Marc Jacobs GlowStick

Another day, another product. Recently I received the Marc Jacobs Illuminating Glow Stick to try out. As a fan of the glowy look, I was very excited about trying this out and the timing could not have been more perfect. Last month, I ran a half-marathon in San Diego. It was glorious, but I will never do it again. Regardless, the daily training complicated my makeup routine. As soon as I got home from work, I needed to go running or it wasn't going to happen. So I quickly started cutting down the morning makeup routine, so that when I took my late afternoon/early evening run, my clogs would not suffocate under the weight of a full-fledged foundation. Enter: Marc Jacobs Glow Stick.

For the past couple of months, I've curbed my makeup routine to include a light combination of concealer, blush, mascara and THIS highlighter.

It created the perfect summer look, effortlessly. It can be applied with a brush, or directly on the skin and then you blend out. Love it.

Nexxus Gives Some Hair That Moves

And the hair chronicles continue, as they probably will for the rest of my life. It's always been a love/hate relationship with my hair, it's fine and thin, but I've slowly learned how to style it just right. However, I'm always looking for more volume and healthier hair - which brings me to NEXXUS Diametress! A surprisingly quality product.

My usual hair care brands tend to be Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, Oribe and the occasional sample variety, so being able to grab this during a Target haul is rather convenient. This particular line, has a nice three-part compliment. First step, the Nexxus Diametress Shampoo.

It lathers quickly, and even the husband partakes in the no-fuss shampoo that leaves hair soft and a little more alive. After rinsing (with cold water, as I do...) I add the conditioner.

The Nexxus Diametress Conditioner has an identical bottle. This definitely keep me guessing and I have to double-check the label before every use to make sure I use in the correct Shampoo/Conditioner order. The top band is different, but meh. I leave the conditioner on for a few minutes and then rinse again with cold water. I'm convinced the cold water rinse makes my hair shine.

Next up, the leave in treatment, Headress Leave in Conditioning Creme. After towel-drying my newly voluminous mane, I add a bit of this before styling, it is enriched with concentrated, 100% pure Elastin Protein and Green Tea Extract, sealing in moisture, volumizing hair and increasing the diameter of each strand for thicker, fuller, deeply nourished hair. Or so they say, and I second.

All in all, I think this is a great, reasonable option for anyone looking to add volume and health to those precious strands.

Neutrogena So Sheer Skin Glows

It's that time of year again. Dry, winter skin that refuses to glow. It's a real treat. Needless to say, I cut back on the harsh chemicals and add oil to anything I can until we get back to a normal Texas heat and humidity routine.

This is where Neutrogena Body Oil comes in. It's such an easy staple to have on hand. During my weekly (or semi-weekly) grocery store run, I can pick up a bottle, slather on, and repeat as often as necessary. I can add it to my bath or mix with my body lotion post-shower, either way, my skin thanks me every time.

No Rules, Just Write

Articles keep surfacing on various newsfeeds and in my Feedly regarding “what not to do on social media”. They always contain a misguided variation of don't abuse the hashtag, don't tweet too often, don't go days without posting, etc. and with the exception of, don't be abusive or hateful, I disagree. When a podcast spent an entire segment bashing the way people use social media, I decided to address the topic that routinely provokes an eye-roll. Social media is about expression, and self-expression should not be dictated by likes, followers, and if your hashtag use is on point. Let bygones be bygones and go on your merry little way. 

Top Reasons Social Media Should Not Have Rules

1.     It’s creative expression.

Is this person on social media an international brand? Probably not. (But even EY is a notorious hashtag buffoon.) They are probably trying to release some creative energy into the internet abyss and you are prohibiting their authenticity. If it’s annoying, unfollow. This may come as a shock, but some people don’t care if they have thousands of followers.

2. The ego knows no bounds.

If you have an app that tells you who unfollowed you this week, day, month, and then check it to decide who you, in turn, need to unfollow, get a hold of the ego. Unfollow for unfollow is just as annoying as #followforfollow or whatever it is that upsets you. Don't rain on someones parade. 

3. Hashtags are hilarious.

There are things you want to say that become exponentially more hilarious in hashtag form. It’s extraordinarily bizarre, just like the new snapchat update. #zombiecomeback #jkpleasego

4. Hashtags are helpful.

This calls for a personal story. My dog is so wonderful that Princess Kate decided to name her firstborn after him, and so it makes sense he would have his own hashtag #georgethegreat. Now, whenever I just want to see his cute face, I search the hashtag on Instagram. It’s a modern-day social scrapbook. Professionally, I was able to market a conference on social media with a designated hashtag (#REX2013), which led the event to trend on Twitter, creating organic buzz, local awareness, and bragging rights.

