Oh, the perks of being at home....

After being away from home for a while, we all, to some degree, get homesick. Those away at college, overseas, or even just out of town get homesick. Here are some of the best things about going home after a long period of time, whatever that is to you.

1. The smell of home.

Oh, just thinking about it makes me happier. You all know what I mean. Our homes all have their own unique smell, and it would not be home without it.

2. Your own, big bed.

If you’ve ever traveled, even if only for a night, you get this! Our beds are our kingdoms.

3. Seeing your parents.

No, matter how much they get on your back when you are home, it sure is nice to see them. Their face somehow makes everything better. All those Skype calls never live up to the real thing.

4. Seeing your pets.

The amount of time that separates us from our pets doesn’t matter to them. Five seconds or five years, it’s all the same. You were gone and they missed you!

5. Good Old Home Cooking.

Man, I wish for something homemade right about now. The cafeteria food in college is nowhere near my momma’s cooking. Even if you’re momma isn’t the best cook, it’s still the thought that counts.

6. Seeing all your high school friends.

Whether it’s by chance in the local convenient store or by hosting a game night, we all enjoy seeing our friends from high school to catch up.

7. Free laundry.

Face it, when you go home, the laundry is free and that is one of the best things about going back. No, you may not have any clean clothes when you get there, but most of the time your parents will expect a heaping pile of dirty clothes. With open washers, they take you in.

8. Siblings.

I've found that, generally, we like our siblings more and more as we grow up. Is it a coincidence that as we age, we spend less time together, I think not! No matter how long it has been, I am always down for a good conversation with my sibling.

9. Eating at your favorite restaurant.

I want some good diner pancakes over conversation with old friends. Or some delicious Mexican with old co-workers. I'm drooling.

Any reason is a good reason to stop home. Maybe it has been too long, I know it will be much appreciated if you stop on by, especially with the holidays coming up.

We all travel and, at some point, leave the nest. But it is always there and I'm always missing my favorite things about home. Now I'm off to go back to a dorm room that does NOT smell like home, get into a bed that is NOT fluffy enough, and tomorrow eat breakfast in the lack luster cafeteria.