Paper Ghost: Musings of a Restless Girl

I am tired of this idea that the holidays are -supposed- to be stressful. they're not. at all. I think more of us need to learn to let go of expectations and learn how to say "no" to things we don't want to do. Yes, we all have obligations and have to do things we don't want to do sometimes, but we CAN limit those things, and we can compromise, too. What is the point of the holidays if we can't do the things we want to do, the things that make us happy? While the holidays are about spending time with family for some, it doesn't always have to be if that's not what you want. Some of us have toxic families, and sometimes they become even more toxic around the holidays. The holidays are a time that we should all have a right to enjoy, and if that means avoiding the people that cause that holiday stress, then so be it. Turn your phones on silent, block their number, do what you have to do.  Take the time to set them aside and say "hey, I have ...

So I have spent the last week in Alaska, and by golly, it's beautiful! It looks exactly like every picture you've ever seen but way more gorgeous in person. Alex and I have been discussing moving North once we're done with our current degrees and Alaska has been on our list, so it's definitely something we're going to look into. This state is HUGE.  I was blown away by the flight across Canada and just how vast it is. and same with Alaska.  I've been looking at different towns and cities and figuring out how far they are from my best friend (in Eagle River) and it's mind blowing!  It can look like an hour drive on a map but it's actually a two day excursion. there are a lot of people here but it's not like Hampton Roads (or anywhere I've been really) where everyone is crammed on top of each other. Just going to the grocery store is like going on a wild, gorgeous adventure (five minutes away). I'm looking into visiting the town of Ket...

This time of year gets especially difficult. I used to spend Christmas break at my grandma Mimi's house and I looked forward to it more than just about anything else. I miss waking up to the smell of coffee drifting down the hall to my bedroom.  The sound was even comforting. Of course, this was not the first time I'd wake up in the morning as there was always a chorus of pekingese expressing their interest in going outside, my Buffy scratching at the door begging to join. I miss going around switching on all of the tree lights, as she had more than one beautiful Christmas tree. She also had porcelain dolls holding candles that would sway back and forth at the turn of an on-switch.  Many might find it creepy, but I found it heartwarming. Later in the day, she'd help me tear the bread for stuffing, and give the turkey a "shot" as we called it.  Her rolls were my favorite, soft and warm, moist and scrumptious. Her house was always warm and inviting.  She let ...