So Long for Now...

I didn't actually intend to use this quote on the eve before the move... but I can't find the one that I had planned for the post, so that'll have to wait until I'm all unpacked and can go through my special things. It's written down in a journal somewhere. 

I found the below image here, and I thought the description was so sweet.

We're having tacos and playing wiffle ball in the backyard tonight. 

'Till we speak from the land of seals and sea lions.... 

see you soon, friends

xo

"Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos."
— Charles M. Schulz

Mom

I am wishing you a very happy birthday today.

At this time last year we were exploring rivets and crevices and

arches that reached the moon and hugged the sky

and sometimes,

it was so beautiful,

 I couldn't think of a word to assign it's beauty to.

Just like you.

I love you mom. Have a most magical birthday.

xo

One Last 'Hurrah!'

Well friends,

The time has arrived

to soak up the saltwater and sunshine

and gab with my best girlfriends-

not to mention, celebrate as one of them gets hitched this weekend!

Where'd the time go?

These past few weeks came and went in a snap.

 Three weeks ago, this final Florida field trip seemed to be archived deep into the future.

I'm totally flabbergasted with Father Time.

Can you believe that this time next week, I'll be living in San Francisco?

In some respects, I'm ready.

This in-betweensy stint in the New York office has been challenging in different ways than I expected.

I'm ready to go.

Ready to start the adventure.

But first,

the beach....

xo

It's 95 Out There...

...so you bet your bottom dollar I'm heading out for drinks on the water tonight

with some best buddies!

We even created a semi-elaborate pick-up and drop-off carpool schedule for tonight.

It was a little complicated to coordinate

since I started the new gig in the NYC office this week.

I'm pretty sure it's going to amazing.

Warm sun.

Cold beers.

Cute sundress.

Good friends.

xo

Juggling Act

I must admit,

I'm feeling a little like this gal!

image found here

Between the goodbyes, the never-ending packing,

and being the new girl in the office,

there is a whole lot to juggle!

No biggie, just 'whoa.'

Can't a girl find some time for an ice cream cone and a pedicure?

Happy Wednesday, friends!

xo

Fleabag Please!

I am most certainly positive that I,

without a doubt,

absolutely,

 need this bag.

Found here: Flea Bag

Whisperings about the 'Original Flea' have been circulating the blogs for a couple days now,

and I have fallen head over heels in love with it's classic look but utilitarian usefulness.

xo

Get Your Kicks!

My blog buddy over at the ever-inspiring the neotraditionalist

posted a cute-as-could-be nod to the historic Route 66 yesterday.

(I let her know I'd be mimicking her sentiments!)

Although I am not road-tripping out west for my move, I just couldn't resist encouraging my future house guests to think about making the cross-country trip.

image found here: http://theneotraditionalist.com/ 

If you ever plan to motor west,

Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on route sixty-six.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:

When you make that california trip

Get your kicks on route sixty-six.

-Nat King Cole-
 

The Bachelorette

Yep. It's all happening tonight.

She's baaaack!

Adorable Ali takes on the role of Bachelorette tonight on ABC.

I've been a faithful fan of this franchise since season one of now fourteen seasons of the Bachelor, and six seasons of the Bachelorette.

That's a lot of final rose ceremonies folks!

It's my guiltiest of pleasures, and since my sorority house days, my girlfriends and I have held steady onto the tradition of piling into one apartment, onto one couch, around one TV, to watch this show in all it's glory.

Sure, I've had my favorites (Andrew Firestone and Meredith Phillps)

But it's Chris Harrison with whom my heart belongs to.

 He's basically God in human form.

Happy viewing ladies and gents!

xo

San Francisco Send Off!

AND WHAT A SEND-OFF IT WAS! 

My older sister coordinated a little 'Adios Emily' soiree for me Friday night at the Frying Pan.

It was... a perfect party. 

Friday was 83 degrees with an abundance of sunshine.

I was so overcome with emotion.

So many people came out to toast me adieu and to wish me happy travels.

It was unexpected

and overwhelming

to feel

so very

very

 loved.

To have such a wide net of family and friends that support and nurture this move is really touching. 

It makes it hard to say so long, but also easier to leave... because I know who is here waiting for my return! 

