There was a time in my life when four walls and a roof over my head didn't mean much to me. I am therefore surprised to see how much joy and satisfaction I have felt from something I never thought I would want. The stereotypical American dream of owning a home and raising a family had never been what I imagined myself doing, let alone finding any kind of fulfillment in it. My dreams were to travel the world and try new things; things no one had ever done before. I wanted to see things I never imagined and help people on a global scale. It's not to say that these are no longer the dreams I chase, but there has been a complete metamorphosis in my ambitions. I find joy in the simplest and most ordinary place: my home. A simple house in need of renovation that is almost 60 years old has become the apple of my eye and the oasis to which I escape at the end of each day. My home is in Hampton, Virginia, which is a big city compared to the small country town I grew up in. While there are some areas in Hampton that could use some improvement, there are also many nice areas scattered throughout the city. I am lucky enough to have a house that is located in one of the most beautiful areas. There is easy access to many local amenities that make living in this great city a joy. I have been able to experience much of the local culture, including exciting festivals and a wide variety of cuisines, since moving here 2 years ago. I have also made some friends in my community that I hold dear. These friends are always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and have been a very positive factor in my life, constantly encouraging me to do things I didn't think I was capable of doing. I am so grateful to live...... middle of paper...... every project I have undertaken I have done to the best of my ability and the result has been surprisingly picturesque. My favorite place in the world is my home and not because I'm a hermit who doesn't like to go out. My home is in a perfect location, full of opportunities and excitement that I take full advantage of. From the beautiful exterior and welcoming street to my tiled entryway, it all adds to the feeling of having entered a perfect home. Not just having entered a perfect house, but the perfect house for me; exactly how I want it. Every area showcases my handiwork, and the pride I take in that work is what makes me feel so powerful when I'm in my home. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said "Where we love is home – a home our feet may leave, but not our hearts" and as a homeowner I now believe it with all my heart.