not literally, per se - but i figure the places i spend the most time are the ones i can consider home

• the library - i practically lived in my elementary and middle school ones. i'd bury myself in the non-fiction, autobio, history, mythology, or whatever else section caught my fancy, and sit there and just immerse myself in another world. i was often late to classes because i was too busy reading. books were (and still are) my favorite gifts for birthdays, holidays, et al. now, public libraries are my jam - i know where most are in my area, i know the layout of the main one downtown like the back of my hand, and i like to visit other towns' libraries when i am on vacation. as an adult i don't have too much time anymore to sit down and read, but my reading collection is always there on my shelves to distract me, and it's the one collection i have trouble parting with - five moves in the past six years, and not one book tossed!
• grocery stores - my dad has worked in the produce business for almost 25 years; i remember going into his work and him cutting us a fresh piece of fruit while my mom shopped. every time i go into a grocery store i immediately get happy and wander around for a few minutes. i am also extra nice to people who work there because i remember all his co-workers totally loving me and my brother when we went into my dad's work to run around the apple stand; some of the coolest people i've met worked in grocery stores, and i admire their hard work just so i can stuff my face with crackers.
• clubs/bars/music venues - i know this must seem dangerous, but i have learned a lot from being in this sort of atmosphere since turning 18: how to dress, how to act with others, how scenes don't really change, what crowds will be like, and how that can all be a 180 from what "real life" is like. i've learned how important it is to keep those two lives separate, and to have a good head on your shoulders to keep you grounded. it also taught me to be a little more outspoken, a little more outgoing, and to savor the peace and quiet at home when i can get it (yay!). both of my jobs/internships require me to be around music-oriented things multiple nights a week; to be uncomfortable being in such environs would seem so odd to me now.

more to come...