By the time you read this, I will probably be somewhere in the middle of Kansas, driving east on my way back to New Jersey.

That’s right—after five months in California, I’m finally coming home. It’s been a crazy ride out here—plenty of fun, lots of hard work, and a lot of growth and development for myself and my career. Although I knew it wasn’t forever, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen my house, or my family, or my cat, and it’s been hard. I’ve missed out on a lot of things—my son’s first day at school, new people at work, and one of my closest friends getting very sick. The good news is I’m almost back, and I can’t wait to catch up. In the meantime, here’s a list of some of the things I’m looking forward to when I return:

1. Sleeping in my own bed
2. Playing with the cat
3. Going back to my regular job (really?)
4. Seeing my wife
5. Seeing my son
6. Fighting with my wife for my office (she took it)
7. Autumn weather
8. Visiting my local book shop
9. Seeing my sick friend
10. My wife’s cooking
11. East coast Chinese food
12. Seeing if my favorite barista is still at the Starbucks near my work
13. My iMac
14. Seeing everyone at work
15. Brunch
16. My house

I’m sure there are others that I’m not thinking of now. What about you? What do you miss most when you’re away from home?