My First...

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?

summer of 1998

My parents bought their home when I was nine months old and have been there ever since. It’s always been ‘home’ to me and as I’ve gotten older I realize just how much I took that for granted. Many memories spring to life but the one that sticks out the most is when I was roughly four years old; it was summer time and my parents would connect the sprinkler to the hose and let me run and play in the yard while they watched, or sometimes joined me in the kiddy pool that was set up nearby.

When was your first time moving out of your parents home? 

I was 18 and a senior in high school when I first moved out. My boyfriend (now husband) and I got our first apartment off Southside Blvd near Baymeadows Rd. We decided to rent a unit on the third floor because we didn't want to have people above us, plus the top floor had vaulted ceilings and a fireplace! However, as charming as this little apartment was, we did not consider all the trips we would have to take up the stairs toting groceries, or how difficult it would be to move all our furniture into our new home.

If you’re a fan of Friends, the famous “pivot” scene was literally my husband and our friends trying to maneuver the couch and mattress up the small stairway. Comical now, not so comical then.

When was your first big trip away from home?

My grandma, mom, sisters, and me in front of the entrance to the Shuri Castle

I am blessed to have a large family, with many members in the military. In 2006, I was twelve years old when my aunt and uncle were stationed in Japan and invited my grandma, mom, sisters and me to join them for Christmas. After three layovers, a delayed flight which led to missing a connection, and 18 hours in an airplane, we finally landed in Okinawa. We spent close to four weeks exploring Japan and learning about their culture - from the Shuri Castle to Gyokusendo Cave to playing at Araha Beach, we took in all that Japan had to offer. It was such an authentic experience I hope to visit again, but this time with more appreciation.

The scrapbook I made of my dream first home (yes I still have it!)

What is your DREAM first home?

Similar to how many young girls plan out and dream of their wedding, I would dream about my future home and life. I even had a scrap book where I planned out each room along with decor from pictures I cut out of home style magazines! I envisioned my first home to have a wrap around porch, a master suite with french doors that faced the morning sun, and a mile long drive way that had huge oak trees lining each side.. needless to say my exceptions were very high. My family currently does not live in what I thought my first home would be like, but that home is still a dream and we are striving for it everyday.