The cities I've lived in, personified as boyfriends (and a video of "Ripple")

Boston - My first true love. I fell for you deeply, and completely. I dreamed of us spending the rest of our lives together, but I suppose I always knew. You came from money, and I was never going to be able to afford that lifestyle. You were often cold, and hard to navigate. In being with you, I distanced myself from my family. You brought out the wild child in me - the college girl, up-all-night adventures. You moved me into my first apartment, were with me at the bar when I turned 21, and gave me a long hug goodbye when I packed up and left you at 25. We spent a total of 7 years together, and I think a part of me will always wonder... what would have happened if I had stayed?

Philadelphia - You were an old high school friend, and I came running to you after my break up with Boston. I wish I had treated you better, but I suppose we both knew that you were a rebound. You're a great guy, really, and I wish more people knew it. We saw some great concerts, ate some great food, and watched the Phillies take the World Series together. I hope we can still be friends. I really mean that. I'll call you. Say hi to my mom.

Washington, DC - Oh DC. Our relationship was a mere 6 months, but intense nonetheless. I'd had a crush on you for years. I should have known better when I realized that you weren't really into music. I let you drive my car to Annapolis that one time and you crashed it. The sad part is that I was would have stuck with you, had you not broken my heart. But now I'm bitter, and not afraid to tell you that sometimes you smell bad. And you're bad at baseball. Ha.*

Nashville - Dear Nashville, with your independent coffee shops and your surprisingly good sushi. With your Centennial Park and your unbelievable songs. With your friendly strangers and secret society of blogging geeks. I think, maybe, you're the one.

*Disclaimer to the couple of DC-area fans who read this. I love you guys! Just not my DC experience and how hard it is to get a dang show there. I promise to visit and sing songs as soon as I can.

Speaking of, here's a video of me singing a song in the DC area, at last year's Mid-Atlantic Song contest ceremony.