In a few hours, I will depart Philadelphia and make my way back to Santa Barbara.

Everyone keeps asking me if I am excited to leave – if I’m happy to be going back to California.

Sometimes it’s tough to tell the truth, but I pride myself on it – and the answer is obviously yes.

It’s nothing against anyone – really, I had an amazing two weeks here on the East Coast – but the lifestyle is not for me anymore.

I need to be in an environment that’s less stressful. It’s such a rat race here, man – unbelievably so.

And I prefer a life where the weather makes my body feel good and entices me to step out and wander around. I’m not used to being inside this much. It’s sort of driving me crazy.

I’ve written before about the post-trip blues that I tend to contract, but I don’t think it will be a problem this time: the fun continues this weekend when I jump out of a plane.

I’ll stay in my plane today – I promise – yet I will be peering down as we take off, thinking about how in two days I’ll put it all on the line (again) for a taste of freedom.