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Hungry Girl Por Vida

Travel: Back Home

September 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Pyramid Highway w/ Mt. Rose in the distance.

When I started college almost 10 years ago in Reno, I never, not once, thought I would refer to the Biggest Little City as “back home.”

I never knew I was a girl with a western heart.

Can you even believe that I lived in Reno, Nevada for 9 whole years?!

Can you believe that going back for a 2 week vacation didn’t even seem like enough time? I fell right into an old routine, with my favorite people, and nearly felt completely at home.

I say nearly because Sean was still here, in Michigan, working away…and honestly, without him, nowhere feels complete.

Can you believe that I cried the minute I got to my house? I felt completely torn, my heart in two distant and different places.

Can you believe that I long for that dusty city, nestled between the high Sierra Nevada’s and desert mountain ranges? A city of contrast: desert and mountains, wind and sunshine, hot days and cool nights, delicious mexican food and sushi, neon lights and big, bright stars.

The Biggest Little City

The Biggest Little City

Rib Cook-off and scenes from the 18th floor

Reno has become a place that feels a lot like home. It’s where my people live, not just my family, but the best friends a girl could ask for. Friends that welcome you into their homes like a member of the family. Ones that don’t ask when you’ll be leaving, but how long can you stay?

It was such a good stay, so fun to lunch with my besties, share a billion lattes, devour some frozen yogurt, and just sit, chat, joke.

I napped a lot, ate a ton, got my hair did, soaked up the sun on the shores of Lake Tahoe (and forgot to take any pictures!), went to the rib cook-off with my fam where we ate our weight in delicious BBQ, could not get in enough time with my sweet, funny niece, or enough conversation with my best pals.

 Baby Ava, Reno Balloon Races, Hair did, more Ava!

In-n-Out Animal Style, RIBS!, Feta Dip fixins, Hummus + bread sticks.

While I was gone I had lofty plans to do a few blog posts, snap a ton of real-deal pictures, but I didn’t. I just let myself go, I just enjoyed my time with people I was missing, and snapped a few phone pics when it seemed right.

And, guess what?

I don’t even feel bad…

Rude? Maybe, but it was totally liberating.

Sometimes, you just gotta live life and not even feel bad about it.

Bailey’s living room, glitter crafts at Brooke’s, Drinks + Dinner at Old Granite St. Eatery

I am back in Michigan now, in my little house amongst the trees, catching up with my much-missed husband, and snuggling with my pups.

Like any road-weary traveler, I am happy to be back in my bed, cooking/baking in my kitchen, and getting back to a normal routine.

But…seriously, I cannot wait to visit again for Christmas. It’s always exciting to go home.


 

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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: friends, Home, life, Nevada, random, Reno, travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie Olson

    September 19, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    I miss you, friend! I am sad that I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with you…stupid student teaching. Stupid being a grown-up. Stupid living so far from you. Stupid.

    Enjoy your midwest fall, your pups, and your goofy cool husband.

    “The west coast is the best coast!”

    <3

    Katie

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 19, 2011 at 12:58 pm

      Katie, being an adult is so super hard, right?! I am glad I got to see you a few times and mostly right before I left!
      I’m going to enjoy this midwestern fall time and that goofy guy of mine for sure! Cannot wait to see you for winter break!

      XOXO! west coast is the best coast, said like a true player girl!

      Reply
  2. Megan

    September 19, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    I’m glad you just lived life without even bothering to feel bad! It sounds like you had such a fun trip. Those photos make me want to eat ribs and burgers and cover things with glitter.

    And I’m also really glad you’re back. 🙂

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 19, 2011 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks man! That trip was amazing AND delicious AND glitter covered.

      I’m glad to be back too, I can’t wait for our fall-time plans!

      Reply
  3. Josh Beck

    September 19, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    It was great seeing you . . even if it was only for a few hours. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip back home. Reno does have a tendency to grow on a person. The good thing about Reno is that it will always be there; 24 hour booze, white trash to talk trash on, endless winter, quickest summer and all. Nevada is a tricky place like that. Christmas will be here before you know it! Can’t wait to see you then.

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 19, 2011 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks Josh! Can’t wait to see you for the holidays!

      Reply
  4. Stephanie

    September 20, 2011 at 1:37 am

    I love your pics! Reno seems to be a great little city! 😉
    And your baby Ava is sooooo cute!!!!

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 20, 2011 at 3:39 am

      Thanks Stephanie!

      Reply
  5. cindy

    September 20, 2011 at 9:43 am

    not rude at all, you were just living your life so you had something to share with us when you were ready. i love all of your photos … it looks like such a great town!

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 20, 2011 at 9:50 am

      haha, thanks Cindy! it is, oddly still, a great town 🙂

      Reply
  6. NicoleD

    September 20, 2011 at 10:41 am

    Your vacay looks like major fun! Sounds like it was just what you needed. Love your new ‘do!

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 20, 2011 at 11:24 am

      It was fun! Thanks about the hair, btw, it’s an old favorite 🙂

      Reply
  7. Rhiannon {Hey Gorg}

    September 27, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    Awe Cindy! I heart you. I hope Michigan starts to really feel like home for you soon xoxo

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 28, 2011 at 6:26 am

      Awe, thanks Rhi!

      Reply

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