one decision can change everything
hi from philadelphia.. again.
in case you didn’t know, i am here for the next six weeks.
i feel like this could be the most generic “why i moved (temporarily)” post.. and maybe it will.
but a little backstory: i’ve always wanted to live outside of california. california is a hugeeee state. i went to school 200 miles away and still wanted to try something farther away at some point.
i always thought i would spend a year on boston; push came to shove and i realized that wasn’t the right fit.
i also always thought i’d spend six months in NOLA (still kinda do). i wholeheartedly believed that it was going to happen.. like i would’ve bet money on it, and i would’ve told you to bet your money, too.
and then one night late in june, pieces fell into place in ways that logic can’t quite explain and it became clear to me that i would end up in philly.
truly, everything fell into place and because the clearest vision - where i would stay, what i would do, what my days would look like, all these little details - within minutes. just a rush of realization. all at once. not to mention that it was the first real decision - no doubt or second guessing - i had made in months.
i was obviously a little nervous in the back of my mind (because i am still me, after all), and just about all of my friends looked at me like 🤯 because it seemed so impulsive and irrational. and maybe you think that, too.
but it happened, and here is where we are, one week into this experience:
i’m happy. i’m healthy. eating a few-ish meals a day (the ability to cook did not come out of thin air, even with all of the other magic swirling about).
it’s 2:04 and i’m sitting in rittenhouse square watching the squirrels (favorite activity ever.. yes i’m serious), writing this post and thinking about the lives we lead. about what home really means. about how i think we have these tiny little threads connecting us to people we love, people we haven’t met yet, and even some we never will. i’d like to thing those threads mean something, and that those meanings reveal themselves in time.
i hope you are happy wherever you are, and i would love for you to come me along on this journey :)
and because just about everyyyyyybody is muy nervioso about me being by (mostly) myself yet again, i’ve partnered with ADT to share a few tips that will help keep me (and you) safe:
how to stay safe with ADT:
Living on your own can be exciting, but your security shouldn’t be overlooked. A few small changes can result in better safety and security in your new home.
Install a home security system. Security systems alert you with loud alarms or mobile alerts when your sensors are triggered. Most security equipment packages include door and window sensors, motion detection, and a control panel. Alarm companies also have monitoring specialists ready to alert emergency responders if any activity is detected while your system is armed.
Be careful what you share on social media. What you share and when you share it can have real consequences at home. Burglars may see your latest vacation snaps on social media and take it as an invitation to break into your home. Wait until you’re back to post your photos and don’t forget about your account’s privacy settings as an extra safety precaution.
Get to know your neighbors. If your neighborhood is committed to home safety you’ll have peace of mind knowing someone’s always watching. Let each other know when you’ll be gone for long periods of time to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Start by exchanging phone numbers and check-in regularly. Remember, there’s strength in numbers.
For more safety tips and statistics for better home security, check out ADT’s Burglary Odds Across America.
Thank you to ADT for partnering with me on this blog post :)
