Hey, I made you a mixtape: 10/17

When I started kindergarten I cried every day. I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay home with my mom and my little sister. I didn't want to make friends or explore new things. I wanted to play Barbies and watch Perfect Strangers (we didn't have cable and this was my favorite show) in the company of my favorite ladies. That's where I was happiest - at home.


Even today - at 24-years-old, single, underpaid - I often find myself feeling this way. I still feel this way despite the fact that I'm currently on the verge of something great. I'm going to move away from the small town I've been hiding in. After two years - two seasons of watching American Idol on the pull-out sofa bed with my mom, 24 plus months of my dad scolding me for not putting my glass in the dishwasher - I'm going to move out. I have to do this for my own sanity. Problem is, lately I'm so comfortable at home it's hard to imagine living in an apartment in Manhattan. I'll have to sell my car, consolidate my wardrobe. I can't possibly bring all my books with me. I feel safer when I'm surrounded by them


I can't believe that the opportunity to move back is finally around the corner and I'm re-considering. I'm losing my mind. Doubts be damned. This is going to happen. As my good friend Stephanie said, I need to move to New York yesterday. I promise to continue thinking optimistically and reminding myself that New York City is where I want to be. While doing so, I'll be listening to this mix. It's full of convincing.

01 -- New York City - John Lennon (see below)
02 -- City Love - John Mayer

03 -- Walking Downtown - Copeland

04 -- Lua - Bright Eyes

05 -- Taxi Cab - Vampire Weekend

06 -- Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters - Elton John

07 -- Brooklyn is Burning - Head Automatica

08 -- Motorcycle Drive By - Third Eye Blind

09 -- All the Pretty Girls go to the City - Spoon

10 -- I Just Wanna Have Something to Do - The Ramones
11 -- Brooklyn Bound - The Black Keys