like a suitable friend to the parents, but watching Law and Order with her mom while we made snarky comments made me feel like I'd actually been home.

This weekend was an interesting experimentation in what constitutes a home.