Want Vs. Need

I think about this a lot. There are a lot of things that I totally, completely, absolutely want. But do I need them? As an adult (halfway there, I think), Christmas becomes a tug of war between want and need. Should I ask for a set of pots and pans that I need since my current set is falling apart? Or do I ask Mom and Dad for some lotions and clothes and jewelry that I really, really want? Of course, at this stage in the game, I did the latter. I didn't really need that diamond necklace, but man did I want it.

Knowing many people that are unemployed, I feel like Christmas can present a challenge. It is very hard to watch family and friends buy mountains of gifts for their loved ones and for you not to be able to purchase much, if anything. I won't name names, but a certain someone had a mighty hard time finding a gift for his girlfriend and the whole thing ended up with two pretty unhappy individuals. Be open-minded you say, well that can be hard when you want your significant other to mind read and figure out the perfect gift for you. I think having realistic expectations is a little more reasonable for this situation. Whatever.

So Christmas came and went, officially. Luckily December 26th was chock full of excitement this year, since typically it is a day where I feel crushing depression. There was a reunion of sorts and it was one of those occasions where you are excited to be there, but afraid of what may or may not happen during the event. Everything went well, but I most certainly felt it the next day.

Looking forward to 2010 and all of the things I want to buy. In no particular order:

(courtesy BananaRepublic.com "Carlita" boot)

(courtesy of BananaRepublic.com, "Amalfi" medium shoulder bag)

(courtesy of Loccitane.com, Almond Shower Oil)

(courtesy of Shopbop.com, Theory "Zuma" cardigan)

Vacation

Since I am on vacation I figured I would start back up again. Why is it that I can't commit to this blog? Being on vacation leaves me much more free time than I am used to or am comfortable with, so why not do a little work? I am currently wrapping up applications to graduate school, so again I am met with free time after work even when I am not on vacation.

I have been catching up on all of my favorite blogs and on all of my favorite TV shows. I am so inspired by so many writers and would eventually love to be considered a writer myself.

During this vacation I have set my sights on some reading, as well as spending quality time with my family and boyfriend. I think it's time that we add a pet to my apartment so my boyfriend and I will be on the hunt for some clean, silent and dazzling fish.

My poor kitten (who I would love to have in this apartment!!) is at home with my parents being tortured with a ton of love and as much food as she can fit into her tiny, non-cat like body. As much as I would like to say she misses me, the truth is my mother treats her better than she will ever understand. So, since the kitten is banned from my tiny, one room apartment, I must go out and find a fish that I can talk to on the odd nights that I am home alone.

The only fish I have ever owned is one I or a friend won at various carnivals way back when. Always, those fish died within a few weeks due to neglect or something else that I wouldn't be able to pinpoint. The goal of my search is to find a fish that WILL NOT DIE. If this fish is going to be my companion, it must have a long and prosperous life. Hopefully the pet store will take me seriously and help me with this.

I also plan to read as much as I can. After watching Oprah interview Vicki Kennedy on her show, I am beyond excited to read "True Compass" by Ted Kennedy. I have always been infinitely fascinated with the Kennedys (especially Jacqueline and JFK) and am very intrigued by this autobiography. I am waiting impatiently until Christmas when I am hoping to receive it as a gift (Thanks Mom!). The Kennedys encapsulate all that is America and truly started the interest in celebrities/people in the public eye. I think we are endlessly fascinated by people that we don't know, but feel that we do, because curiosity pushes everyone. I highly doubt Teddy put anything shocking in his book that we may not already know, but to hear about his tragic and important family from his perspective should be outstanding.

Since deciding that it is financially irresponsible for me to purchase $25.00 books constantly, I have fully embraced the library in my town. It is so novel to me that you can get books absolutely for free and therefore I take the return date very seriously. I treasure the fact that I pay nothing for each book so I would never want to mess that up by incurring a late fee. I probably will never buy a book again, but welcome them 100% as gifts.

I will update continually through vacation, until then, Merry Christmas.