5. Positivity is contagious.

If negative posts irk you, as they do me, then, just be positive. Negative responses to negative attitudes only breed more negativity. Let a person do what they want and be who they are, that’s what social media is all about. Unfollow and follow, tweet and re-tweet, like and share with abandon! 

6.     Inspiration is not guided by the masses.

If you post something first thing in the morning and then, on your way to work, you notice the most ironic situation. Post it! That's your moment. I've gone days without much social media activity, only to find myself in a whirlwind of social-media worth opportunities. As Mark Twain said, "You will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do, than by the things you did do." Post away, and create a narrative that is yours alone.

Disclaimer: Social media is a marketing force among brands, old and new, and they do have a bit more responsibility. However, I would argue that authenticity is appreciated when they step outside the marketing plan to show some #realtalk. (Although, I’d suggest a different hashtag, unless you’re the year 2010, in which case, can I get a do over?)

Weekend Plans

It's Friday. Do the D.A.N.C.E. 

Show Up For What #FirstDayOfSchool

It’s the #FirstDayofSchool and I can’t help but relish in the possibility that immediately ensues with showing up on that first day. Showing up with your best foot forward, showing up with the excitement and anticipation that comes with a new chapter, or a new challenge is at the very core of living.

I still remember the packets for small liberal arts colleges and distinguished state universities that began arriving in droves during my junior year of high school. It was my first experience with junk mail, and my 16-year old, independent self was enamored with the glossy aspirations. A dream world was being sent to me with a folder of fun facts, potential degree plans, and only an application was in the way of making this a reality.

After meeting with the college counselor at my high school, she toned down my ambitious plans, citing my top choice university as a “reach” at best. And with that, I applied to safety schools.

My friends began receiving acceptance letters during senior year, and I slowly began to worry. Our grades and test scores were nearly identical, but for some reason the big, dream-laded envelope of acceptance never came.

It was like preparing for a marathon and then standing on the sidelines, while your friends ran past you, disappearing over the horizon.

Each and every one of my classmates went to college, and most people went to prestigious universities or competitive liberal arts colleges. There was a poster prominently placed in the hall of what institutions my class was headed for after graduation. I penciled in Austin Community College at the top of the alphabetical list with prideful irony.

I may not be going to Harvard, but I will be showing up somewhere.

In an effort to make lemonade with these souring college lemons, I stepped on to the campus of Austin Community College with no expectations and a tinge of defeat as I surveyed my college campus. While there wasn’t a plethora of student organizations, back-to-school parties, or a recreation center, there was a spirit of opportunity and it humbled me to realize the value of education I had always taken for granted.

People were spending their entire paycheck to further their education, starting over at 65, or finally writing that screenplay, and the sense of community permeated the outdated building. People were showing up to make the most of their life, not harboring resentment because a hurdle was thrown on to the track at the last minute.

Classes at ACC were straightforward, the parking was horrendous, but the people were incredible.  Over the semester, I became familiar with following the price of gold from a war veteran, how to handle depression from a deeply depressed Psychology professor, and that if you just show up, everything will be OK.

After my first semester in community college, I seamlessly transferred to a state university, and after a few more transfers I graduated from my original first choice University, a “reach” at best. Show up and amazing things happen, because any day can be the First Day of something great.

Links of Late

 It’s been over a year since I published in the ol’ blogosphere. There’s too much to recap, but I would like to divulge a few things I love today. These little joys may be worth your time. 

Blue Apron delivery

Signing up for a food delivery service when there’s a Whole Foods, HEB, and Central Market within a 5 mile radius of my home is a bit of a diva move, but I threw caution to the wind and have not missed the parking lot traffic jams.  The excitement of food delivery is rather enjoyable and this subscription service catapults me out of my comfort zone with recipes that require ingredients like lemongrass and tarragon. So, I can spend my time trying out new recipes, rather than wandering the same aisles and rewarding myself with $5 chocolate. The recipes are healthy and fairly straightforward (i.e. I don’t need to purchase a food processor, yet), but not sure how long I’ll keep this up.

