I am not funny, China is funny.: Holiday Highlights

I never realized that the question, “Where are you from?” could be so complicated. For some reason, I was asked this question several times on our last visit to the states. Each time I found myself perplexed when it came to my answer. It would seem silly to answer in my southern accent, “Australia.” Later on I pondered on how I should have answered. Here is what I came up with: I am from Nashville, TN where I was born to two loving parents. Nashville is also where Boone and Sally Swain put their mark on me. I am from Mobile, AL where the Counts, Crawford, Ashurst, and Koblas families all put their stamp on me. Mobile is also where my fabulous sister and brother were brought into this world. I am from Clemson, SC where, in my younger years, the King’s, Bowie’s, Harris’s, Taylor’s, Mike Massar, Evelyn Boykin, Linda Rettew, Amy Sefick, Krista McDonald, Anna Cobb, and too many other friends to count helped to mold me and make me a better person. In my adult life, Clemson has brought new friends that I will always cherish. Although, I didn’t live there, I am from the panhandle of Florida where my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents loved me and helped raise me. I currently live in Australia, where my friends have been like family. So my answer is, “It is complicated.” It isn’t possible to list everyone, but I love that so many people loved, raised, and continue to guide me on my path in life. Man, I am a lucky girl.

Here are some pictures that highlight our trip over December and January and include some of the people where I am “from”.