happy, looong weekend


Heading into the start of the New Year, I was a little stressed about how much I was going to be traveling in January and February. 

First up was a weekend to Indy to celebrate my dear friend Megan's baby on the way. And you know what I found? No matter how busy life feels, traveling to be with people you love is always, always worth it. 



On Friday, I went to an awesome dinner with my parents and afterwards they dropped me off at Jordan's for a sleepover. My dad joked it reminded him a lot of middle school days and that if I got scared and needed a ride home later, I need not be afraid to call. 

Don't worry, I made it through the night. 

We checked off a few last minute shower to-dos. Drank some wine. And laughed and late night talked. It was so wonderful to be back together with happy friends. 

Saturday was sweet Megan's shower at my parents' house, with more of our old friends, who filled me up to the brim. I loved being together after years apart. 












Other highlights include a family party with our cousins. And breakfast at Patachou with my parents. 


It was a most happy Indiana weekend and I couldn't be more grateful for my family, friends and our time together. 

AND it was a long weekend. Which is pretty much the best thing ever. Monday, Duke, Sam and I went rock climbing (more on this to come) and broke in my new bike!



And those, are the makings of a very fine long weekend, I do think.

when you're tired of waiting for your husband


This picture of Sally, Melissa and me is one of my favorites. We took it at Oyster Fest, which was almost exactly two years ago. It was springy in February and we got up early and had mimosas and the sun shone all day long. It reminds me of one of my favorite times in Atlanta - when we were all becoming friends and everything was new and exciting and we'd never even been to Oyster Fest before. 

I always think of that when I look at it.

But you know what else I think of? How right after we took this picture I started crying. And they had no idea what to do because I'd never cried in front of them before. How I told them I was sad that all of my friends had boyfriends and I didn't understand why I couldn't find a nice guy and finally just said, "when is it going to be my turn!?"

You get it. Right? So many of my friends want to know that. And so much more.

Why aren't they getting asked on dates?
Why aren't they meeting any quality guys? 
Why do all their friends keep meeting nice guys and they don't?
Why is God making them wait?
What is wrong with them?

When is going to be their turn?

And I get it. I so get get get it. I've had that feeling so many times. After bad dates and break ups and nights when I felt so alone. It's lonely. And loneliness is far worse than actually being alone. It's not having someone who knows you, gets you, makes you a priority.

image source

I don't know why some people get married at 18 and others have to wait until 32 and others at 55 and others not at all. I don't know why we all have to experience these trials differently. 

But I do know that, even though it can be an uphill battle, the best thing we can do is enjoy the right now. 

We cannot waste this season of life because we're tired of waiting for the next one. It might feel like winter in your love life - a little cold, not a lot blooming - but spring will come.

God is doing something. Big time. Two years ago, when that picture was taken, I was so sure I was ready. I think I even told my friends: I'm just ready! And I really, really felt ready.

image source

But God has done crazy cool stuff in my life since then. I've been broken down and built up 37 times. I've felt more real joy than I have in years. I've learned so much more about who I am. I've learned to be comfortable in my own skin and am finally living less for perfection and pleasing and more for the right things.

And it's not even over! Things are happening every day, and I am so grateful that God knew better. I thought I was ready, but, as it turns out, I was wrong. I'm a big time work in progress and the work is just getting started.

200 stories up! // atlanta ferris wheel


I have a mean case of tunnel vision and once I get an idea to do something, it's unlikely I can forget it. 

Exhibit A?


Guess where I was Wednesday night?

That's right. The Ferris Wheel.


Beforehand, Chris and I went after Sushi Kiku, which is easily one of Atlanta's best sushi places (half priced sushi every night for dine in. You need not worry about the fact that "half priced every night" makes it just -- their regular prices. That's some good marketing, I tell ya!).

After that we headed downtown to the Ferris Wheel. We were slightly concerned about the insanely cold 37-degree weather + wind + 200-foot wheel. But we were on a mission.


Upon arrival, we were more than pleasantly surprised. 
- Parking is a breeze.
- The carts are enclosed - so neither hot nor cold weather is a concern.
- You get to go around FIVE times. That's so many! 

We sneaked a little spiked hot chocolate on board, but were too hyper about the amazing views to drink it. 


Seeing Centennial Olympic Park from above was my favorite part. Because I'm obsessed with the Olympics. Oh, and also, the heated cars. Genius. 

Happy Friday! 

PS: Saw the news about the National Ferris Wheel. DC: Get ready! You will love it!

a new bike, fresh veggies and a ferris wheel ambition.


There's something about winter that leaves me yearning for more. It leaves me a little bored. A little antsy. A little bit waiting for spring.

But this winter? I'm not doing it. I won't let it happen. I want to embrace the wintery things Atlanta has to offer and embrace the fact that everyone is OK with slowing down (read: hibernating) during this season. 

The first way I'm doing it is by tackling things on my bucket list that I've been wanting to do for months. In November, I told you five things I wanted to get done by the end of the year. I only got two done - dangit - but not for lack of trying. Here's what they were:

Grant Park Farmers' market 
Live music at Eddie's attic
Atlanta Botanical Garden (Garden Lights, Holiday Nights!)
Falafel King in Emory Village
Tour Oakland Cemetary

Here's how it went:

Grant Park Farmers' market (Bucket List #3): Done. Melly and I went one humid Saturday morning after a great workout, with coffee. Easily one of my favorite mornings of the month. Workout? Check. Healthy eats? Check. Good friend? Check. Coffee? Check. Life at GPFM is good, y'all. 


Live music at Eddie's Attic (Bucket List #12): DONE. Chris and I went to Ryan Horne's Christmas show right before I left for Indy and it was solid. Eddie's Attic has such a good vibe - cozy, all about the music and chill. I can't wait to see another show there. 


Falafel King (Bucket List #75): Fail. Duke and I went after a New Year's Eve run and they were closed! For a week! I was really sad. I thought I was going to squeeze that baby in RIGHT before the end of the year. 

As for ABG and Oakland Cemetary? I'll be seeing you this year, amigos!

Speaking of amigos. My friends and I recently tried La Pastorcita, which begins my goal of exploring ethnic restaurants on Buford Highway (Bucket List #45). Highlights include a Mariachi band (two actually. for real.), awesome guac and $2 tacos. 


AND, I bought a bike to replace mine at Paris on Ponce. Looking at you, Bucket List #72! Paris on Ponce is great - they have so much stuff and it's in top condition. My bike could be some kind of art (it's really old. and cute, i think :)) OR you can ride it. Talk about versatility! 


Next up? I'm coming for you, Ferris Wheel. 

Happy Wednesday!