Honorable mention: A Caesar Salad that did not require anchovy paste! It was incredibly delicious, simple, and sure to become a regular staple in the dinner rotation.  

The Skimm

Every morning this is the first email I open. It tells me what's what and provides early morning entertainment. I'm a fan and can't wait until my birthday mention next year, April 13! It's the little things, again and again.

Siggi’s 0% Milkfat Yogurt

My morning routine has quickly turned from breakfast tacos and black coffee to Siggi’s Yogurt and a variety of green tea with local honey. I guess this is growing up, but it’s so delicious.

Honorable mention: Pumpkin and Spice is now available! {In eager anticipation of pumpkin season!}

Podcasts

Currently, they make the world go around. When you have to travel through Houston traffic on a daily basis, the distraction helps. I’m an escapist.

Honorable mentions:

• Mystery Show {It’s a quirky, This American Life-esque broadcast that treats life’s everyday mysteries to a Sherlock Holmes style investigation.}

• The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey {This is a light-hearted podcast with great book recommendations and Austin happenings, while providing positive life insight. There is also a new episode every Thursday.}

• Straight-Up with Stassi {This is a fo-real guilty pleasure that I just can’t quit. Listen with a pop-culture-loving grain of salt (and some prior Bravo knowledge).}

Mundane Mysteries

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With the unfortunate news of Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin's "Conscious Uncoupling" life hits perspective.

"Someone once told me a story about long term relationships. To stay the course, to stay intentional, to stay curious and connected — that’s the heart of it. But it’s so easy to lose track of the trail, to get tired, to want to give up or to want a new adventure. It can be so easy to lose sight of the goodness and mystery within the person sitting right in front of you. That continent idea inspires me and makes the ache when it comes hurt a little less. To know that it happens to all of us. What I’m realizing now is that sometimes the ‘same old same old’ can actually be rich, worthwhile and a great adventure.” 

- Joy Williams

(After searching in vain for a source to this quote, all I know is that it came around the time The Civil Wars went on hiatus. They are still on hiatus.)

I love this quote because it allows for the infinite possibilities of a person, and more specifically, for two people together. Stay curious and connected.

Life is an adventure and even the mundane is a blank canvas of adventure.

Loyalsock State Forest Trail Perceives a Saturday

Alls well that ends well, and this long, long winter is taking its cue with a wonderful spring ending. This past weekend, John and I took advantage of the sunshine and warmer temperatures to go hiking at the Loyalsock State Forest. It's a gorgeous three-hour trail that ends with a waterfall.

(Disclaimer: The pictures are from a month ago when there was still snow on the ground.) 

That is a frozen waterfall, which doubles as an ice cave. 

On that note, I'm in the middle of Wild by Cheryl Strayed and as trite as the mention may be in the hiking world, it's a powerful book that vividly illustrates the power of hiking through the wilderness. While, I may never hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone, there's a breathtaking quality to any hike that can't be overlooked. In Pennsylvania, I am thankful that this sits behind me, constantly putting life into perspective. 

The First Blogger

Netflix can breed more anguish than entertainment. The drinks are poured, the popcorn is seasoned, but the queue has not yet situated itself. So, for the next 45 minutes, we're left to browse film titles, read descriptions, and identify noteworthy cast members before finally settling on some mediocre movie from 1998. For the past few weeks, I've been carefully selecting quality titles that will breed quality recommendations. It's been a long, hard battle, but I've lived to share the lessons of my venture. You're welcome. And now, without further adieu, my Netflix Lately Haul:

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Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel
The greatest fashion documentary since The September Issue, this is a real Netflix treat. Diana Vreeland gives eccentric stories to every vision, every moment, and this film invites you into her world for a bit of time. She's the muse behind the fashion editor in Funny Face, the visionary behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, and Coco Chanel's best friend. There are notable appearances by all the industry movers and shakers to pay homage to the fashion icon. Even, Diane von Furstenberg respectfully recalls her office memos as the first insightful blog.  With all of the vibrant magazine shoots, historical bits of pop culture, and Vreeland's own red living room, The Eye Has to Travel is a great movie for a  dreary, winter snow day (or any day in Pennsylvania).

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Let the Right One In 
While, I've never jumped on the vampire/zombie bandwagon and fail to see what all the fuss is about, this movie makes me reconsider my aversions. I first saw this Swedish film in 2008 at Alamo Drafthouse, and it remains amazing. Let the Right One In is suspenseful, with a touch of horror. There's a last minute twist that infuses infinite layers into the story that will leave you contemplating what just happened. Maybe I should give Twilight a go.

