To My Family and Friends

Just as a preface - this post has nothing to do with my research. It's directed specifically at my amazing family and friends who just want to know how life is going.

How many times a day do you hear "Hey, how's it going?" Tons, right? Well my answer is always exactly the same: "Good, you?". And this is my answer whether I'm good or not. Not to say that I'm usually not good, it is just so automatic. Partly I feel the auto-play exists for mental simplicity. But, I think it also exists because if I were to tell the questioners around here the truth they would have no idea who I'm talking about. So, here's the truth:
I'm good... mostly. I enjoy the company of everyone I've met; my department is like a big loving, supportive family. I have done lots of awesome things (football games, basketball games, bike rides, parties, running races, the list goes on), and I'm learning so much. SO much.
Still though, I miss you.
I miss the fireplace that heats my house, the fall garden harvest, and listening to my dad casually strumming the guitar while I play cards with my step-mom. I miss knitting with  my mom as we watch The Voice and smell the delicious meal that my step-dad is cooking for dinner. I miss laughing with Maria and drinking wine with Maree. I miss finding some nerdy way to incorporate Harry Potter into everything that Kenny and I do, and I miss going for walks with Sarah. I miss sushi with Kim and Becky, trivia games with Frank and Susan, fires with Mike, Mike, Sarah, Becky, and the gang, the crazy beautiful smiles of Steve and Lauren, Tyler letting the gay out, talking about books with Michelle, dancing at The Flame with Cindy, listening to music with Kyle, Settlers of Catan with Katie, and bowling with Amy and the AAHS crew.
For better or for worse, the people in my life have always defined "how I am". I know that had I not left everyone behind to move across the country, I would be completely unsettled. But still, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Even though I'm out here, and you're over there, I love and miss you so much! You still help me through every day, and I can't wait to give you a big hug of thanks when I see you next!