I’m so excited! I’m headed home tomorrow. Life’s been kinda weird since Thanksgiving, but I’m so happy to spend some family time. Our extended family is far away (another coast or across an ocean), so it’s usually the 5 of us, and I have a feeling this will be the last Christmas with the 5 of us for a while.
I think there’s comfort in the familiar. Obviously, my family is familiar, the house where I (mostly) grew up, friends I haven’t seen in forever will be around too. I’m hoping Mari and I can go for a run and it’s not too freezing cold. The past few years we’ve had pretty much the same running pace which is difficult for me. I’m not much of a ‘running buddy’ person because it’s so hard to find a comporably paced person, but who better than your little sis!
Anyway, back to comfort in the familiar. For some reason in my life as soon as I get comfortable with a place it seems like time to leave. That was great for a while, but like the last post said I think it’s getting time to establish some roots. Trust people enough to be open and vulnerable. I love the home my parents have created for us, but eventually it’s time for me to create my own.
It’s good to be rooted, but I think it’s also good to continually take risks and push yourself to become better, do better, live better, etc. I think that may be something I’ll work on. Looking for ways to strive for the best and not settle for something just because it’s familiar. It may be harder to attain or get whatever that is, but maybe it’s just that much more worth it.
So I hope you live fearlessly, passionately, and with the courage to go after what you’ve been waiting for!
I’ve really been trying to meet more girls to be friends with, and it’s happening slowly but surely. There are some girls are work that are pretty cool, and there are some others that I’ve kinda randomly met and it’s great!
I’ve moved so much and really can’t wait until I’m settled somewhere in a community. Honestly, I kind of doubt that it will be here, but for now, at least I have the time to actually get to know people and go to functions.
Louisiana is different too! There are these huts all over where you can drink through and buy a daiquiri! Like a snow cone stand with tons of flavors, but all daiquiris! There are pretty strong, so I’ve only had part of one.
And it seems pie is a big deal. So many restaurants, diners, cafes, you name it seem to be known for their pie. Being an avid lover of pie, this suits me very well. However, due to a strangely shrinking appetite of mine, I’ve been less able to save room for dessert at all! But at least it’s nice to know there are so many kind of pie available!
I still miss someone and hope things iron out soon. 
So, I can’t believe it’s already December! Seems like this year has flown by, although January seems like so long ago.
One thing I’m excited for this year is to actually celebrate Christmas. Last year I had to work all through the holiday and I probably went to a dozen parades, concerts, food drives, holiday meals, random events, etc. But it’s the run-and-gun get the story and get out scenario. I even went to jail (YES) to see how the inmates were celebrating! But felt detached from the season.
It wasn’t until Christmas night, after I finished covering the inmates and a turkey frier turned fiery explosion, that I spent Christmas night at my friend Marisa’s with her family. We had chili, watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and drove through the area’s trail of lights.
There is peace in the season. I’m still away from my family this year, but at least I have a little more time to breathe and take in the holiday, and actually have the day off to spend with them! Honestly, all the cheesy festivals get a little old, but I think it all symbolizes Christ’s birth. Joy, hope, community, giving.
These posts have seemed so sappy lately, and for that I apologize. I’d like to post something funnier, somehow forced funny is even worse.
