[i've got somewhere to go, i've got a new road to follow]

I was going to devote an entry to Christmas Traditions at the Carsons...and I started writing about it...but then I realized that the only people who would really appreciate my nostalgic ramblings about holiday tradition are the four people (and the crazy dog) who share the day with me. So I just want to say that I hope 2012 is off to a lovely beginning! And I encourage you to think of the traditions that make you smile, no matter what time of year.

The world is a big place. So many wonderful places to be, so much to explore. It's exciting and overwhelming. How does one go about choosing the best place to be? Many people don't even get to choose. I really love all of the places I've lived throughout my life, but it's impossible to choose a favorite, and to choose whether I want to stay here or move on to another place - or to go back to an old place. I have called seven states my home in my twenty-seven years of life...and they are all special and beautiful and full of possibilities. I wonder if people who move around throughout childhood/early adulthood have an ingrained sense of wanderlust. I just cannot figure out a way to combine my so-called wanderlust with my chronic nostalgia and resistance to change.

I already posted this on my facebook page, but do yourself a favor and watch this video/listen to this song from Ingrid Michaelson's new album, Human Again, which comes out on January 24th (wish it was sooner!). I cannot wait to have those sweet new melodies ringing through my ears. This woman knows how to write beautiful lyrics and music, it would do you well to become a fan (although I'm guessing many of you already are).

So far, I am not doing too badly on my resolution to listen to myself this year. The more I consider the things that I want and try to accept the fact that nothing can be certain, the more relaxed and optimistic I become. I think I am always going to be a "late-bloomer" in many respects, perhaps I'm learning how to embrace that.

I am watching Love Actually right now, already teared up during the opening montage, haha. Pathetic. Although that bitch who cheats on Colin Firth in the beginning really pisses me off. And my lovely roommate and bff is home to watch it with me, so farewell for the moment and I'll write again soon.

[amanda]

title quote: "I Must Go," Late Tuesday, Late Tuesday (scroll down and take a listen from two entries ago!)