Notes from a New City - One

As many of you know, I recently relocated with my soon-to-be husband to Chicago from Atlanta. While he and I met in Atlanta, and actually grew up in the same town without knowing it, he has deeper roots in the Midwest. To make his dreams of living back home reality, I brought up the idea of living in Chicago for a few years in order to witness a different slice of life. Perfect, right?

For the most part, yes. But I must admit that I grossly miscalculated how lonely and sad I would feel upon moving away from my home, my family, and my friends. I saw myself as an adventurer, someone who had always wanted to move far away, to a bustling city, but just had never seemed to find the time to do it. However, when I got here, every thought of missing something back home slowly crept in until I was a blubbering mess.

This is in no way saying I didn't really dig it initially. No, Chicago is by far one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. Architecturally speaking, I'm not sure another city in the US even comes close to rivaling it. Sorry, NYC, I just think Chicago is 100% prettier. It's so massive I know I'll never see it all. There are so many adventures awaiting us that it seems impossible I might actually be missing Atlanta. And hard.

But I do.

I thought about it for quite sometime and resolved to make changes in my life to embrace my new home and make these years some of the best. I've decided to share these habits and tips to keep readers from being overwhelmed by homesickness, or stuck inside with no social life, in case one of you gets an itch to relocate or finds a job in a new and exciting city. So... here goes; hope it helps!

Part One.

Communication is your friend.

Video Chatting

If you have an iPhone, hooray! FaceTime is going to be that thing you couldn't imagine when you were younger, but couldn't imagine living without now. Plus, with recent improvements to the iPhone you don't even have to have a wifi connection to FaceTime if you own a five, so win-win!

My family is everything to me. I had a REALLY hard time saying goodbye, when I lived so close and could visit anytime, so it's not an exaggeration when I say I'm on FaceTime more than once a week.

Whenever my parents get together with with my siblings, they always make a point to use FaceTime so I can be there too. Plus, two of my three brothers have children and I definitely can't miss that! My brother Adam welcomed a little man right after I moved, and another brother, Tommy, welcomed twins just a few weeks ago. I didn't get to join the family in the waiting room and kiss those babies' cheeks, but at least I got to see those precious bundles just moments after they entered the world. I really can't imagine my life without it.

Cut time out to video chat with your family and friends. Seriously. Grab a calendar and work with everyone to make sure you can get some one-on-one time. People are busy, but that shouldn't stop you from catching up.

Skype is also a great option for those who have computers and a reliable internet connection.

Letters and Postcards

My grandfather is not a man who enjoys talking on the phone (although we did FaceTime with the help of my aunt for almost 30 minutes one night), so it's much easier to keep in touch with him through letters and postcards. Like many of his generation (and location), he's a man with little regard for loving exchanges and mushy talk, so I usually send him a postcard when I visit a new little town, or am doing some touristy stuff in Chicago. He collects these notes and displays them proudly on the refrigerator. While I may not be able to talk to him frequently, I can still show him my affection with these little acts of thoughtfulness. Plus, they're generally pretty inexpensive so it's great for those who can't dish out the money for the iPhone and the monthly bill it requires.

Gchat

I'm a sucker for Google chat (remember AOL IM?! high school memories right there). Many of my closest friends are on Gchat during the workday, and while I'm not suggesting you chat the day away instead of working, I am suggesting that you reach out occasionally, or, you know, check it out during one of those lunch breaks when you don't leave the desk. Generally, it's a tool to share funny stories or quick jokes throughout the day, and it makes a huge difference if I'm having a rough one!


Sometimes I even send small gifts as surprises to my loved ones to let them know I'm thinking about them. There are so many ways you can communicate -- from email, to telephone, to video chatting on a computer, it's easier than ever to stay in touch!


How do you cope with missing the ones you love?