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Frances Ha
If you have seriously contemplated just buying a ticket to Paris for no particular reason and with no particular plan, you will enjoy this adventure. It's for all the twenty-somethings trying to figure out their life. With little to no expectations upon pressing play, this awkwardly wonderful movie completely took me by surprise. An artistic dreamer (and dancer!) in New York City meets reality after college and struggles to adapt her expectations. There's a notable cast that includes Adam Driver (Girls) and Grace Gummer (Meryl Streep's daughter).

You Can Caul-mi-flower If You Want To

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The first week of vegan/gluten-freeism is a success! I also had pizza on Friday night, so let’s not get caught up in the details. A few recipes from last week are worth sharing, so scroll down for some scrumptious nutrition. 

Cauliflower Soup

My mom makes the absolute best potato soup. She claims it’s all in the heavy whipping cream that is added at the very end – the secret ingredient for every creamy soup. Unfortunately, nothing about her comforting potato soup is nutritious. This cauliflower soup recipe is just about as creamy and, depending on the salt levels, really light and flavorful. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and would be great with a number of toppings (chives, sage, or red pepper flakes). The husband went back for seconds - win.

Ingredients:

1 Head of cauliflower, broken into pieces

1 onion, yellow or white

2 vegetable bouillon cubes (or vegetable stock)

12 cups of water

1 can of preferred white beans (pinto, cannellini, navy)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Sauté onion in olive oil at the bottom of your soup pot with a bit of salt and pepper. When onion is translucent, add 12 cups of water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes and bring to boil. Add cauliflower and simmer for 25 minutes. Then stir in beans.

Use a hand mixer to roughly puree soup. (It worked best for me to transfer the soup pot to the sink for blending to contain the splattering. ) Enjoy! 

The Will of a Dreamer

A couple of days ago, my Netflix queue recommended the TED Talk Life Hacks and I obliged. The first episode launched into Amy Cuddy’s study on body language. Are you yawning? Don’t.

Amy Cuddy, TED Talk

Amy Cuddy is a professor at Harvard Business School and delivers a research-dense sociology report on body language and it’s effect on your life. Stop yawning.

While the discussion is worth the 21 minutes of your life, the final point is exceptional. “Fake it until you make it,” is an important adage, but Dr. Cuddy propels the statement forward, tearfully encouraging that you “fake it until you become it.” Whatever desires are in your soul, work hard to make it happen, but don’t just settle there. Continue forward, until you become exactly the person you desire to be.

People sometimes turn to significant others for help in validating who they want to become, but this is temporary at best.  Questions like, “Am I special?” Or “Does this make me look fat?”  accomplish momentary satisfaction or (more) momentary angst. It is a constantly insufficient battle that will need to be fought indefinitely because the underlying issue is of more permanence. A person needs to believe they are pretty for an external affirmation to register. If you don’t feel special, this needs to be addressed within. So, fake it. Pretend that you are the most special person (albeit a tad egotistical) for a bit.

No one is able to generate self-worth for you. They can encourage and support who you are and what you love about yourself, but they cannot create something that doesn’t already exist within. So, strut around, dance in the mirror, and give an acceptance speech for the Golden Globe you just won. Fake it, until you become the person you dream about being.  As Kid President eloquently pepped, "We were made to be awesome."

This spans into every area of life. If I want to be a professional writer, then I need to fake it until I become it. This means, posting on my blog like I have hundreds of thousands in the audience clinging to my every word. I need to be reading like it’s my day job, studying my craft and participating in workshops. If I want to have the best marriage, then I need to post the cheesy pictures with equally cheesy captions until we slowly become that cheesy couple that’s so in love, even hash-tags become subjected to the affection. #lovehim #besthubbyever #solucky

As a writer, integrity and transparency fuel the stories, and while it's not all "diamonds and rosé"  recognizing my dreams and pursuing them unabashedly is outstanding. 

It’s your life and it will be what you will.

Let’s Draw Some Martha Stewart Parallels, Shall We?

An amazing thing happened on the way to the news this morning, Martha Stewart gave an exclusive, and ridiculously thorough, glimpse into her skin-care rituals for a piece in the New York Times. As a skin-care fiend, this Top Shelf-esque article is worth the read, and re-read.

