Living Two Lives is Exhausting

Bonne Année!

I went to London! It was bloody spectacular! I remember the first night I got into London, I went walking around at night. As I was walking, I just started smiling. Something about London...the smell in the air? The look of the old architecture? The funny accents that are heard? I have no idea, but I liked it. I walked on bridges that are older than my country, I spoke with kind English gentlemen, I climbed to the top of a pretty church, and I rode the slowest moving ferris wheel I've ever ridden (with the greatest view also)! I definitely need to go back.

I went back to Seattle for Christmas. I didn't realize how much I missed Seattle until I was actually back there. My first morning back, I decided to go out for breakfast. I step outside, and there is the tiniest, quietest drizzle. On the way to the breakfast place I see a farmer's market being set up. When I get in, I am instantly greeted by a hipster waitress. There is Band of Horses playing on the radio. I sit down and order myself a cup of Stumptown coffee. There is a Chinese family (not too FOB-ish!) having breakfast at the far booth, and a gay biker couple sitting to my left. I look outside the window and I see people outside walking their dogs. All things Seattle, all things wonderful. I decide right then and there: I belong here. Sure, I'm off studying in France for a while and traveling around; but there is no place like Seattle.

When I first came to France, I was a little freaked out because it felt like I was just this selfish guy going off doing whatever I want with no regard for anyone. I was just leaving everything and everyone behind. Except since I came back, I realized that I didn't actually leave anything behind. All the people and places I knew and loved are still there. A few things changed a bit and that's okay, but they're all pretty much the same. Even visiting my hometown (which shall remain nameless) was nice. So to all my friends and family: thank you for putting up with this selfish little adventure of mine. Thanks for being there when I come back. Seriously.

My New Year's resolution last year was to take more risks and to make more mistakes (partly inspired by a good friend). I think I've lived up to it pretty well and learned a lot from it. So here's to 2012! May your year be as fun/beautiful/terrifying/random/memorable/enlightening as I hope mine is!