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A Post: From Atlanta to Chicago

Two years ago J and I decided that we'd stop in Chicago on our way home from his family reunion in Batavia, Illinois. I had never been and it had been ages since he had so it seemed like the greatest idea ever. Although we didn't get to spend more than a day there, I was in love with the city from the minute we arrived. The leaves were bursting with bold colors, the sidewalks busy with people passing, and skyscrapers that made my neck hurt just looking at them. While I currently live in Atlanta, it doesn't necessarily have a big city feel, so it was nice to move at a different pace. When the time came to leave I knew I'd be making a trip back, and immediately began researching all the places I needed to see on a subsequent visit. I've been again since but still haven't had nearly enough time to see ANYTHING. I started thinking that maybe some kind of change was necessary, and, well...

 It looks like I'll have plenty of time to explore the windy city and maybe even come love it as much as Atlanta. And the BIG news: J and I will be relocating to Chicago at the end of August!!! We're beyond thrilled to begin a new chapter and explore a new city! If you're a fan of Chicago, or a current resident, please share recommendations of things to see and do!

Many of you probably already knew this so it's not so much of a shocker! I'm kind of terrible with keeping secrets (my own anyway). There will be more news to announce shortly before the move, but I'm sure I haven't been completely quiet on that one either...so, if you don't know, look out for some more great news!

 (We are huge baseball fans so this is especially exciting... except that I'll never be cheering for the home team!)

Also, I should probably mention a book since this is a book blog. I recently started reading Madeline Miller's Song of Achilles and absolutely love it. Can't wait to finish and share.


How's life? Any big developments or changes in your world? I'd love to know. Have a beautiful weekend!

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A Post: A Blog about Reading & STUFF

I stink at blogging. Or book blogging. I stink at reading. I fall asleep as soon as I even attempt to read a book. It's downright depressing.

Such is life.

The next two and half months are going to be INSANE, people! Don't worry... details to come! Plus, remember when I mentioned that I was planning to get married?! Yeah, so I'm doing that too. Thank god we've decided to push it all the way back to November 2014 because I have no idea how I'd do it all if it were any sooner.

I'll admit that I wasn't necessarily thrilled with the prospect of wedding planning when the whole engagement thing sunk in. I was more than happy to have a short and sweet ceremony with the fam and then throw a big ass party. BUT THEN... I found THE dress and all my dreams of sugar plums and carefree wedding planning were dashed. J thought that if we were going to do it then we should do it right. And BIG (sort of).

Many of you have voiced that you want to see the dress since you know it's been ordered, but there's this whole thing about J reading this blog, and then, you know, the tradition that the groom shouldn't see the bride's dress before the ceremony or the whole relationship is DOOMED. So. I can't post it. Sorry, really I am. But I can totally post pictures of dresses that almost made the cut but just weren't exactly what I was looking for. Yes, I know. I promise that I'm not a narcissist, even though I have to say that almost all the dresses looked pretty amazing. They did. Seriously.

Without further ado...

Ok, ok... a teeny, tiny preview of the gorgeousness below... (but that's all I'm sharing!)

So now I'm super excited about all the other things I get to start thinking about despite the fact that weeks ago I was dreading the whole process. I'm sure I can expect some real highs and lows, but am going in with the most positive attitude and the idea that it will be so much fun!

shop details:

The Sentimentalist
Absolutely beautiful shop, glamorous gowns, and amazing people! I think I've told everyone I know.

Hopefully this won't just turn into wedding blogging... no promises, folks. Can't wait to share my exciting news and get back into the reading scene.

What have you been up to lately?

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Design*Sponge Book Signing - Atlanta

So this is where you see me gush... no, really, GUSH.  Last night I attended Grace Bonney's Design*Sponge event at West Elm in Atlanta.  Not only did I go to my first book signing party, I also participated in a craft class that preluded the party.

Ok, so my skills will never match some of those crafty ladies, and surely never the design queen herself, but I had so much fun chugging along with other happy crafters.