She swears by Yon-Ka, so that’s sure to become a household name any day now. An esthetician at Equinox told me about Yon-Ka a few years ago and I quickly ordered a few products online at a rather reasonable price point. My personal recommendations are the Gomage 305, Serum, and Crème 15. Now, thanks to Martha’s inspiration, I will try the Gomage 305 in the morning pre-shower as oppose to sporadic blocks of irregular free time.

SkinCeuticals also makes Martha’s name-dropping escapade. This is a well-respected brand, particularly by dermatologists, but I have had mixed results with the products. The CE Ferulic Serum is constantly touted as the only serum you need and it does wonders for your complexion. I also love the sunscreen. It’s zinc-heavy and goes on as a rich moisturizer that lasts throughout the day. However, a few products did not deliver outstanding results. The Physical Fusion UV Defense that Martha cites is not my favorite thing in the world. It is a greasy attempt at a tinted moisturizer and left skin imperfections (aka breakouts) after every use. So, proceed with caution.

Additional Personal recommendations from Martha’s Cabinet:

• Bobbi Brown bronzer is amazing. A little bit gives you the perfect, natural tan.
• Buxom Lip Gloss in any color (I have Sugar on my desk.) is flattering, and tastes delicious.
• Clinique High Impact Mascara is a classic standby. Gets the job done and washes off easily.

A Delicious Turn of Health

In the spirit of a new year’s resolution, I’m going to eat healthier with a combination of gluten-free veganism. My gluten-free attempt is more of the Gwenyth Paltrow-fad variety as oppose to legit celiac disease necessity so proceed with caution. For example, soy sauce is not gluten-free and honey is not vegan. I think it should be, but I'm new to this.

John is obliging me in this adventure, with the exception of milk. The food-venture starts today. Kale on, my friends! This is a glimpse into day one (previously seen on Twitter).

Baked Butternut Squash and Brown Rice Noodles with Cilantro- Tahiti Sauce
 I adapted this to gluten-free from Naturally Ella and love how it’s already portioned perfectly for 2.
Ingredients:
3 cups peeled butternut squash, cut in ¼-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1-2 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces brown rice noodles
1 clove garlic
1-inch piece ginger, peeled
¼ cup lightly packed cilantro
2 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Recipe:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast until tender, 25 to 28 minutes.
Mince cilantro, garlic and ginger. Combine in medium mixing bowl.

Add the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice and honey to bowl with cilantro, garlic, and ginger. Mix until well combined.

Prepare noodles according to package. Pour cilantro sauce over cooked noodles.  Place squash on top/side of each dish. Enjoy!

Hercules in Pennsylvania and on Twitter

Well, it’s Hercules out here. The snowstorm hit last night, and I’m currently continuing my winter hibernation. Call me high maintenance, but when it’s 4 degrees outside, I stay inside.

Pennsylvania is quite a new experience for this lifelong Texan. (Among my new talents: I can now identify snow trucks as they roam past my house.) There is a novelty to getting married and moving across the country to start our new life together as Amy and John, married couple. Married life is all it’s cracked up to be and there is something so endearingly special about having your forever friend by your side through it all. I’m so thankful for him and to share this unique opportunity with such a caring person.

Romanticism aside, Pennsylvania is cold and a bit isolating.  It’s not the Southern Hospitality that John and I took for granted in Texas. People tend to stay to themselves, which makes for an interesting obstacle when trying to meet new people.

The most humbling part is the inevitable job search. In Dallas, I was able to grow my marketing career with numerous PR and social media opportunities with a decent network of support.  In Montoursville, they ask you to snail mail your resume on over with a cover letter and formal application. While, I love a good paper product, I’m also a big fan of efficiency (i.e. email correspondence). This also doesn’t bode well for demonstrating the value of social media. So, tweet me. (@aavercher)

Apple Pie, and when it's not allowed

We got married! And then moved across the country to Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

Friday night in Dallas, meet Friday night in Pennsylvania. Nearly 10 inches of snow fell over the weekend, making for a beautiful winter wonderland that kept this Texan indoors. While people may be much more accustomed to everyday life with several inches of snow on the ground, they are just as inclined to stay inside and hibernate on said snow days.