It was most special for me, to see so many wonderful people in my life together in one (crowded!) space.

I had friends hailing from Baltimore and Philadelphia make a surprise trip 

Sorority sisters who are very busy gals about town

Best boyfriends from home who much prefer the suburbs

A gentle giant from my college days came at the 11 hour, to pick me up and fling me around 

A bride to be who was racing about the city

a best blonde friend and old colleagues 

and coed childhood playmates, married now much to the surprise of my parents

friends toting cupcakes and California guide books

and a favorite pair of pals that slept in their car that night

my mom and dad and sisters...

It was so lovely and magical and festive,

with some tears sprinkled in between giggles.

So, thank you friends. 

And as a good buddy told me that night... shine on you crazy diamonds.

xo

And We're Off!

Movers arrive any minute...

...to bring my things across the entire country! 

Whoa.

More later, friends

xox

*image courtesy of blackeiffel

All My Bags Are Packed.... Almost, But Not Quite, Ready to Go!

Today was the first day, in a long series of days, that I didn't feel a knot of anxiety in my chest.

Or a rush of nerves in my belly or a pang of doubt in my mind.

Why is that you ask?

Because I'm done! 

All my bags are packed-although I'm not quite ready to go!

The movers arrive bright and early tomorrow morning to begin the journey of moving all my things out to San Francisco. 

It was a lot of work, but we did it! 

'We' is a very key word. It took the kind and helpful hands of mom & dad to really get me going. 

So, with everything boxed up, taped up, tied up, and yes, stitched up... 

I spent the day doing what I do best...

reading in the sun.

It's my most cherished activity and one I am quite good at, thank you very much.

Stack of magazines and the day's paper? 

Cup of lemon iced water and a cushioned chair? 

It's really all this gal needs for a perfectly perfect day in the sun. 

 I don't get too hot, too sticky or too bored. 

Ask anyone who knows me;

I love it. 

I love the sunlight filtering through the leaves;  shimmering fluorescent green.

The shadows dancing on the lawn. 

The chorus of birds and an oh-so-slight breeze.

 I know it's one of the activities I'm going to miss the most this summer...

No sighing today though! 

My best friend and sorority sister from college is coming over tonight for a glass of wine and a good old fashion best buddy pow-wow. 

It was a GREAT day.

Happy Thursday, Friends

xo

Some People Just Ooze Awesome

image collage courtesy of Black Eiffel

I admit, I'm a little slow on the uptake. 

News about 9 by Design has been floating around the blogs for weeks now, not to mention every print outlet you can imagine.

I didn't pay attention until last night and now I can say,

 I have caught the 9 by Design bug too! 

This husband/wife team is the dynamic duo of Sixx Design.

They are sweet as a peach and cute to boot- and don't get me started on their adorable children. 

With names like Five, Wolfie and Major (and that's just some of  gaggle of kiddies) what's not to love?

They seem to have a roaring good time wherever a task takes them.

They are calm, collected and effortlessly cool. 

They spot weird things in thrift stores I'd never blink twice at.

Sigh. 

Baby when ya' got it ya' just got it I suppose.  

Boy, do they have it. 

Check out the chronicles of Cortney and Bob Tuesdays at 10pm on Bravo.

Love/Hate

Loving you Storage Deluxe on Route 7.

Thank you for the free wardrobe boxes.

That was so kind... and unexpected. 

(Could have done without you reciting Roosevelt's quote, "My coldest winter was a San Francisco Summer." Willing to let that slide though.)

Not liking you at all BOA.

All you do is remind me how good I had it at Commerce/TD Bank.

And how much I wish they were affiliated with a west coast branch.

You have a crappy policy for opening accounts and accessing deposits. 

30 day hold? Puh-lease.

You better watch it. I may go all 'Chase Manhattan Bank on you.' 

xo

What a Weekend!

I was able to put an honest dent in my packing up and shipping out efforts this weekend! 

I had enlisted mom & dad, plus a best buddy with a truck.

Happy to report the new couch didn't fly off the back of the truck in transit from the store.

Less happy to report that it got a little love ding while we moved it into the house. 

It's okay though. 

You can make a memory out of a mess after all.  

