Had a conversation with my housemate/brother-in-law about wanderlust the other day. We were just exploring our different opinions about whether having a house and a mortgage is cool on accounta "stability" or whether it feels more like soul-crushing oppression that makes me want to burn the whole thing to the ground and change my name and move to another country. Guess which side I'm on.
I couldn't even imagine adding a kid to that picture. More power to you and yours, my dear.
Oh! But the reason I came in here: I got a major award! I went to my department graduation reception yesterday and earned an "Outstanding Undergraduate Student" award. And since mom always asks (since she knows the difference between first place and a participation medal), three of twenty-five graduates received the award. I suspected I would get something, because several different people asked and made sure I was going to be there, but I didn't get my hopes up because I have been let down a lot on that front in the last decade or so. It feels nice to be back in an environment where they give you credit just for showing up and being smart. Almost as good as getting paid.