Caroline Cross Country

I'm giving in.  I'm starting a blog. Yes, I flirted with the idea before, even attempted a "sisterhood of the traveling" via blog...that failed.  But now, it's time for commitment.  What a better time to start than at graduation.  As of Sunday May 20, 2012 I am an official alum of the University of Virginia.  Some may say that technically I "graduated" from UVA in December as that is when I withdrew from classes, and, yes, I did get my diploma several months before the rest of my class but these are minor details.  You may ask what the newly graduated do with their time.  I am currently sitting comfortably at my mother's dining room table with a chilled glass of rosé as Norah Jones croons from the curry scented kitchen and a candle quivers into the coming thunderstorm.  This peaceful evening is the precursor to the slew of packing that will ensue tomorrow morning as I kiss my mother goodbye and leave for the first leg of my journey across the country.

I am moving to California.

Tomorrow I leave for dear Charlottesville, where I have spent the last four years of my life.  I have grown to love this town and the beautiful drive along 29 on the way there from "NoVA", the conglomerate of small cities and towns in the north of Virginia that acts as a large suburb to Washington, DC.  Now I am SoCal bound.  As my Dad said, playing off an old radio phrase, I am going "From the Capital to the Coast".  But, until I reach the City of Angels, Hollywood, the place where movie magic is made! I will be in the car for several hours.  Fortunately, I have always wanted to take a road trip across the country and I will be able to stop and see some dear friends along the way.  My route is Nashville, Memphis, Golden MO, Branson MO, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Pagosa Springs CO, Sedona AZ, Los Angeles.  Wish me luck, I will try to keep you up to date about my travels and my new adventures.  Here's to California Dreamin'.