If you follow Design*Sponge as closely as I do, I was patiently awaiting an Atlanta event announcement for quite some time.  Limited seating- hands on session instructed by Grace Bonney- signed copy of the new book- party to preclude with a photobooth and yummy goodness!?  SIGN ME UP! I managed to snag a spot along with 24 other lucky individuals to participate in the craft session pre-book fest.

Here are some photos of the event:

Shiny new copy of Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney.

The craft tables. Project: Freezer Paper Monogrammed Handkerchiefs.  Lesson learned: Cutting small objects with an exact-o knife is not necessarily a strong point for me.

Does this make me a creep-o?!  No shame, people!  It was my first signing!

Even the banners are full of fun.  My iPhone picture taking performance... not so much.





























This is the one I'm most sorry about.  They had mini grown-up, handmade poptarts from a local bakery with fresh fruit.  Delicious does not even touch this stuff.





























The sweet photobooth back drop.  I went alone so didn't feel the need to get my mug snapped.  Ok, this note was not included to induce sympathy.  No tears, people!  I had a blast!

All and all, it was fabulous.  And despite her strenuous tour, Grace managed to keep the energy up and help all of us out that just didn't seem to get it.  Did I mention that she's also like the cutest little lady ever?! I'm happy to see her succeed and can't wait to dive into my book for some inspiration.  

If you have a chance, take a peek... and then buy the thing, duh.

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A Day in Pictures: Atlanta

What started out as an idea of "hey, let's jump on marta, go downtown, take some snapshots, grab a bite and head back home on the train," somehow turned into, "hey, since we're here let's just walk east, stop to eat, go back to the old neighborhood and grab the train from there."  Five miles later we had seen the heart of Atlanta and many of the beautiful neighborhoods that reside just east of Downtown.  We walked up and down the hills of Ponce de Leon Ave., meandered through Freedom Park, stopped in for sunshine and spectacle in Little Five Points and had a cup of tea and a cupcake at Dr. Bombay's in Candler Park before riding back home to Decatur.

And it was awesome.

The end. 

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Bring in the Fall- Bring in Yard Sales with Books for Cheap

Many cities around the US of A are experiencing cooler temperatures, along with the nostalgia-producing changes of verdant greenery to bursts of bright flame-like variation along the roadsides. It's officially Fall, and expected.  But I'm in Atlanta, the city that resists such violent interruptions to it's sweltering, sweat producing temperatures, and doesn't go cool until late OCTOBER.  Nevertheless, the Druid Hills neighborborhood, meaning giant houses and meticulously manicured lawns to match, kept their promise and hosted their annual yard sale.  


And I couldn't resist.  


It was hot.  I was sweating profusely- dressed in black and dark denim! But I got what I went for and here are five finds that cost me only five dollars and fifty cents!

To accommodate this find, here are some little previews of the selected titles:

•  Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits

A narrative that follows four generations of a family in Latin America.  The novel provides magic realism, and features strong female characters.

I've heard and seen this novel for years without picking it up.  Magic realism sometimes turns me away, as I've never been much of a fan, but I'm giving it another go.  Finally, when I sat down with an acquaintance to discuss books for a feminist book group we'll be leading starting October (details to come later) this book was on a list of books that explores women's issues and provokes discussion.

• Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children

An infant born at the exact moment that India gains independence spends his life with otherworldly capabilities.  This novel exposes the emergence of modern India through the narrative of it's protagonist. 

I've shamefully never read any of Rushdie's work, so I thought now would be the time to get to it.

• Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge

Mrs. Kitteridge is a creature of habit, and detests abrupt changes to the life she leads in a small town in Maine.  After self-reflection and a closer look at the characters that surround her, Mrs. Kitteridge begins to see the world in a new light.

I've seen this book at nearly every book shop I've stopped in, and once I found it on a must-read for book clubs on Bookmovement I thought it imperative that I purchase it for the 1.50 the woman had priced it.  Furthermore, this synopsis alone sounds remarkably similar to Julia Glass's The Widower's Tale, which I'm currently reading and really enjoying.

• Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin

A novel that captures New York in the 70s, features a mesmerizing tight rope walker, that just happens to be making his way between the Two Towers.  An intricate story filled with various characters around this dynamic city, it's sure to tug at the heartstrings.

I befriended a fellow on Goodreads that could not speak more highly of this novel.  That being said, I felt that I really just had to get it.  It's also a National Book Award winner and that speaks volumes to me.

• Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis and Other Stories 

I cant' do this summary justice so I'll just take it from the back of the book:

Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find that he is not the man he was.  What he has become forms the starting point for a piercing, painful, and sometimes comic look into human connection and isolation.

Again, another literary great that I've never managed to pick-up. Better late then never, right? 


Read these titles?  Have some suggestions?  Want to share some great finds you've made recently?

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Jonathan Safran Foer To Visit Atlanta

Jonathan Safran Foer, author of: Everything is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Eating Animals, is either loved or loathed in many literary circles.  The Gawker sites that Foer's been named one of the most disliked New Yorkers for three of the five years he's been nominated.  Of course, writers may be faced with envy from their contemporaries; however unfortunate, their own egotism can destroy the support they receive from their biggest fans.  Foer's Everything is Illuminated was adapted for the screen years ago, and starred Elijay Wood; furthermore, his wife is none other than the female lit genius, Nicole Krauss, whose novel, The History of Love, became an international best seller. Yeah, they both possess priviledged backgrounds, and, yes, they might live in a $6.75 million dollar brownstone in Brooklyn, but I can't discredit their talent strictly on account of those factors.


I read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close after I purchased it on a whim a couple of months ago. I had read so many mixed reviews about Everything is Illuminated that I never seriously considered picking up his work. However, after reading (and loving) The History of Love, and finding reviews that expressed his writing bore many similarities; I decided to read it. And I'll admit that I really enjoyed Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, despite the negative attention it received.  I laughed and I cried; it spoke to me on many levels.

So, where am I going with all of this?  Well, I decided to try and participate in more literary events in Atlanta, and while searching I discovered that Foer would be speaking at the Atlanta History Center on Wednesday, September 1st, at 7:00. While I did have second thoughts about attending the event, I've decided I'm going to honor my already purchased reservation and go. 

Here's a Goodreads overview:

Jonathan Safran Foer spent much of his teenage and college years oscillating between carnivore and vegetarian. As he became a husband and a father, he kept returning to two questions: Why do we eat animals? And would we eat them if we knew how they got on our dinner plates? Brilliantly synthesizing philosophy, literature, science, and his own undercover detective work, Eating Animals explores the many fictions we use to justify our eating habits-from folklore to pop culture to family traditions and national myth-and how such tales justify a brutal ignorance. Marked by Foer's profound moral ferocity and unvarying generosity, as well as the vibrant style and creativity that made his previous books, Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, huge bestsellers,Eating Animals is a celebration and a reckoning, a story about the stories we've told--and the stories we now need to tell.

Although I haven't read the book, I am interested to hear (as an ex-vegetarian) what Foer has to say about this moral dilemma, and to see his talent as a non-fiction writer.  Last night while checking my goodreads account, I perused Anthony Doerr's reading list and his review of Foer's book, which he gave four stars.  His review stated that from a reader's perspective, he thought Foer did an excellent job of seeking out information, specifically mentioning how much he enjoyed the interviews and content from average farmers first-hand. Doerr was unimpressed with Foer's own insight, as he felt he approached the topic from a very prerogatived point of view.  This raises many questions because Foer's material encourages everyday citizens to re-think their consumption of animal products on the basis that they are largely unaware of where their food comes from and how it's handled.  I'm interested to see how Foer will address this argument and more, as I have no doubt that it will be brought to his attention. I look forward to providing a full report on the lecture afterwards. 

If you're in the Atlanta area and you're also interested in attending this lecture, you can purchase tickets for $10 dollars here.

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