My dear mom is going to embroider MW & TK- 5.15.10 over the hole. 

So now I'll always remember how that little patch got there.

I hurried over (balloons in tow!) to my best friend's beach house to help her celebrate her birthday.

We drank wine on the beach and watched the sun kiss our knees.

We had a lovely dinner, filled with shared bites and

excitement

about her wedding on the horizon

we spoke of 

sherbet colored dresses 

and an elephant that will never forget...

Sunday it was back to hurrying! 

My little sister, 

(let me say that again)

my BABY sister 

graduated from college Sunday morning.

cum laude, no less.

Open up heart,

and listen to that beat?

That's direct older sister's heart thumping with pride. 

Sigh. 

Where...did the time go? 

And finally, 

after a perfect day of celebrating and commemorating milestones,

My beloved BLUE HENS played UNC.

We didn't have the Cinderella ending that I had hoped for but...

I was happy for those boys

and yes,

a little nostalgic for college lacrosse games

cattle bells and cold beers

just cut grass and country music 

springtime and unrivaled school spirit

Afternoons without a worry or a care...

Happy Monday, Friends

xo

What I Know...

Okay.

Deep breath.

Here's the deal, friends. 

This is all happening a little too fast for me to process.

It's becoming a smiiiiidge tricky to maintain composure.

Usually, I like to write it out, tap out my thoughts and feelings on the keyboard. 

This though....

This has been harder than I ever anticipated. 

I didn't have any time to digest the situation really. It's just milestone hopping here folks. And let me tell you- it's tricky to navigate those milestone moguls in such a short window! 

I went straight from a cupcake and champagne send-off from work to the airport to find an apartment in San Francisco. Phew! 

I felt so overwhelmed, so much like I was swimming against the current, that I couldn't even bring myself to the blog. Yikes! 

I cried waaay too many times in public- especially way too many times for a nice 27 year old gal about town such as myself.  

Not socially appropriate folks.  

Not annnny way you slice it. 

My poor mom. 

She had to wipe the tracks of my tears from my salt stained cheeks in 50 minute intervals. 

All of that being said, here is what I know: 

I know that, after a bit of a lonely year, it was time to make a change. 

I know that I was ready to fly the coop, both my office and my home.

I know that I was ready for something big, something bigger than my britches. 

And even though, I may not be feeling very brave right now, I know that I can do this. 

Because my family, and my friends- the truest of the true- will always be here for me, right where I waved goodbye.  And when they aren't waiting, they'll be bashing about the San Francisco Bay with me.  It's a win-win! 

I know that this new job is going to challenge me in ways that I wasn't really being challenged towards the end of the road at my last job. 

I also know that ahem, a little extra coin can't hurt a girl with a passion for world class food and traveling to warm and exotic places.

I know that I will spend time with people that will make me laugh, and take me on explorations.

I know that  some of them will be old friends and some of them brand spanking new.

I know that this might take a little bit of time. 

I know that when a boyfriend of mine from college called me up last night to reassure me of my choice, and tell me that if anyone can do it, I can- it meant a whole heck of a lot. 

Ditto on all the inquires and calls and notes from the dearest of friends who wanted updates on the hunt, and updates on my feelings along the way. 

I know that these will continue, and that makes my heart flutter.

I know that there will be lonely days... but these will be followed by not-so-lonely-at-all days!

I know that,

 I will open up my heart, 

and let the California sun shine in. 

Here's to recognizing that the 'unknown' is the component that makes this the adventure I've been seeking.

Happy Trails, friends.

xo

Yes, Holly Golightly; I Know Exactly How You Feel

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds? 

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues? 

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling? 

Paul Varjak: Sure. 

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name! 

Friends, this really sums it up today.

So many things on my pretty little mind. 

Ready to curl up with Little Cat and a cup of tea.

More tomorrow on my apartment hunting adventures, I promise.

xo

Are you Going, to San Fraaaancisco?

And we're off! 

To find a home! 

Write soon, 

Happy Foggy Weekend, Friends

xox

Falling (in love) Rocks

I'm finding all sorts of cute stuff this morning in my daily internet and blog rounds!

I've actually stumbled upon this photo before, but ....

