Holidays.

"If you leave me for the stars,

it's not something I'd ever allow."

-Miami Horror.

A getaway at the beach is always necessary in maintaining the California lifestyle. Even if it requires driving only 25 miles up the 101 North to a beach paradise. 

Nothing beats nightswimming in the pool and letting the high tide roll in on my toes. As much as people can try to convince me that city life is indescribable or that mountain air is the most wonderful thing, but they don't know what it's like to bask in the glowing sun on the beach. I JUST LOVE IT ALL.

Here's to you, home, for giving me a great last week and here's to two more incredible ones. I'm looking to you for it all.

Shotgun Rider.

"No, I don't ever wanna know

no other shotgun rider beside me

singing to the radio."

-Tim McGraw.

Another 2,000 miles more added to the Miata total mileage and another 2,000 laughs added to the friendship between me and Nikki.

Driving through the worst of West Coast storms to eating greasy (yet AMAZING) pizza in the middle of nowhere New Mexico, we made it. From bashing Nick Jonas and Maroon 5 to telling stories about our favorite people, we lived. And I don't think I could imagine the cross-country journey without her.

My Southern-native best friend has grown a liking to the Golden Coast and I definitely don't blame her for that. Her obsession with Santa Barbara's State Street to her newfound love of the Pacific Ocean makes me see my home through new eyes. Being born and raised in the paradise of California made me blind to the fact that I truly do come from this magical place filled with eternal sunshine and lush countryside. 

We may have gained weight from the In-n-Out and Pinkberry stops along the way, but California welcomed us back with open arms. Even though Nikki may have said goodbye for now, I'm hoping this great state doesn't let go of me too soon. Because I need her to make me feel good now more than ever before I fly across the pond to a land of rainy skies and elegant accents.

The OC. For real.

Heeeee.

Thousand Palms. (But actually, that's the town we were in lolz.)

This is Matthew and I love him and his hilarious soul. Best friends 5ever.

PINK. CAKE.

Love you, mean it.

Nashville.

"Tennessee was sweet to me

and said the right things.

Told me I was something

she'd never seen."

-Kel.

It's official. My room is now just four blank walls surrounding me with the only decorations being super-taped shipping boxes and overstuffed carry-on suitcases. Four months seem to have come and gone like a flash before my eyes and the blur could not have been any better. 

I've always heard to say see you later because goodbyes just seem too permanent. And right as I just typed that statement, my heart is beginning to ache for the certainty of not returning to Tennessee for the next semester and the anxiety-filled excitement for the next adventure ahead. I'm scared. I'm happy. I'm nervous. I'm ready. Does that say enough?

Another realization: I have accomplished so much and I'm only 20. That's it. 20 years young. And I'm moving to England for four months. It's all just mind-blowing stuff to me. Even five years ago, I could not imagine the amount of opportunities and experiences I have had and to know I'm spending 16 weeks of time in a whole new continent doesn't even get through to me. Wow.

Of course, California is next on my adventures to explore. Time and time again, my home never disappoints. It will be three weeks filled to the brim of laughter and sunshine. But compared to the past semester and the one coming upon me, that time does not hold a candle to everything else.

Although I am coming back for one more complete year, I've realized in the past two and a half that Nashville has shaken my core to the great extent and been the best journey I've ever gone on. There have been rough patches and dark tunnels, nonetheless, but nothing can replace every memory and moment that this city has engraved into my heart. I could not be more thankful to have had Music City develop into my home away from home and come fall, I will be heading back into routine with a weekly Fido visit and tune-filled drives down neighborhood streets. But for now, I guess it has to be a see you later.

In the words of John Mayer...

"Cause if you never stop when you wave goodbye, you just might find if you give it time, you will wave hello again."

Don't forget about me, Nash. I'll be back soon.

Rich Girl.

"You're a rich girl

and you've gone too far

cause you know it don't matter

anyway."

-Hall & Oates.

Some days, especially during the midst of finals and moving out, you need to spend your Friday nights binge watching The Hills and wishing you had the life of Lauren Conrad. I mean, who doesn't want to be a Teen Vogue intern who styles fashion shows and attends photoshoots while living in glamorous Los Angeles and sunny days every day? Come on. 

T-minus one week until I'm back in the city of angels and I could not be more ready to return to the days of endless summer and salty breezes.

Welcome To New York.

"It's a new soundtrack.

I could dance to this beat

forevermore."

-Taylor Swift.

It really was waiting for me.

Although it had been years since my last visit, New York was just as magical and wonderful as I remembered. While the city is known for its hectic streets and constant buzzing, I have never smiled more than I did last week over the course of six days.

New York is indescribable. I mean, I could try my best to paint a picture with my words to tell you why I believe it to be the greatest city on Earth. It's got way-too-tall buildings that light up the night sky so no street is ever left dim or dark. The mix of street-cart food and emissions don't sound like they smell too great, but trust me it all adds to the atmosphere. The fast pace of the Metrocard lines and the quick walkers in Penn Station revive my adoration toward big city life. Plus, nothing beats the sanctuary we all know and love as Central Park.

While in the Big Apple, I managed to check off some bucket list items: walking the DVF stairs, running around Oheka Castle and looking at the Macy's Christmas window displays in the dead of night. 

New York is that great, crazy, ever-changing love that Taylor Swift definitely covers in her song. And I cannot wait to get back to my favorite place as soon as I possibly can.

Darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream.

So it's gonna be forever...

Three words. Eight letters.

Nice to meet you, where you been.

Where The Tents are.

What a beautiful wedding says the bridesmaid to the waiter...

Cherry lips, crystal skies.

Chuck and Blair 5ever.

Cause we're young and we're reckless.

Oh my gosh, look at that face.

You look like my next mistake.

CHUCK BASS WAS HERE.

Empire state of mind.

Love's a game, wanna play?

I REPEAT. CHUCK BASS WAS HERE.

House of DVF.

I could show you incredible things.

Strawberry fields forever.

Cause you know I love the players and you love the game.

Met Steps.

XOXO.

It'll leave you breathless...

or with a nasty scar.

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

Or it's gonna go down in flames.

Ain't it funny, rumors fly.

They'll tell you I'm insane.

Heaven on earth.

Magic, madness, heaven, sin.

And I know you heard about me.

We'll take this way too far.

Gossip girl.

I've got a blank space, baby. And I'll write your name.