a weekend of firsts {mississippi style}

This weekend was one of many firsts for me - most notably, my first trip to Mississippi. Only one state over for all these years, and yet I've never ventured all the way across Alabama to the old Magnolia State. 

However, this weekend our friends Stacie and Rusty got married and it was the perfect reason to head west. 

First, though, a few new Atlanta adventures. My brothers and I went to Pure Taqueria in Inman Park Friday for dinner. The food was marginal, but I loved the vibe - relaxed, a big TV with March Madness on and budget friendly. After that, we went to Paolos Gelato in the Highlands. How I've lived within a mile of this place for months and have never been is beyond me. It was on point. I love froyo, but there is something so satisfying about the real deal. :)

The next morning, my brothers, Chris and I went to my new favorite Atlanta workout class, Chaos Conditioning. Then, we hit the road!

It was the perfect weekend to drive across the south. Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi were in full bloom - flowers everywhere, the grass a deep, lush green and the sun shining. Chris and I listened to country music, drank iced coffee, ate snacks, talked and geared up for our first Mississippi wedding. 

The wedding was in Vicksburg, which is an old river town that is so sweet. Quaint brick roads with little shops sitting on the river and an old church where beautiful Stacie and Rusty were married. 

After the ceremony, we walked across the street for the reception, where we danced to an awe.some. Nola-style brass band. They had tambourines! 

Before leaving, I felt like I really needed to see the Mississippi River up close. Sadly, though, the side of town we were on sits on the Yazoo River, which runs adjacent to the Mississippi. So, while got friendly with the Yazoo, the Mississippi was still slightly out of reach. 

Next time!

After that, we headed home to Georgia, recapping the wedding and sipping iced coffees. Weekend life is good life. 

Congratulations, Stacie and Rusty!

on finding normal in a changing decade

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My roommate, Melissa, and I joke a lot that nobody warns you that being in your 20s can be really hard. A few weeks back, our friend Stacie half jokingly said: nobody tells you that when you get your nine to five, everyone will be mad if you don't actually get there until nine and leave at five.

And, even though we laughed, there's some truth to it. No one can explain to you just how much your life will change, because life looks so different for everyone. Some people ease into the change with grad school, while others jump right in with marriage and babies and a job. And most of us are in between - half balancing adulthood and half not quite there.

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I know that what I'm about to say sounds dramatic, but sometimes the 20s reminds me of A Tale of Two Cities:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us...

Sometimes, it feels like I'm learning so much (becoming wise?) and other times I feel so foolish. Some days, I feel like it's a season of light and excitement and energy and change and passion and other times, it feels darker - like I can't quite see what's in front of me; like I'd kill for a flashlight and some foresight.

But, I maintain my belief that I wouldn't skip it if I could - that this time is beautiful in its own right.

Something I've been wrestling with a lot lately is how to maintain relationships in a changing landscape. I was talking with friends a few weeks back about the way getting into a serious relationship can change friendships. One friend said: It's sad, isn't it? That things will never be the same once someone starts dating their husband. And our other friend countered: But is it? Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? That your husband becomes your best friend? Isn't that what is supposed to happen? 

And it's not just dating someone. It's the fact that some of us move across the country to pursue a dream, or start grad school and make a whole new group of friends, or get a job that requires international travel. We take on things that change our lives, and therefore, change the amount of time and energy we can pour into relationships.

No one is doing anything wrong, but I've found that there can be some casualties. Some friendships that don't make it, some feelings that are hurt, some emotions running high.

But how do you avoid it? Is it even possible?

I was talking with my friends in Chicago this weekend and told them that it reminds me of in high school, when my mom stopped making my lunch. She'd always made my lunch in elementary and middle school - even writing me a love note on my napkin. But then I got to high school and she suggested hat it was time I start making my own lunches.

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I was baffled. Me? Prepare my own food?

It wasn't wrong of her to suggest I make my own lunch at all, but, it was an adjustment for me. I needed to find my new normal.

And that's what this season of life is about. Finding our new normals. Over and over again because, oftentimes, once we find normal, things change again. But that's what makes it beautiful - it's a matter of balancing life with a mix of effort and grace. It's about creating our own stability and learning what it is we need. It's about believing that this season of life is the spring of hope, because we really do have everything before us.

irish this weekend wasn't over {st. pat's in chi}

During the last few years it has become a tradition for Katie, Sara and I to spend St. Patrick's Day together. Two years ago, they came to Atlanta for Lucky Fest and last year I went to Chicago. 

Although we'd all admit Atlanta is a touch warmer in March, Chicago wins for St. Patrick's Day. First of all, the city does it up much bigger. Second of all, there are about 57,000 people I love seeing in Chicago each year. And third of all, the cold is negated by how much warmth I feel being around all those people. 

So this year, I headed north and took Chris with me. It was our first time flying together (!) and I was beyond excited for him to meet so many of my friends that mean the world to me. 

Unfortunately, we were delayed Friday so we didn't get in until around 11. We had a late, late dinner and crashed into bed. We were up early the next day for Katie's (amazing) hot yoga class. It was incredibly hard and just what we needed to start our Saturday.

After that, we went to Protein Bar for breakfast. Chris (OK and I) have a large obsession with (1) protein and (2) eating healthily in large quantities. We were both on cloud nine with the good, hard workout follow by lots of healthy foods. The Wrigley Peel smoothie blew my mind. Banana + peanut butter. Need I say more?

After that, we got ready for the day with simultaneous coffee and mimosas. I told you Chicago does it right. 

We headed over to our friend, Austin's, house for his annual St. Pat's party.

Then went to Homeslice for pizza. And visited a new bar in Lincoln Park called Fairways.

And the best part of starting the day early? Early to bed! 

Does that make me old? 

Sunday, Chris and I went to breakfast with my IU crew at Meli and saw my dear friend Jamie's new place that she bought (rockstar) and headed to the airport.

As always, it was a total whirlwind and after we sprinted to our gate (typical), I landed in my seat and thought: back on the plane already!? we just got here!

Ah, my friends, it is never enough time. One of these days, I'm buying an island for all of us. Until then...I love you all. 

today i'm feeling...

...So thrilled that spring is upon us. The extra hour of daylight makes leaving work so happy! The warm sun, the cool breeze, the extra life in people all around me. Spring. The best! 

...Still on cloud nine from breakfast at Cafe Jonah yesterday with my friend Julianna. There's nothing like starting the day with friend time, especially at Jonah. It was a drizzly morning, and the cozy seats, good conversation and warm coffee felt just right. 

... Pumped for the weekend ahead: Chicago-bound for St. Patrick's Day! So excited to head home to the Midwest and see so many of my dearest friends.  (Chaos of last year captured below)

...Like I need to commit these tips for saving money at Whole Foods to memory. Always appreciate ways to save money when WF is calling my name. 

...Craving this Banana Mocha Smoothie. I don't like Nutella, but I think almond butter would work nicely too. Afternoon treat, anyone?

Happy Thursday! :)