So, in small-town fashion, I baked an apple pie over the weekend. There was no initial planning, other than we had three apples on the verge of spoiling and an extra piecrust from my most recent quiche adventure. An apple pie was the most efficient problem solver. What problems we face in Pennsylvania!

This recipe comes from Helen Corbitt’s Cookbook (courtesy of my grandmother). It’s out of print, but definitely worth the purchase if you stumble upon it. Every recipe I make is a crowd-pleaser, and this apple pie recipe nearly made my husband renounce his beloved peach pie.

A few notes regarding the recipe: While I paid no attention to the apple disclaimer, I find it hilarious that apple pie in the spring is such an abominable thought and left the explanation as it appears for entertainment purposes. Seeking more direction with the baking time, I referenced other apple pie recipes and recommend 45-60 minutes.

Dutch Apple Pie (pg. 273)

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup light cream

Unbaked pie shell

2 quarts apples, quartered. The apples are important: Greenings, August and the fall; Winesaps or Rome Beauties during the winter months; Green Transparents in June and July. You have no business making this pie in the spring.

Mix the sugar, flour, and salt thoroughly. Add the cream and beat until thick. Fill the pie shell high with peeled and quartered apples. Pour the mixture over and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Bake at 425 until apples are soft. 

When Wedding Plans Throw You a Lemon

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Immediately following a wedding shower this weekend, my mom, Bailey, and I went to pick out the wedding cake. Yes, I picked out my wedding cake 12 days before my wedding. It's the procrastinator in me. We brainstormed with the help of Pinterest and decided on a beautiful Italian Cream Cake with fluffy frosting and an A&M cake for John. 

As the decisions commenced I glanced out the window into this country backyard in the middle of New Ulm, TX to find an enormous lemon tree. Ms. T.J., the decorator of my upcoming cake,  was quick to offer them up, claiming the more we took the less she had to juice for her mother-in-law. We obliged and took three gorgeously ripe lemons. The citrus scent intoxicating the drive back to Austin as if we had won the lottery of citrus fruits.  And we had. 

Currently half of said lemon is on my face, combined with honey and turmeric. After flirting with the thought of adding oats to the mask, I settled on this pure complexion potion and will probably apply once more before the big day to brighten and exfoliate. 

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Directions:

Mix one-half lemon with 3 Tbl honey, or until the consistency is thick enough to apply on your face. Then, dust in some turmeric (about 1 tsp) and stir until evenly dispersed. 

Apply to face and leave on for 30 minutes, or as long as desired. 

Disclaimer: Don't sit outside with honey on your face unless you're looking to collect bugs. I learned this quickly on our back patio.

And be thankful...

When John and I got engaged, I didn't know what to expect. We were in the middle of a whirlwind romance where everything just fell into place so effortlessly. It was, and still is, surreal. 

But what continues to surprise me is the support from all of our friends and family in this journey. People are there to love, encourage, and support us. It's a wonderful feeling, and I'm so grateful.

A sneak peek at our home in Pennsylvania...

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - 1 Corinthians 3:15

Penny Lane

When you move across the country, time stops for a moment. The date is a wandering mystery, while structure becomes a combination of boxes, takeout, and discovering the new city that’s not yet home (aka getting lost). The wrong turns are enjoyable, particularly with mountains and vibrant fall leaves to encourage your path. It’s pleasant. But, it’s also terrifying. Nothing is as it was or ever has been before. 

Embracing change is exciting, but awkwardly unsettling as it slowly adjusts to the new normal (without NeNe’s comic relief). I don't know where to take the dry cleaning and breakfast tacos are a very distant memory. 

This morning we finally made it to the running trail along  the Susquehanna Riverfront. The mountains abruptly take over the landscape and bring perspective to the little encounters of "uphill running" we came across. Every half-mile we would stop to relish the breathtaking (and punny) view. 

I'm so excited to be on this adventure and share the experience with the love of my life. Here we go!

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"...to that great clan which cannot keep this feeling separate from that, but must let future prospects, with their joys and sorrows, cloud what is actually at hand, since to such people even in earliest childhood any turn in the wheel of sensation has the power to crystallise and transfix the moment upon which its gloom or radiance rests..." - Virginia Woolf, To The Lighthouse 

 Just a beautiful, albeit lengthy, sentence with a reminder: Do not let future prospects cloud what is at hand, enjoy every moment as it comes. Starting a new job, preparing for grad school, and moving doesn't leave many free moments to relish, but it's all the more important to take in every blessing.