Wanderlustin'.

I  love road trips. 

I don't know what exactly it is about them. Maybe its the free time to just sit and truly listen to, not just hear, a lot of music (I have at least three different playlists specifically for road trips). Maybe its the scenery and the reminder that our world is SO big and beautiful, and we only inhabit a small portion of it. Maybe its the opportunity to have great conversations with the people you are traveling with, since there really isn't an escape. Maybe its the gas station junk food that we all shamelessly eat  (everyone knows that road trips are a completely viable excuse to not eat healthy for the day). Or maybe its just the spontaneity and adventure. 

I have recently learned and added a new word to my vocabulary, wanderlust. 

Wanderlust: (n) a strong desire to travel

And man oh man am I wanderlustin' these days. I love Martin County, but after being home for a month and a half waiting for my summer job to start, I want to get the heck outta dodge for a few days. 

So here are the places I would go if I had a gas card with a million dollars on it, my adventurous friends, and a car that is more reliable than my 11 year old Jeep. 

10. Washington D.C.
I love America. I love history. And I don't think I need anymore reasons.

Photo source: Pinterest

9. Oxford, MS
One of my friends is a Kappa at Ole Miss. She genuinely loves the school, loves Mississippi, loves Oxford, and loves the Rebels. And I feel like I would too. So I just might have to pay her and The Grove a visit one Saturday in the fall. Hotty Toddy!

Photo source: http://www.vaughthemingway.com

8. Boone, NC
I'm pretty sure it was all part of God's plan for me to spend my freshman year at Appalachian State before transferring to Florida State. And I love Florida State, more than I ever thought I could. But part of my heart and a handful of close friends are still in Boone. And I can't wait to visit them again, and consume as much Woodlands BBQ, Cheerwine, and Cookout milkshakes as possible. (Abby, if you are reading this, I hope you know how thankful I am for you! And I can't wait to see you and Rocky Mount one day!)

The view from my dorm window during the fall of my freshman year. Not too shabby.

Laura and I during our first real winter! We were both born and raised in Stuart, went to the same elementary/middle school, and both ended up at App State. We enjoyed some great 12 hour road trips home together!

Me and my closest Boone friends taken during a weekend visit a few months ago. Miss you all SO much.
 (From left to right: Abby, Chris, Chris,  Me, Ryan). 

7. Key West, FL
As a native Floridian, I feel like this is just somewhere I need to go and cross of off my list.

Photo source:  pinterest

6. Savannah, GA
Mostly just to go to Paula Deen's restaurant. But also to check out the rockin' architecture of the Old South.

Photo source: Pinterest

5. Austin, TX
I've always had a random fascination with Texas and throughout middle school I was convinced I would spend my college years as a Longhorn. Clearly, I am not. But I still have a soft spot for that rusty orange and I would still love to spend a day or ten hanging out in the Lone Star State. And obviously buy myself a new pair of cowboy boots while I'm there.

Photo source: Pinterest 

4. New Orleans, LA
With Cafe duMonde,  the obnoxiousness of the Who Dat nation, and a culture uniquely its own, who wouldn't want to go to NOLA? My family and I celebrated Mardi Gras with our close family friends (that are native New Orlean-ians) last year, and I've been itchin' to go back ever since!

Photo source: Pinterest

Stephen, age 13,  being crazy as ever.

3. Charleston, SC
I have yet to talk to someone who doesn't like Charleston, and I can't imagine I would be the first.

Photo source: Pinterest

Photo source: My sweet friend Tracy's Facebook. She attends the College of Charleston, and loves it. Duh. (PS.  This picture kinda makes me want to be her)

2. Anywhere in the tornado torn South
Many of us have had the convenience of forgetting the marathon of death and devastation that took place throughout the South beginning on April 27. I hope I never do. I can't even imagine what it would be like to wake up in the morning with no expectations for the day, and have my world turned upside down by nightfall. I would really like to visit, and see the heartbreaking damage firsthand. I would love to help, in any way shape or form, knowing that anything I could do would only be a drop in the bucket of what needs to be done. Can you imagine what a change in perspective that would lead to? Instead of complaining that I have "nothing to wear", maybe I would look at my full closet and see opportunities to give to others what I take for granted. Instead of sitting at my house on a random summer night, complaining about how bored I am, maybe I would realize that there are people just like me who just lost their entire house, and possibly members of their family. Maybe after seeing all the devastation the Truth would finally sink in. I live a life full of undeserved blessings.

Absolutely heartbreaking. Photo Source: Pinterest

"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." - Isaiah 46:10

1. Nashville, TN
On a lighter note, I reaaallllly wanna go to Nashville. So stinkin' bad. With all the honky tonks, neon lights, halls of fame, and legendary superstars, its like the Disney World of country music. And I want to go there. ASAP. 

Photo source: Pinterest

Photo source: Pinterest

(My friend/roommate Sara and I are talking about planning a trip to Nashville for her 21st birthday/ college graduation. Does that sound perfect or what?!)




I really can't wait to go on one of those ten adventures. But until then, I am going to try as hard as possible to appreciate all that Martin County has to offer...'cause most people would call it paradise.
Love you all.