I don't know!

Today was the day I felt compelled to post it too!

happenstance

It's kind of tongue and cheek, no?

What clever hiker etched the 'in love' I wonder?

Here's to falling in love and never looking back!

Happy Fall in Love Thursday, Friends.

Instant Awesome

How utterly and completely awesome is this outdoor wedding ceremony?

hello lucky

It is so magical and perfect.

I can smell the sunlight and the sweetness of the blades of grass

Although, when reading about it,

I learned it was 106 degrees for this happy couple!

Wowza that is HOT.

I'll take it though.

This is my kind of venue folks!

Now all I need is the groom! xo

Lesson

Uh.

One thing I learned today:

Do not. I repeat, do NOT go on petfinder.com, or any other pet adoption website before you actually have a place to live. All the applications require silly details like, 'landlord name,' and 'home address.' Pssh.

Who needs a street address when you have a companion?

Yep, I'm looking at you cutie!

See, the following will happen; you will email you family and coworkers multiple links to pet profiles, referring to the dog as "My Dog" in the subject line, or worse, actually typing in the future furry friend's pre-picked name as the subject. OR, worse yet, typing in the NICKNAME you've already lovingly selected for your future dog.

WHHHHHHHHHHHHHY'D I do it. I fell in love

with this sweetie during my afternoon jaunt.

Sigh.

xo

Snapshots of the Week

I just got a note from my mom.

She's off for a week with my dad

dipping her toes in saltwater

and painting lovely watercolors

and knitting a sweater for a giggly little girl that we love

I've been the gal of the house while they are away

watering the plants and feeding those darn cats,

preparing myself dinner and peeking around the garden.

I guess I should get used to this living alone stuff.

But seriously, Little Cat, what are you DOING up there?

The two of us (my mom and I, not Little Cat) 

are getting ready for a trip out to my new city

The truth is...

I've got to find a home and fast!

And today, over email,

she surprised me with a lovely gift for my California dreaming.

Oh me, oh my!

These sheets could make doves cry.

Aren't they beautiful?

xo

Not Quite Ready for a Countdown...

...but I am ready to say sayonara to commuting!

It's my last week of work at an agency I've been with for (just shy of) four fantastic years. 

Oh New York, New York.

 There is no city in the world that can rival you

Big, Bright, Apple of my Eye,

Sigh.

You are the baddest, boldest, glittery-est

shining beacon of wonder.

Lady Liberty, those Golden Gates?

They got nothing on you.

So New York, oh no-don't take my departure as being disloyal.

I'm just  poking around a bit on the other coast.

I'll be back before you know it.

xo

May Flowers

Because it's hot and grey and rainy out there

And after such a picture perfect weekend no less

I thought,

Aren't these flowers just delightful?

xo

Olivet

Kirstie Alley's Big Life

I think I should be a little embarrassed to admit this but... I watched uh,  a lot of episodes of Kirstie Alley's Big Life on A&E Sunday evening. I'd had too much sun and ice cream all weekend, and I needed to just plunk down on the couch by 4 0'clock.

I don't know if it's her giggle, or her brutal honesty, or just watching waaay too many episodes in one sitting but... I like her. Some people find her irritating, but I have to politely disagree. She feeds the mice in her basement birthday cake! And I'm pretty sure she refers to people as 'peach puffs' and 'lemon drops.'

That's cute, no?

Happy Muggy Monday, friends!

xo

Out on the Water- Round Two: The 550.

Have you ever loved a group of friends so much it makes you want to howl at the moon like Carol and Max in Where the Wild Things Are?

Same.

Ooof. I have three wonderful boyfriends. You know, friends that are boys.

They are my bionic buddies.

They build things.

Rewire stuff.

They know how to be...handy.

They bust my chops but, they'll offer me their jacket if I get cold, and almost always refill my cup before I have to ask.

That's friendship folks.

They tell the truth. We don't really get embarrassed ever.

We're close and silly like that.

Well, they might get embarrassed about this post.

Sometimes when I remember that I am actually moving to San Francisco I think, How can I go? I love you so.

But.

It will make the visits home that much sweeter I suppose.

Happy Sunny Sunday Friends.

xo