this is a little premature, but i'm already thinking about the new year and what new things i want to try in 2005. it's a short list so far, but i think i have a good start. so, here it is: try yoga, take guitar lessons, learn to speak spanish, visit alaska. i would be happy if i did just one of those things. any suggestions?

today i drove over to jbu to hang out with mandii. we had lunch at a local mexican restaurant and then went back to her dorm to play guitar together. well, actually i just hold my guitar and sit in awe of mandii and her mad skills on the guitar. she is very nice about my lack of skills (i only have one strum and a limited number of chords i can play) and always graciously humors me. anyway, she is incredible. i did get to play one song for her. it is a 90s (or maybe late 80s) classic that we've talked for months about playing. i finally found the chords and i've been working on it for about a week. you guessed it- "straight up" by paula abdul. there's nothing like acoustic paula abdul songs. anyway, it was great fun and a wonderful afternoon.

on tuesday i'm flying to alabama for the thanksgiving holiday and i'm so excited! a family here at garnett gave me an american airlines voucher they had, so i 'm getting to fly for $15. that is amazing! thanks garrens! after thanksgiving, i'm heading up to nashville for a few days to stay with megan and jason thompson and to see some good friends. it should be a great time. peace.