Day One: High school reunions, 2011 plans, creme brulee lattes.

I meant to post this yesterday -- [[Dec 30, 2010]]

Yesterday was our five year high school reunion. To sum it up in a few phrases: interesting, obnoxious (only sometimes), new boots (that kind of hurt my feet), broccoli (TGI Fridays has barely any vegetarian options... haha), N Sync (throwback music), rain, running into random people that WEREN'T in our class, iHop. I think I'm glad I went. It was good catching up with some people. Some people seem like they haven't changed, and some people seem to have changed a lot. I know that's vague.

It's hard to catch up on the past five years of your life. Where do you start? I found myself repeating the same things over and over. I teach English and Creative Writing. I want to spend my life traveling and writing. I own a jewelry business. blah. blah. blah. Does anyone REALLY care? Haha.

Now: I'm currently sitting at Bitterend coffee shop drinking a creme brulee latte - even though I ALWAYS get the peppermint latte. I have routines at coffee shops and restaurants that I want to break away from.
For example:
Panera = Mediterranean Veggie sandwich.
Biggby = Teddy Bear.
Applebee's = spinach dip.
Wolfgang's = The Dewey.
Marie Catrib's = Sweet Potato and Quinoa Burger.
Bitterend = Peppermint Latte.
Ugh. TRY NEW THINGS. I need to. I did today.
Anyway, I decided that I need to take more time to sit down and write... so here I am. [[ Currently listening to "Brand New Day" by Joshua Radin. He has a lovely voice.]] And I'm starting that month-long writing challenge today. You should do this with me! It will be good for you (:

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Writing Challenge Day One:
One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

 2010:  Change.
New job.
New hair.
New city.
New house.
New friends.
New roommate.
New co-workers.
New plans and goals.
New backpacking adventures.
This year has been a roller coaster.

2011:  Adventurous. This has been at the forefront of my mind for the past few months. I need a trip to plan, a new hobby, a different coffee shop... I'm so afraid to become stagnant or stuck in a routine. I spend a lot of time lately looking up things to do in Italy, pictures of California, cruise itineraries, and airline prices. My copy of 1000 Places to See Before You Die is getting more and more worn by the week. I have just felt the need for new things. A fresh start. A clean slate. I want to break out of rituals and old habits and routines. Starting with my latte choice today.
(: